Small but effective: The Architecture special show at Munich's IHM crafts trades show

Microarchitecture, small-footprint buildings and temporary structures are the main focus of the special show being staged in hall B1 at Munich's International Trade Fair for Crafts Trades between 24 February and 1 March 2016. Remarkable examples by crafts businesses from France, Austria, Norway and Germany will be presented at the EXEMPLA in a surprising degree of diversity.  One of the 16 contributions that will be placed on show consists of the futuristic "Lounges" by Holzbau Werner Ettwein. Made of first-rate materials in durable quality, the buildings are a typical example of small structures that fulfil purposes not otherwise covered by existing houses or buildings. Fitted with such options as a sauna, sanitary zone, kitchen or open fireplace, they can be used as an out-of-the-ordinary studio, office, garden lounge or guesthouse.   Bathing and sauna chalets designed and equipped by master carpenter Michael Sindlhauser in line with individual requirements will also be on display, plus their creator will be demonstrating the surface treatment of wood in a workshop especially set up at the fair.  At present, creative ways of gaining additional living space are much in demand in urban architecture. Andreas Hoffman, an architect and joiner from Berlin, will be presenting an intriguing solution in the form of his Nautilus house boat. Originally planned for use on land, the villas and apartments now have pontoons to float on and enable comfortable living on a small space, complete with extensive panorama glazing for spectacular views of the outdoors. Variations in floor plans and fittings can be realised for differing needs and life situations. A full-size boat from the series will be on display at the EXEMPLA. Rooms for students are a further theme at the special show. A case in hand is "Studiolo", a student space realised by undergraduates at the College for Wood and Design in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Munich Technical University.   At the same time the Norwegian and Icelandic architects Sami Rintala and Dagur Eggertsson will be displaying a multi-storey boxhome. Especially developed for the EXEMPLA, the structure consists of interconnected cubes which can be stacked up to further heights if so required. Visitors to the show will be able to watch work in progress on and in the cubes.   "Play Nests" designed for nursery schools by Aufmberg GmbH are one of EXEMPLA's highlights for toddlers. Consisting of wooden sections that can be connected into a structure over six metres wide and two and a half metres high, the unit encourages crawling, climbing, sliding and fun in general and includes cosy nooks for quiet moments or listening to stories.   Tukluk's play modules are also designed for children. Made up of triangular tiles that can be connected together by simple means, the modules can be used to create variable fun shapes and structures, thus stimulating the creativity of little builders.   Builders and DIY enthusiasts will be able to pick up ideas not only at the EXEMPLA but also at other sections of the show such as FOKUS.GESUND BAUEN in hall B2. Devoted to healthy construction and building biology, this section includes a photo exhibition on the architecture competition GEPLANT+AUSGEFÜHRT ("Planned + Executed").  About 450 out of a total of some 1,000 exhibitors will be showing ideas and solutions concerned with building, enlargement work and furnishing at Munich's IHM this March.