In close collaboration with ekn footwear founder Noel Klein-Reesink, PHILIPP MAINZER OFFICE FOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN, together with Paul Bauer, has realised the interior design of ekn’s first store in Frankfurt.

Located at Danziger Platz, in the city’s vibrant Ostend neighbourhood, the multifunctional space features an open and focused interior,
serving as the new headquarter for the ecological shoe brand.

At the core of the interior design are stacked cubicles, creating an abstract sculptural appearance and an intriguing perspective. The boxes made from OSB boards function as presentation platforms for the latest collection, as work spaces, as well as an archive to showcase the high quality materials which are central to the brand’s identity. A treatment with white pigments transforms the recycled wood into a unique statement. Raw concrete floor and white walls are set against the versatile cubes, resulting in a minimal interior which puts the products as well as the users of the space in focus.

ekn was founded in 2013, offering shoes handmade in Portugal from organic materials and under fair conditions. Combining products with maximum quality and a minimal ecological footprint, the brand with a strong network in the music and art scene distributes its shoes internationally.

With recent projects such as the deli Louis Pretty in Berlin, and a distillery for the German gin Monkey 47 in Loßburg, PHILIPP MAINZER OFFICE FOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN works internationally on commercial, residential and cultural projects, providing full architectural and design services.

Facts

Client:

ekn footwear GmbH

Location:

Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Status:

Completed

Programme:

Approx. 52 qm

Credits

Architecture:

PHILIPP MAINZER OFFICE FOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN, planning phases 1-8

Team:

Paul Bauer, Claire Wildenhues

Supporting architect(s):

sterling projects

Photography:

Philipp Mainzer