Freimundo
Client: Kooperative
Grossstadt
Year: 2023
Location: Munich, DE
Program: Housing
Size: 7.650 m2
Type: Competition
Team:
Jorik Bais, Alexandra Heijink, UNAS Studio
The central concept of the design is the principle of a “breathing house,” which dynamically responds to the changing needs of future residents. The design incorporates a diverse combination of rooms, varying in format and character, to offer versatile usage options. With a conscious effort to minimize floor space per resident, each apartment can expand from Type 2, for two people, up to Type 5, for five people, or — by reallocating unused spaces to neighboring apartments and communal areas — shrink back to Type 1, for a single person. This approach creates an optimal use of space that can adapt without extensive renovations while ensuring a comfortable living environment.
The gallery corridor serves as a social meeting point for residents and can extend into the adjacent communal space. This design prioritizes community interaction without compromising the privacy of individual living units. Integrated balconies along the gallery corridor facade create a buffer zone between the circulation area and the apartments. By placing the core living area between the bedrooms and the communal space, a clear boundary between private and public spaces is maintained.
The sustainability concept is reflected in the hybrid construction of wood and concrete. Load-bearing cores, which house the wet rooms, are made of concrete to provide stability, while beams and corridor sections are crafted from resource-efficient cross-laminated timber. Additionally, the integration of green roofs with solar panels not only reduces energy consumption but also creates relaxing outdoor spaces for the residents.