London and Los Angeles based design studio Fettle has unveiled its interiors for Schwan Locke, a new 151-key aparthotel in Munich.
Situated just a few minutes’ walk from the Theresienwiese, the site of Oktoberfest, Locke’s first property in mainland Europe features 151 design-led studio apartments, as well as a complimentary co-working space, gym, coffee shop, retail space, leafy courtyard and craft cocktail bar.
For the overall design, Fettle drew inspiration from the early 20th century Deutscher Werkbund movement that started in Munich. The Werkbund sought to redefine aesthetic standards by combining traditional crafts and industrial mass production techniques, in the belief that high-quality applied art could improve the nation’s quality of life.
The spaces at Schwan Locke pay homage to these principals rather than a pastiche of this iconic style; housing custom-made furniture as well as a mid-century-inspired colour palette. All the upholstered furniture for Schwan Locke is bespoke and inspired by furniture from the early 20th century. A colourful yet relaxing palette features throughout the social spaces and apartments, including muted reds, greens, yellows and blues that echo the era of the early modernist movement, while maintaining a sense of fun.
A colourful yet relaxing palette features throughout the public spaces as well as within the guestrooms, including muted reds, greens, yellows and blues that echo the era of the early modernist movement. Fettle has also used light timbers, chrome and steel which contrasts with the tactile mohair upholstery. Raw plaster and bold painted finishes have additionally been employed to keep the scheme bright and welcoming.
The Apartments follow a similar design language with a bold two-tone paint finish applied on the walls that transitions up to the ceiling. All Apartments also feature an integrated kitchen that sits within the entrance in a corresponding paint finish. The rooms feature either a green or blue colourway that is then contrasted with the upholstery used in the headboard, sofa and lounge furniture.
Known for working with disruptive food and drink partners, Locke has made no exception in Munich – partnering with the founders of Michelin-star restaurant, Mural on a residency at Schwan Locke.
The new concept – Bambule! – will comprise a coffee shop serving coffee, pastries, and snacks; alongside a wine and cocktail bar, which will feature a menu of charcuterie, oysters and locally-sourced small plates. Bambule! Will be the first of two collaborations between Locke and Mural, who will also open Mural Farmhouse in WunderLocke, Locke’s second opening in Munich this autumn.
“Schwan Locke marks the first of two Locke openings in Munich and it is a particularly exciting start for all of us,” comments Eric Jafari, Chief Development Officer & Creative Director, Locke. “Like other Locke locations in the UK & Ireland, we have gone to great lengths to create a space that is deeply rooted in the neighbourhood – where both locals and visitors can feel at home.”
Jafari adds: “Achieving this was a significant creative challenge, but also a unique opportunity. Munich is steeped in a rich and diverse history, while also being home to a unique creative landscape. We wanted to celebrate this – paying homage to the city’s past, but working with disruptive, forward-thinking partners to bring our vision to life.
