Local utility provider SWM builds 118 new company apartments in Munich’s Moosach district
Apartments in Munich are hard to come by, and rents high. In order to boost its profile on the labour market, where skilled workers are likewise in short supply, Munich’s public utility company Stadtwerke München (SWM) has launched a real-estate offensive, increasing its number of company flats from 650 to over 1,300. One of the biggest milestones along this journey was the completion of a new build with 118 company apartments on Hanauer Straße, in the city’s Moosach district.
The contract for the construction of the residential building was won by Superblock Ziviltechniker GmbH. As Christoph Mörkl, founder and director of the Vienna-based architect’s bureau explains, the aim was “to create high-quality yet affordable company flats to foster long-term loyalty amongst employees”. One of the design’s greatest strengths is the range of apartment sizes it offers. Most of the units are 2, 3 or 4-room apartments, the majority of which are housed in the eight-storey, L-shaped main block. Two storeys of the building back directly onto the bus depot – the perfect space for an above-ground garage. The second floor offers rental space for small studios and hobby projects. The attractiveness of the apartments is raised by their high-quality interior design and private outdoor areas – in the form of split balconies and terraces.
Increased sound insulation
The balconies stretch across the full width of the facades on the east, south and west sides of the building. The way they encircle the structure makes it feel less imposing. One factor that was afforded particular attention was the busy roads around the building and the noise levels they generate. According to the City of Munich’s development plans, “traffic noise must not exceed a level of 59 dB(A) at the centre of the outdoor living area during daytime hours”. This design requirement was fulfilled using an all-glass, floor-to-ceiling slide-and-turn system. The construction elements used for this – the SL 25 and SL 25 XXL by Solarlux – reduce the noise level by up to 22 dB RwP. In fact, thanks to Solarlux’s technical innovations, the company’s next-generation “Proline T” series with profile heights approx. one third smaller than standard even offers a noise reduction of 30 dB RwP when installed across the board.
One system – a whole range of benefits
In addition to guaranteeing the required level of sound insulation, the moving glazing elements also offer a number of other benefits. By acting as a buffer zone with its own solar energy yield, they reduce transmission heat loss in winter, protect the balcony structure and furniture from the weather, and boost the overall quality of life for tenant all year round. 3 mm ventilation gaps between the elements ensure that the apartments get plenty of fresh air.
