Perforated folding sliding shutters are a defining feature of “Ensemble No. 52” in Munich.

Ehret Tuerkenstraße52 Muenchen 0015 D HRes RGB

On Türkenstraße in Munich’s Maxvorstadt district, the architectural firm Hilmer Sattler Architekten Ahlers Albrecht has completed a high-quality residential construction project that blends sensitively into the urban context. Ehret’s custom-made aluminum folding sliding shutters play a central role in the nuanced design of the inner courtyard facades.

The Real-Treuhand Immobilien Bayern GmbH project comprises four six-story buildings grouped around a green inner courtyard. The apartments on offer range from compact two-room apartments with living space of 41 to 390 square meters to a spacious eight-room penthouse with 390 square meters of living space. Whether it’s the inviting patios of the ground floor maisonettes or the spacious roof terraces and gardens of the attic apartments, elegant outdoor areas create flowing transitions between indoors and outdoors.
 

Design incorporates the distinctive features of Maxvorstadt
Around 1900, the neighboring districts of Schwabing and Maxvorstadt became the epicenter of Munich’s bohemian scene thanks to their proximity to institutions such as the Academy of Fine Arts and the university, as well as their moderate cost of living. Cafés, studio buildings, and shared apartments shaped a creative and free-spirited milieu whose appeal continues to this day. This is also subtly reflected in the architecture of “Ensemble No. 52.” While the front building, with its bay windows and classic window and facade divisions, is based on the aesthetics of typical apartment buildings from the late 19th century, the details of the inner courtyard facades reflect the craftsmanship and artistic tradition of Maxvorstadt. “The design of the inner courtyard with a kind of interlocking structure is the basic idea behind the design. This creates rooms with corner windows that offer a variety of views and sightlines. On the one hand, it is important to design the building structure and public spaces on a human scale, and on the other hand, it is crucial to create an atmosphere with well-considered and executed details that stimulates the observer and invites them to linger in this high-quality environment,” says architect Rita Ahlers, describing the project.

 

Craftsman-industrial components reminiscent of traditional backyards
The striking steel lattice windows serve as a reminder of the characteristic studio windows that once dominated the north facades of the attic floors in Maxvorstadt. In addition, windows with ornamental metal sheets attached to the front dominate the inner courtyard facades. Placed at the inner corner, they serve as a privacy screen for the adjacent neighboring balconies. The detailed ornamentation adds a handcrafted industrial component to the project and is reminiscent of the Munich backyard workshops that were once so numerous. The specially developed, floor-to-ceiling folding sliding shutters also tie in with this tradition as a defining element of the courtyard facade. 780 wings, each around 20 centimeters wide, were processed into a total of 82 elements. The technical challenge was to create a system that would meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. “With its many years of experience in industrial series production, EHRET had the technical capabilities to constructively realize our design ideas,” says Martin Beulig, the project manager at Hilmer Sattler Architekten, describing the collaboration.

 

Up to 12 wings per element require design changes
The folding sliding shutters should be as delicate as possible and create a high-quality, cozy atmosphere. “Up to 12 panels per element are by no means standard for us. We therefore adapted the design accordingly,” says Klaus Wipfler, Sales Manager at EHRET. The folding packages would have been far too bulky with standard solutions, so the design panels were framed in slimmer frames. As a result, the upper and lower drives also had to be redesigned and adapted accordingly. The guide system is also tailor-made. Thanks to an additional magnetic strip attached at the bottom, the elements can be locked in any position between completely closed and open. The perforation pattern, which can be rotated and mirrored as desired, could be centered on each folding shutter panel, enabling cost-efficient production of individual formats. Five sample folding shutters with different perforations were produced to aid in the decision-making process. The chosen design stands out from conventional perforated sheets without compromising on functionality: it provides translucency, allows sufficient air exchange, and lets sunlight shine through. It thus offers effective sun protection and privacy while meeting the aesthetic requirements of this high-quality neighborhood. To reflect the natural atmosphere of the inner courtyard, the folding shutters were finished in a subtle lime green (NCS S 2020-G10Y). Together, the facades and greenery create a calming counterpoint to the high urban density.

 

Many years of experience enable the customization of series solutions“The folding sliding shutters for Ensemble No. 52 combine standardization with individual design,” explains Wipfler, continuing: “Window shutters have been deeply rooted in many regions of Europe and the world for centuries. From the sun-drenched coasts of Portugal to the alpine villages of Central Europe, they shape the architectural heritage. With over 100 models and more than 4,000 colors, we offer a selection that reflects regional differences. From this large repertoire, we can offer tailor-made solutions that meet both the aesthetic demands and functional needs of our customers.”

The residential construction project on Türkenstraße in Munich shows how individual facade elements can create timeless architecture that blends harmoniously with the history and appearance of the neighborhood. EHRET folding sliding shutters are more than just a functional element—they are an integral part of the design concept and contribute significantly to the character of the building.