Seniors’ Centre in Garmisch by H2M Architekten

The old tax office, a neo-Classical structure from 1907, is not far from the railway station in the centre of the Alpine city of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The building had been unusable for several years due to problems with its structural stability, fire safety and technical installations. Now the building – a local landmark – has been resurrected with a new purpose as a trans-regional counselling centre for the elderly. Beside it, a new building featuring 24 senior-friendly apartments has been created and connected to the old structure. 

Conversion with foundation money

The project was made possible by a foundation established by the couple Günter and Ingeborg Leifheit, who have endowed the municipality with 57 million euros to fund projects for senior citizens.

For seniors eligible for subsidized housing

After acquiring the old tax office, the municipality announced an architecture competition; the victors were H2M Architekten of Munich and Kulmbach. The 24 apartments were planned according to the income-based support (EOF) regulations outlined by the Bavarian Building Ministry and have subsequently been rented to seniors eligible for subsidized housing. 

Accessible renovation of the pre-existing structure

Not only did H2M Architekten deliver the winning design in the competition, they also worked on the project through all its phases. According to their designs, the old tax office has been painstakingly modernized both inside and out, renovated for accessibility and equipped with a lift, new sanitary spaces and modern technical installations. The old and new structures are connected via a single-storey link with spaces for the local seniors’ meet-up and a carport. The angled construction creates a tranquil courtyard that is enclosed on three sides and opens to the west towards the Garmisch Spa Park. 

A pentagonal stairway that is lit from above leads to the new apartment block. © Sebastian Schels

A pentagon with 24 living units

Inside the pentagonal new building, 24 living units are distributed over four storeys. The bathrooms and ancillary spaces are in the core; bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens line the exterior walls. Each apartment has an outdoor area in the form of a balcony or terrace. A particular feature is the central stairway, which is lit from above. With its unconventional shape and generous dimensions, it is no mere access space, but rather serves to promote neighbourly chats among the residents.