The design submitted by Allmann Sattler Wappner Architekten is open and inviting in appearance. Despite the scale of the structure, the building seems light and, compared to the high-rise buildings in the neighbourhood, stands out with subtle elegance. It responds to the exposed urban situation in its prominent position at Opernplatz 2 by featuring multiple layers in the exterior envelope.

The opulence of the opera house is met by the generous feel of the new build which adopts the tradition of plasticity featured in the historic buildings of the old town in the spatial facade and translates it into a contemporary design. It thus corresponds to the varied urban situations by differentiating the depth of the exterior shell. Starting with a balcony configuration at Opernplatz, the building transforms continuously into an only marginally sculptured facade along Neue Mainzer Strasse. Commercial units and restaurants at ground floor level give the square at the opera house a new lease of life.

A mezzanine level at first floor level with accessible balconies provides additional outside space. Translucent curtains in the exterior zones are a subtle reminder of the stage curtain; they also provide shading in addition to the blinds set between the panes of glass. A large multi-purpose roof terrace is created at the top of the building by setting back the structural volume.