Seitzstraße 23, Munich

Low-Energy Building / Mixed Use This mixed-use development shows how a building on a dense inner city site can reach almost passive house standard without compromising in the use of space or architectural quality. It is the first multistorey building to be clad entirely with vacuum insulation panels (VIP), a new material which allows extremely high insulation values at very low thicknesses.  It is also the first building in Munich which, despite its shaded situation in a high-density area, reaches the ultra-low energy standard of 22 kWh/m²a. The siting, with a maximum gap between it and the building to the south, allows for good solar gain at the southern corners and long views from them. The main rooms are placed here and the facade opens up with large windows to take advantage of the situation. Energy saving aspects include the compact form, a VIP facade with triple glazing, the maximization of solar gain, mechanical ventilation with heat exchanger, cooling and warming with ground water and heating with a combined heat and power unit.