Ursulastrasse 6 by Studio Mark Randel & David Chipperfield: Contemporary Housing in Historic Munich

Ursulastrasse 6 is a thoughtfully designed apartment block in Munich’s Altschwabing district, nestled between the Münchner Freiheit and the Englischer Garten. The project transforms a low-rise 1920s building into a contemporary residential complex while respecting the historic architectural context of Schwabing, a neighborhood celebrated for its artistic, bohemian, and free-thinking character.

The design demonstrates a sensitive urban intervention, blending modern construction, community engagement, and historical preservation. The building enhances the neighborhood’s vibrancy, connecting residents to the surrounding cultural, recreational, and social amenities, including cafés, galleries, cinemas, theaters, schools, and parks.

Site Context and Urban Planning

The property sits on a quiet cobblestone street lined with intact 19th- and early 20th-century buildings, some featuring ground-floor restaurants, cafés, and shops. Background sounds: birdsong, church bells, and children at play, create a tranquil atmosphere despite the lively urban context.

The building extends from the street frontage to a small church park surrounding the historic Sankt Silvester church, completing a full city block alongside the adjacent property. The design draws inspiration from Theodor Fischer’s pavilion plan (1893 to 1902), which envisioned U-shaped residential buildings enclosing a shared inner courtyard with tree-lined driveways and semi-private spaces. By replicating floor heights and roof shapes of neighboring buildings, the project preserves the original urban rhythm, maintaining ceiling heights compatible with 18th- and 19th-century apartments.

• Underground Garage: A discreet car elevator provides access to the basement garage, minimizing visual impact and preserving street aesthetics.

Architectural Design

Façade and Materiality

The building’s bush-hammered concrete façade conveys permanence and protection, harmonizing with the rough plastered surfaces of neighboring historic structures. Subtle irregularities and traces of handcrafted work reflect light and shadow, adding a human touch to the otherwise monumental concrete surface.

Windows and Interior Experience

Window placement and size were carefully considered. While maintaining room heights consistent with adjacent buildings, larger windows maximize natural light and views of the surrounding environment. Low balustrades and floor-to-ceiling glass create visual connections to the neighborhood, fostering a sense of community and tranquility within the apartments.

Ground-Floor Community Features

The project contributes to neighborhood vitality through two key interventions:

• Street-Facing Café: Engages passersby and activates the public realm.
• Permanently Installed Bench: Provides seating for residents and visitors, creating social spaces throughout the day.

Landscape and Private Spaces

At the rear, a two-story coach house with private garden complements the main building. A passage links the garden to the main entrance, with future potential for direct access to the church park, blending private and public realms. Landscaping and spatial planning maintain visual continuity and a sense of openness, echoing Fischer’s original urban vision.

Conclusion

Ursulastrasse 6 exemplifies how contemporary residential architecture can integrate with historic urban fabric. Through careful attention to materiality, scale, and context, Studio Mark Randel and David Chipperfield have created a building that:

• Preserves and completes the historic city block
• Enhances community engagement through ground-floor public spaces
• Optimizes daylight, views, and interior comfort
• Balances heritage preservation with modern design

This project serves as a model for sensitive urban infill, where architecture, history, and community coalesce into a harmonious residential environment.

All the photographs are works of Simon Menges