Inner Munich Street

Saving resources by adding another story

Urban development influences for the planning concept:

The inner Münchner Straße, formerly one of the main traffic arteries through the city of Landshut, was characterized purely for its functional character, fairly undesirable as a habitable living space. The construction of the Josef-Deimer-Tunnel, shortly followed by the establishment of Landshut’s old town as a pedestrian zone, made it possible to divert a large portion of the traffic away from the city center.

Paired with the steady growth rate of the city of Landshut, and the resulting shortage of building area, the more efficient use and densification of existing areas is becoming increasingly important. In contrast to new settlements, existing resources can be used more efficiently and sustainably; the low energy consumption, less mobility effort, and the use of existing infrastructure are key arguments for enhancing and modernizing existing structures, rather than relying purely on new construction.

Facade design:

We reduced the original facade to its basic geometric shapes; through clear structures that invoke calm and stability, the building should blend seamlessly into the vernacular of the inner Münchner Straße to enhance, rather than detract. The added story on top is set back from the lower stories, but a seemingly free-floating bracket integrates it harmoniously into the overall ensemble. The vertical wooden slats filter the sunlight, resulting in more pleasant daylit space.