HVB-Tower

The HVB Tower, originally known as the Hypo-Haus, is a striking high-rise at Arabellapark in Munich's Bogenhausen district. The building opened in 1981 and served for many years as the headquarters of Hypo-Bank before becoming the corporate seat of UniCredit Bank. At just under 114 meters (374 feet), it was the tallest office building in the city until 2004 and the tallest in Bavaria until 2000. Architecturally, the tower stands out for its unusual structure, in which six suspended floors hang from a central supporting frame. This complex design required extensive structural calculations. Today the ensemble, which consists of the tower and two low-rise buildings, is a protected landmark and houses not only offices but also a data center and a trading floor.

You can admire the building from the outside on Richard-Strauss-Strasse, where it sits directly on the Mittlerer Ring. A comprehensive energy retrofit, completed in 2015, turned the tower into a certified green building. The facade was replaced with a modern box-window construction with four layers of glass, which cuts energy consumption and improves sun protection. The building systems were modernized as well, including the use of geothermal energy and rainwater. These measures combine the historic character of the landmark with current standards for sustainable construction and efficient working.

Another architectural highlight nearby is the company daycare center, which opened in 2024. It was designed by Oliver Betz, the son of the original architects, and its shape recalls a UFO. The building has space for toddlers and fits into the ensemble as a modern element. The HVB Tower is not only an important business location but also a cultural reference point, since scenes for international films, among others, were shot here. The combination of historical significance, modern technology, and unique architecture makes this an interesting sight in Munich's urban landscape.