solitaeres haus

How can a small plot in a dense city block become a meaningful and open living space?  The search for a suitable site in Munich revealed countless backyards that are either underused or overgrown due to complex parcel divisions. These spaces often exist as zones of conflict, yet they hold enormous potential. The project seeks to transform idle square meters into housing that enhances the surrounding block rather than restricting it. By carefully considering context, scale, and light, the design establishes a new presence that is airy and permeable while maintaining the privacy of both new and existing residents

How can architecture mediate between new and existing residents while fostering a harmonious block interior?  The building’s exterior responds to the context of the courtyard with a carefully articulated, moving form. Balconies, windows, and facades are oriented to avoid direct confrontation with neighbours, gently redirecting views while maintaining openness. The new apartments acknowledge the presence of existing structures without dominating them, creating a subtle dialogue between old and new. The interplay of interior spatial pockets and the articulated exterior form ensures that privacy, light, and air flow coexist, transforming the once neglected courtyard into a vibrant and considerate urban space.

What spatial strategies can create apartments that feel open and generous without isolating their residents?  Throughout the design process, floor plans were developed to embrace living in fluid, continuous spaces. Instead of rigid, enclosed rooms, spatial “pockets” and zones emerge along a central path that serves as more than a corridor, offering real spatial quality for daily life. The layout encourages movement, interaction, and flexibility while ensuring each apartment has a sense of intimacy. This concept allows life to unfold along an extended axis, creating sequences of experiences rather than simple functional divisions.