Neubauquartier Kirschgärten, München

Drees & Sommer provided comprehensive support for the climate-conscious energy supply of this showcase residential development.

New residential areas often have illustrious names – sometimes they are inspired by history, sometimes they have a connection to architecture or nature. All of this applies to the "Kirschgärten" (cherry orchards) in Munich's Untermenzing district: until the 1950s, the company Theodor Kirsch & Söhne operated a steam sawmill on the site.

Since 2024, Eckpfeiler, a Germany-wide, owner-managed real estate company based in Pullach near Munich, has been redeveloping the site, which previously served as a warehouse and logistics location. The "Kirschgärten" (cherry gardens) are to be built there – creating new living space in a hybrid timber construction. The approximately 12-hectare site is one of the largest inner-city residential projects in Munich at present. In addition to around 1,500 residential units for singles, couples, and families, there are also plans to build a primary school, daycare centers, a neighborhood square with a café and small local shops, and a park. A neighborhood management team has been set up as a central point of contact and to activate the neighborhood community. It is also responsible for the mobility and sharing services currently being planned, the community spaces being created in the neighborhood, and a neighborhood meeting place.

Climate-friendly energy concept for new residential neighborhood

The Drees & Sommer team supported the client in developing a climate-conscious energy concept for the new neighborhood. According to this concept, the future residents of Kirschgärten will be able to supply themselves with electricity and heat almost independently. This is made possible by a central groundwater local heating network with decentralized heat pumps. The electricity required for this is mainly generated by large-scale photovoltaic systems on the roofs. At times when this is not sufficient for heat generation, additional renewable electricity is purchased from contractually fixed plants within the Munich metropolitan region.

The experts at Drees & Sommer supervised the bidding process and supported Eckpfeiler in the negotiations and the technical aspects of the contract. Munich's public utility company prevailed in the bidding process. It impressed with high price stability at a low price level, intelligent, project-specific approaches, and a high degree of supply security. Following the successful initial planning phase, the application for subsidies, and the conclusion of the development contract, construction work on the energy infrastructure will now begin.

Added value

• Neighborhood concept that combines energy and sustainability aspects
• Operator model that balances costs and sustainability

Services

• Operator concept for an innovative and climate-conscious heating, cooling, and electricity supply
• Negotiation process and competition support
• Technical and economic support and consulting

“In Drees & Sommer, we have found a highly competent partner who advised us on the energy management design of our heat supply concept and managed the tendering process.”

Katharina Nicolait
Senior Project Developer, Eckpfeiler Immobilien

“My personal highlight is that the cherry orchards and their energy concept will send a strong signal for Munich’s energy transition.”

Karl Schultz
Leading Consultant, Drees & Sommer