A fundamental change of use is taking place on the former research site of food groups Kraft Foods and Mondelez at Unterbiberger Strasse 15 in Munich-Altperlach. Property developer UBM Development is converting the commercial premises into a residential quarter as part of the 'Charlie - Sweet Living' scheme. Planning permission for the change of use has already been granted for the site, making the project one of the first large-scale office conversions within the Munich municipal area.
Combination of building preservation and timber-hybrid new build
The urban planning concept provides for the creation of 106 residential units, covering a spectrum from compact one-room apartments and classic family flats to four-room penthouses. Implementation is taking a two-pronged approach: while part of the existing building fabric is being preserved and thoroughly refurbished, new buildings constructed in timber-hybrid methodology will complement the site. Marketing of the units commenced a few weeks ago.
Christian Berger, Managing Director of UBM Development Deutschland, emphasises that sustainable building must inevitably include a considered approach to existing structures. Not every property requires complete demolition to have viable future prospects. By combining refurbishment with new construction, urgently needed housing can be delivered while preserving a piece of local urban history.
Model project of Munich's conversion agency
The project serves as one of four reference schemes for the newly founded conversion agency within the Department of Urban Planning and Building Regulations of the City of Munich. The background to this municipal initiative lies in the shifting dynamics of the commercial property market: according to city administration figures, around ten per cent of Munich office space was vacant in the first quarter of 2026, while affordable housing remains in short supply. The conversion agency supports processes to unlock the potential of disused commercial space for residential purposes.
- —Location: Unterbiberger Strasse 15, Munich-Altperlach
- —Scope: 106 owner-occupied flats with 1 to 4 rooms
- —Construction method: Combination of refurbishment of the existing structure and timber-hybrid new build
- —Former use: Research facility of Kraft Foods and Mondelez
On the nationwide Day of Conversion Culture, which takes place on Sunday, 8 November 2026, UBM, together with the municipal conversion agency, will offer insights into the quarter. Between 12:00 and 16:00, the existing building will be open to professional visitors and the interested public, with guided tours at 13:00 and 15:00 illustrating the transformation approach on site.
