The project evolved from an invited competition from which Murphy/Jahn emerged with a first and second prize. The buildings were developed with a series of models that led to the winning scheme that affiliates the topology of the proposed Highlight Munich Business Towers by which they are surrounded. The scheme consists out of two towers that are shifted against each other and two base buildings. The base buildings at the north and south are separated from the towers. Because of the building’s small footprint most of the site could be left open, allowing landscape architect Peter Walker to create a quality outside space with his characteristic geometric forms.

The two towers are connected by bridges, intended as “clip on elements” that can be added or taken away wherever needed. Together with the exposed elevators and the stairs they provide the building with a dynamic image. The transparency of the buildings allow organization, components and materials will read like a clear and simple diagram.

The single layer-façade for the building was developed to reduce construction costs and energy consumption. The façade also re-examines the nature of the high-rise enclosure, addressing particularly shading, daylighting, natural ventilation, increased vision and visual control of the tower facades. The typical façade module of 1.35 m consists of a narrow operable window behind vertical panels of stainless steel and a glass portion of high performance triple glazed insulating glass. A selective interior shade reduces vision and daylight. The perforated stainless steel panels in front of the operable windows also serve as sun, wind, rain and safety protection. From the inside the stainless steel panels give an interesting modulation to the views, on the outside they reinforce the verticality. Mechanical assistance is provided by fan coil units in the floor, which distribute the air as displacement system. Cooled or heated ceilings, or integral piping in the concrete structure, uses the efficiency of water as energy carrier and concrete for thermal mass in order to optimize the efficiency of the mechanical systems.