Vacations On Wohnanlage Genter Straße 🇩🇪
Munich's half a century old modular housing.
Similar to Neapolitan pizza, architecture plays a huge role in my travel planning. When going to a new city, I always search for peculiar structures or at least check websites like ArchDaily and AD.
I don’t have any background in architecture. For me, it’s mostly about aesthetics and visionary stories behind it. Unique architecture doesn’t just come out of nowhere. Like it often happens with clothes, or good design in general, there are individuals with very strong opinions on how things should be behind it. Even if their ideas are far-fetched from the real world, they are still worth geeking out about.
On my trip to Munich last winter, I paid a visit to the Genter Straße housing project designed by Otto Steidle in collaboration with Doris and Ralph Thut. On the outside, it immediately draws attention with its Mondrian color palette. But there is much more to it than fancy colors.
The 1972 project is realized from prefabricated components comprising a modular system. There are two types of components. The raw concrete columns, floor slabs, and beams form a skeleton structure. The non-loadbearing infill elements, including walls, windows, and doors, can be easily moved, added, or taken away.
The concept allows for assembling different dwellings within the same structure depending on the requirements of its inhabitants. With corbels at half-storey intervals, spaces can differ from one to one-and-half to two stories in height. Volume can be expanded within reserved spaces inside the concrete frame.
Not only can dwellers plan their space according to personal preferences, but they also are able to alter it later, adjusting to changing needs and lifestyles. Most people think about moving to a new place as the family grows. Inhabitants of Genter Straße can broaden or rearrange their existing dwelling.
«The robust skeleton construction, for example, has enabled us to combine an editorial office with family life. After the last conversion, two separate units were created: Upstairs, an apartment with a roof terrace for son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren; downstairs, a spacious apartment with terrace and garden, which I originally planned to occupy alone as a senior»
I absolutely love the idea of an object being able to adapt and grow with its owner. It reminds me of quality clothing that can withstand the test of time AND fit different styles. It opens you up to new opportunities instead of restricting you within certain boundaries.
Apparently, you can inquire about a stay at one of the housing’s split-level apartments. It’s €2.500 a month, with a minimum rental period of six months but it’s still an incredible opportunity considering the architectural value, ageless functionality, and very limited supply. I highly recommend at least checking out the pictures and a walk-through video tour to get a feel for what it’s like.
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. Leaving you with this idyllic snowy day Genter Straße collage:
PS Kudos to everyone who scrolled until the end! I have a little present for you. In no way am I an expert on Munich since I have only been there a few times, but I still compiled a Google map of places I enjoyed. Hope you will enjoy them too!