Fernpassstraße, Munich

This project was delivered in cooperation with the Department of Timber Construction at the Technical University of Munich. Students worked on  a draft of the modernisation and extension of the neighbourhood, and then these ideas become the basis for processing and structural implementation by the office Hermann Kaufmann and Lichtblau Architekten.

The original development between Fernpaßstraße and Badgasteiner Strasse dates back to the time of rapid housing development in the 1950s. The plot consists of classic solid buildings with three storeys. The heat requirements of these existing buildings is about three times as high as the estimated new building values. The most important construction task of the future is the rebuilding or renovations of the of existing buildings. However, this cannot be financed if existing residential complexes cannot be made more efficient. Renovation of the existing building complexes is also desirable, because it slows down urban sprawl.

The Fernpaßstraße development has been built according to the latest research findings in modern timber construction, including the load-bearing prefabricated timber frame walls and individual supports store steel girders, on which in turn cross-laminated timber elements were laid. Their underside remains visible and gives the apartments a special character, due to their timber ceilings. The outer shell was prefabricated and its thermal insulation meets the Passive House requirements. The cladding of the facades was done with vertical, spruce boards. This type of exterior cladding has a long shelf life with low maintenance costs. The brightly coloured balconies and pergola parapets, with smooth metal surfaces, stand out in contrast to the simplistic timber facade.

The following goals were set for the renovation project:

• Preservation of existing primary structures (grey energy / waste prevention)
• Increase of rentable living space by 50 percent
• Creation of a market-oriented housing mix
• Reduction of energy used by 50 percent
• Accessibility of all apartments
• Residual energy requirement largely Co₂-neutral
• Simple, safe technology with high comfort level
• The most comprehensive possible use of renewable raw materials
• Integration of building services and solar components