The two passive houses on Munich’s Piusplatz square are part of a comprehensive urban development plan that aims to raise the profile of the existing 1930s apartment complex in terms of building, infrastructure and social standards. The design is also exemplary of energy efficient architecture.

These bright, family-friendly apartments offer residents of all ages a fully-accessible and cost-effective home. The design features wide open outside areas and green spaces, offering communal areas such as playgrounds as well as opportunities for residents to come together. The north-south orientation of both main façades is one of the key features of the architectural design. The main rooms in the apartments, such as living rooms and children’s bedrooms, are south-facing with French doors and staggered balconies opening out the façade.

This enhances both residential quality and thermal gain. Master bedrooms are located on the opposite side with the added protection of a largely closed façade; floor-to-ceiling windows and small step-out balconies give the north face a sculptural quality. Controlled ventilation featuring highly-efficient thermal recovery work with the compact, highly-insulated and airtight exterior shell to dramatically lower the building’s heat-energy requirements.