In close cooperation with the store owners and staff, GANTER developed a store concept for a specialist shoe retailer, that fulfils a wide range of functional requirements while meeting the highest aesthetic demands. To develop the best possible solution for all those involved, and to function optimally in the daily routine of product presentation and serving customers, GANTER conducted various workshops and had intensive dialogues with the client and their staff members to meet their desires and requirements. As general contractor, GANTER was responsible for the store planning, including the incorporation of all fixtures and furniture, and in addition we had taken charge of the entire interior outfitting, including painting works and the electrical work. To give the long-established local store in the heart of Freiburg’s old town a new appearance, both floor areas and the stairwell – more than 270 sqm – were redesigned and renovated. In less than 8 months, new floors were laid on both levels of the shoe store: A special woven vinyl floor, which combines the appearance of a soft carpet with the highest quality standards. The natural color harmonizes with the oak wood of the new steps of the staircase that leads to the first floor . Single walls and ceilings were renovated or newly constructed. In this context, we had to focus in particular on the wall surfaces and wooden ceilings which are protected as historic monuments. The building is situated in the part of the old town which wasn’t destroyed in World War II. It’s history goes back to the 13th century, but the major part of this building originates from the 15th and 16th century. The former “Haus zu den drei güldenen Schwänen“ has a historical polychrome timber ceiling on the ground floor and first floor, as well as splendid frescoes on the walls of the first floor. They were exposed during renovation works a few years ago. The historical wall segments display the arms of important aristocratic dynasties from Freiburg and the surrounding area and refer to its former function of a knight's hall. The timber ceiling and the wall frescoes are illuminated by a perfectly adjusted lighting concept. The restrained and timeless design of the system fits harmoniously into the historical surrounding and creates a feeling of light and space in the rooms of the old town house. The result is convincing, by the interaction of contemporary elements which match perfectly with the old structure of the historical building. The clear contrast between the original and new materials is also reflected in the interior concept: the modern store concept, including built-in wardrobes and light and moveable mid-space furnishings – made from wood and steel – can be seen as visual counterparts to the historical listed wooden ceilings and the original wall segments. The wooden surfaces of the modern oak furniture contrast with white lacquered tops and the well-tuned off-white champagne or black coated metal surfaces of the mobile presentation elements. The contemporary appearance preserves the identity of the house and its history and now mirrors the concept of Shuhe Lüke to combine timeless classics with newcomer brands.
