On the Alramstraße in Munich, Meier-Scupin & Petzet architects converted a former post-office control centre into large-scale lofts. The buildings realize light and modern living in a former working-class neighbourhood.

Before the war, telephone operators manually connected phone calls there. Large switchboards and distribution boxes in the adjoining building attested the function of the two buildings. But in the 1990s they were decommissioned because the revolution in telecommunications made these large-scale facilities superfluous. The lively history of the building is reflected in its dynamic front.

MSP completely remodelled the ensemble in three years. The radical and extravagant reconstruction goes far beyond a regular conversion. The buildings appear completely new and the high ceilings (reaching up to 3.5 meters) are the only reminder of the former telecom centre. Two floors were removed and entirely replaced with new elements. Parquet gives the rooms a luxurious appearance while there is no trace of the original industrial flooring. A penthouse apartment with veranda crowns the building and draws attention from the street-side facade.

Even the direction of the structural elements was changed in the rear building in order to create continuous housing units, ranging from 80 to 250 square metres. Each loft consists of two rooms, making future partitioning of the lofts possible. French balconies open the apartment to the inner court of the block. An underground shelter left over from the war now houses the washing facilities for the whole building, while an extensive underground garage ensures ample parking for residents. Located in the lush, green courtyard the entrance to the garage contradicts its actual purpose.

Refitting and conversion of unused buildings remain a rarity in Munich, despite half a million square meters of empty office space. Perhaps the valuable lofts created on the Alramstraße will stimulate the real estate market and its investors to reconsider their focus.

text: Oliver Herwig, Baumeister 3/04


Publications

"Vermittlung? Hallo! In eine ehemalige Post-Schaltzentrale ziehen Mieter", Oliver Herwig, Baumeister 3/04