Frankfurter Ring 71, Munich: Efficiency as a design principle - New development

For the mixed-use office and commercial quarter at Frankfurter Ring 71, we are responsible for the design of a new building comprising approximately 31,300 square metres of floor space across more than one hectare of site area. The project is being realised in two construction phases and forms part of the emerging green commercial corridor along Frankfurter Ring — a urban development strategy by the City of Munich to transform the area into a vibrant, well-connected working quarter.

The guiding principle of the design is efficiency as an architectural concept. Rather than a single large-scale structure, the scheme comprises two compact, independently divisible buildings based on a rigorous 1.35/8.10-metre grid. This precise system establishes an economical structural framework, optimises space efficiency to more than 85 per cent, and allows for long-term flexibility of use. The elimination of three circulation cores, nine lifts, and one and a half basement levels reduces concrete volumes, CO₂ emissions, and construction time — whilst cutting overall building costs by around 20 per cent.

In terms of energy performance, the building meets the KfW Efficiency House 40 standard, follows the Cradle-to-Cradle principle, and is supplied via photovoltaic systems and district heating. Certification to DGNB Gold and WiredScore Gold is being pursued. The ground floor accommodates a car showroom with workshop facilities, whilst the upper levels offer flexible office units designed for hybrid working, alongside dining and social spaces. A green façade gives the building a distinctive presence within the urban environment.

Frankfurter Ring 71 demonstrates that architectural quality and economic rigour are not mutually exclusive — but rather converge through a considered and precise use of resources.