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Wempe



Status:
Completed, 2017

Project Start:
2016

Location:
Maximilianstraße, Munich, Germany

Scale:
1,570 m2

Scope:
Architecture, Interior Architecture, Furnishing

Client:
Wempe


Team:
Jessica Klatten (Project Manager), Antonio Carvalho, Benjamin Holsten, Alice Pape

Collaborators:
Anna Nicolas Bauhütte GmbH (Project Manager), DMP Architekten


Publication:
Welt am Sonntag




In collaboration with Anna Nicolas Bauhütte, our design studio embarked on a unique venture with Wempe, tasked with redefining the flagship store's concept for their prestigious line of jewelry and watches. While Wempe traditionally adheres to a global corporate design for its stores worldwide, the challenge presented an opportunity to craft a new vision for the flagship store. Beyond jewelry, the space needed to seamlessly integrate 16 watch brands, each with its distinct booth and style. Notably, brands like Rolex, with their distinct corporate design, contributed their own furniture to the space.

The architectural transformation unfolded within a building that was once an open courtyard with an arcade connecting two towers with a garden at its heart. The new owner closed the garden and converted it into a shopping zone, where the design drew inspiration from the organic shapes reminiscent of the former garden. The result is a visually captivating space with vitrines resembling blooming flowers. The design, characterized by an open concept, encourages exploration on multiple levels, with an oval-shaped spiral staircase replacing the former fountain, reminiscent of the craftsmanship found in fine watchmaking. To emphasize the craftsmanship of the watchmakers within, a standing clock gallery was incorporated into the arcade to showcase their knowledge and abilities.  The inspiration from watchmaking is seamlessly translated into the architecture, emphasizing craft, quality, materiality, and meticulous attention to detail.

In honoring Wempe's status as a family brand from Hamburg, the design aimed to infuse the space with a personal touch, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a private home rather than a conventional retail store. The inclusion of a bar as a central meeting point further underscores this approach, transforming the space into not just a shop but the true home of Wempe. This visionary project reflects Studio JK’s dedication to translating brand identity into a spatial experience, fostering a sense of warmth and familiarity within the realm of high-end retail.

︎   Selected Projects





Entrance at Maximilianstraße.

2/2 – View from the Bavarian State Opera. 1/2 – View through the arcade.

1/7 - Ellipsoidal spiral staircase that connects all three floors. 2/7 – Staircase detail. 3/7 – Staircase detail. 4/7 – Consulting area on the ground floor. 5/7 – Exhibition space on the ground floor. 6/7 – Exhibition space on the upper floor. 7/7 – Exhibition space on the upper floor.

1/4 – Mirrored back of the exhibition areas. 2/4 – Meeting room. 3/4 – Metal curtain detail. 4/4 – Wall detail in the executive room.

1/2 – Detail of three wall elements. 2/2 – Detail from the consultation room.

1/4 – Watchmaker's workshop. 2/4 – Detail from the watchmaker's workshop. 3/4 – Detail from the watchmaker's workshop. 4/4 – Wall detail.

1/4 – View of the largest pendulum clock from the manufacturer Ervin Sattler. 2/4 – Exhibition room in the basement. 3/4 – Seating area in the exhibition room. 4/4 – Ladies' toilet.