Arc Architekten: combining tradition with modernity

“What would authors be without readers? Where would they be without the readers' curiosity, their longing for stories? Authors need good readers and architects need good clients.”

We like the way in which partners Manfred Brennecke and Stefan Kohlmeier from Arc Architekten approach the business of architecture – bringing the client into the heart of the process and using it as their humble raison d’etre.

Back in 1970 Arc Architekten began in Munich with a mantra to work almost exclusively in the countryside to ‘link urban development and architectural tasks in a bridging arc’ - this ‘arc’ becoming their very namesake. The founding members Horst Biesterfeld, Manfred Brennecke and Thomas Richter were study buddies who began working together on projects that included urban planning, building construction and interior design.

The work was varied from designing schools to parish churches, civic centres and residential buildings – all focusing on enriching life by merging the surrounding nature through use of materials and light. With their interest in rural design, it made sense to move the office out east to Hirschbach. One of their first successful projects was a new therapy pool in local town Bad Birnbach which combined wooden skeletal elements with softening use of trellis and climbing greenery and a low roofs, natural materials and plenty of light making it a pleasant place to relax.

A historic 15th century grain store was given new life in 1997 by Arc Architects when the ruined building was restored using steel girders and glazed ceilings to support the ancient beams creating a stunning space for a museum. This innovative reinvention was to win Arc an award as part of the 2004 Architectural Tours.

Another stand out project was the diminutive but big in impact residential home, Haus Kohlmeier Amsham – a cosy but modern home with strong eco principles created using materials based on an ecological criteria such as reed insulation also used for summer heat protection, clay plaster as moisture storage and light warm wood in the living quarters.

Let’s finish on a quote which we think sums up Arc and their dedicated responsibility to architecture

‘A building shouldn't overwhelm you, but address everything that is important in life, such as the environment, nature, the topography, the sun, the light, the neighbourhood. And if a building reflects a lot of that, it also contributes something to society.’