© Pk. Odessa Co / Lanz, Schels
In contrast to the high-tech steel and glass facades of the neighbouring buildings in the Munich business district Parkstadt Schwabing, Haus der Berge, the headquarters of the German Alpine Club, stands out through the use of wood and lots of greenery. Element A Architekten took over the competition design by Hiendl Schineis from the design stage and refurbished the old Langenscheidt publishing house completely. A resource-saving timber construction and an intelligent low-tech air conditioning and ventilation concept reflect the principle of sufficiency, to which architect Christian Taufenbach gave top priority in the design.