'pretty plastic' fish scale facade wraps MVRDV's MONACO offices

a New Chapter for Munich’s Office Spaces

MVRDV has revealed the design for MK 6 MONACO, a six-story office building located in Munich’s vibrant Werksviertel district. This new addition, with its distinctive facade, continues the transformation of the area, which has undergone significant redevelopment since its days as an industrial site. Developed by Rock Capital, MONACO introduces a fresh approach to office spaces, combining functionality with creative elements, reflecting a balance between work and play.

The Werksviertel area has evolved into one of Munich’s most dynamic work-and-leisure hubs. Following the departure of industries in 1996, the district became known for its nightlife and cultural spaces as Kunstpark Ost and later Kultfabrik. Since 2016, it has been redeveloped into Werksviertel Mitte, a mixed-use district that blends workspaces with social and cultural venues. MONACO draws inspiration from this rich history, incorporating elements of the area’s creative past while looking forward to its future as a lively work-play environment.

the project balances offices with social areas, symbolizing a modern workplace | images © MVRDV

the facade of recycled green and lilac plastic

The architects at MVRDV split Munich’s MONACO into two distinct sections that symbolize the balance between work and play. The ‘work’ portion is represented by a six-story cubic block clad in reclaimed brick, while the ‘play’ section is a more dynamic structure clad in colorful shingles. This playful portion extends upward and over the main block, creating outdoor terraces covered with greenery to be curated by landscape studio Landschaftsarchitektur Huber. These terraces serve as social spaces, complementing the more formal office areas. The building’s angled walls and large windows offer panoramic views of the district and create a welcoming environment, leading into a triangular pocket park that will be developed behind the structure.

In keeping with MVRDV’s commitment to sustainability, MONACO’s facade employs a circular approach to materials. The work section is clad in clinker brick reclaimed from demolitions within the region. The resulting patchwork-style brickwork showcases the material’s origins from multiple older buildings. Meanwhile, the play section features shingles in shades of green and lilac, seventy percent of which are made by Pretty Plastic, a company specializing in facades made from recycled plastic waste. This marks the first time Pretty Plastic will be used on a facade in Germany, requiring the team to conduct extensive research to meet local building regulations.

the ‘work’ block is clad in reclaimed bricks, while the ‘play’ block uses colorful recycled plastic shingles

Flexibility and Collaboration: The Office of the Future

Inside, MONACO offers flexible office layouts, allowing tenants to customize spaces according to their needs. The neutral, straightforward design of the workspaces contrasts with the vibrant interiors of the play areas. These include a forum for lectures, a coworker biergarten with a terrace, and reading rooms designed for quieter, contemplative activities. On the rooftop, a multifunctional space provides panoramic views of Werksviertel, offering yet another area for collaboration and relaxation.

The design of MONACO embraces the principles of New Work, emphasizing flexibility, creativity, and well-being in the workplace. Rock Capital’s managing director, Andreas Wißmeier, highlights the incorporation of the Immune Office concept, which was previously implemented in their flagship project, HEADS. This concept promotes healthier work environments, aligning with the growing demand for offices that support both productivity and well-being.

gardened outdoor terraces provide spaces for relaxation and community