The historic salon of Theophil Hansen has been restored by BWM down to the smallest detail and adapted for contemporary functions.
Where once the jewellery for Empress Sisi was designed, BWM architects, following the principle of a casket, merged the existing historical structures with the new components of the interior into an architectural unit.
A true architectural gem

The Viennese jeweller A.E. Köchert is a family-owned company steeped in tradition. For 200 years it has been creating elegant jewellery of the highest quality. The Köchert jewellers delivered jewellery to the Viennese royal court and were the personal imperial jewellers of Emperor Franz Joseph. Empress Sisi caused a stir with her jewellery, and her star-shaped hair ornaments started a trend across Europe. In 1880 the company was already run by the third generation and some 50 goldsmiths were creating exclusive tiaras and diadems. By this time, the name of Köchert was as well renowned as such famous European jewellers like Cartier, Mellerio and Bucheron.

Since the very beginning, Köchert has been producing its precious pieces in its own workshop. In 1873 Theophil Hansen, one of the most famous architects of Vienna’s Ringstraße, designed the company’s new premises, which have been the home of Köchert for more than 150 years now. This shop, a unique combination of workshop, consulting space and salon, is one of the oldest shops in Vienna and an original example of Viennese architecture of the Gründerzeit period – a true architectural gem.

Task: Refurbishment of the long-established Viennese jeweller A.E. Köchert

Client: A.E. Köchert Juweliere GmbH

BWM Team: Erich Bernard, Birgit Eschenlor, Katrin Maria Stefanzl