Architects at Peter Haimerl Architektur were inspired to create something unique in Munich‘s new Riem district, which is known for its monotonous rows of identical buildings. They wanted to break away from the typical development in Germany, which they described as lacking imagination and being boring. In response to this, they designed and completed the Clusterwohnen Wabenhaus, or Cluster Living Honeycomb House.
This housing development consists of hexagonal tubes stacked horizontally, resembling a beehive. This design, inspired by nature, allows for efficient use of space and offers various configurations. The walls of the honeycomb structure are transformed into connecting stairs or small alcoves, creating a more dynamic and open living environment.
The architects aimed to foster a sense of community with this design, making it inclusive and welcoming to the neighborhood. By breaking away from the traditional box-like structures, they aimed to create a new feeling of space. The Cluster Living Honeycomb House offers a remarkable ratio of living space to floor area, with the hexagonal layout making the apartments feel 1.3 times larger than their actual size.
The sloping ceilings also provide additional usable space that would not be available in a conventional building. Furthermore, the honeycomb shape maximizes the entry of natural light into the apartments, illuminating the entire space from a broader range. This design feature allows for more efficient use of interior walls for storage, as the sloping surfaces simplify furnishing by allowing furniture to be built into or adapted to the angles.
The Peter Haimerl Architektur team highlights an additional advantage of being able to ‘live upwards’ in the honeycomb structure, which opens up distinctive possibilities for arranging furniture and utilizing space within the building. Access to all apartments and communal spaces in the Honeycomb House is facilitated by a single staircase.
Moreover, there is a communal gathering area that connects to a rooftop garden, ideal for interacting with fellow residents. The honeycombs’ modular design enables a great deal of adaptability, with the building featuring various unit configurations ranging from kitchen-less studios to one to four-bedroom apartments.