i4 – Office Building in Munich's Werksviertel

The i4 sub-project's construction area of just under 600 square metres appears rather small compared to the neighbouring buildings. Located at a bend in Friedenstraße, however, the new building marks either the end of the area or the beginning of it – the location opposite the railway tracks of the Ostbahnhof proves to be a prime piece of real estate.
The volume permitted under building regulations is difficult to compete with the neighbouring new loft-style buildings. The design for the restricted competition was convincing due to the presence that the i4 gains from its distinctiveness in terms of façade structure and materials in relation to its surroundings – although it echoes the clearly grid-like rhythm of the neighbouring buildings, it retains its position as the ‘odd one out’ in the row of buildings. Together with the former Rhenania Villa (i1), framed by the new i2 and i3 buildings, as a historic urban building block, the i4 contributes to the image of the iCampus in the Werksviertel district.

We use the classic boiler house, such as the one in Leverkusen-Opladen, as a reference in a factory area. Its uniqueness stems from its special function – but despite its special role, it is naturally perceived as part of the whole within the unit.
The elegant i4 façades are based on an internal construction grid of 1.5 m and feature a combination of the villa's perforated façade and a delicate version of the neighbouring lofts. Shadow casting and plasticity are just as important as flawless craftsmanship and execution. For the sculptural design, we used the possibilities offered by brick, which allowed us to create distinct projections and recesses in the wall structure. The window areas are set deep into the wall. The standard-sized clinker bricks are laid in a classic stretcher bond and, in the lintels, in a grenadier bond by hand. Decoration is not a crime; façades and details can also be beautiful.
Also in keeping with the idea of creating a prestigious address, the entrance area is strongly emphasised by the recessed wall surfaces. The lobby behind it is clearly laid out, inviting and friendly, with a centrally located access core.

The office space on the upper floors (approx. 3,000 square metres) with ceiling heights between 3 and 4 metres is organised in such a way that it can be rented out floor by floor or even divided into two smaller rental units per floor. Since the façade grid of the skeleton construction corresponds to the interior grid, interior walls can be connected at any point without the need for complex special solutions. All conceivable office layouts – cubicle, combination, open-plan and multi-space offices, right up to business lounges – can be implemented.

Even though window ventilation is possible in the transition period, supplementary ventilation with a low air exchange rate ensures comfort, as does the concrete core temperature control in the material-saving, prefabricated ceiling system with integrated building services. The ventilation technology in the basement is equipped with highly efficient heat recovery. External roller blinds provide shade. A PV system on the roof generates its own electricity. The building is connected to district heating and cooling from the neighbourhood, and the primary energy requirement is 55.5 kWh/(m²·a) (63% of the GEG reference value). Certification to the LEED Gold standard is currently in progress.
The spacious 82 m² roof garden is the icing on the cake. It offers a fantastic view over the Ostbahnhof railway station, continuing on to the Frauenkirche and even the Alps.