Initial Situation
In 2020, Mrs Sarah Schneeberger took over the Berntor pharmacy in Murten from Mr Pierre Bersier. Mrs Schneeberger was later able to take over another pharmacy in Murten: Golliez Apotheke GmbH. This was continued as a second branch by Mrs Mireille Lenz as manager until the lease had to be renewed.
Unfortunately, the building was in very poor condition, and the owners did not consider renovating it. When looking for new premises in the old town, Mrs Schneeberger decided on a vacant property on Hauptgasse, which had formerly been operated as a regional bank by Credit Suisse.
Task
The ‘Neue Apotheke Golliez’ was to fulfil the latest requirements and at the same time fit seamlessly into the historic old town of Murten – a listed building of national importance, a historical gem on Hauptgasse 13, dating back to 1738.Unfortunately, the interior architecture of the building and the window facade of the former bank had no connection whatsoever to the old building structure. The challenge was to design a new and aesthetically harmonised pharmacy in a beautiful old listed building which was previously equipped with a defaced concrete interior and a window facade made of standardised profile systems.
Solution
In dialogue with the client, a fresh and natural spatial experience was designed with style, professionalism and warmth.
Personal counselling options have been created in a confidential, discreet and quiet setting, an inviting product presentation and lighting that brilliantly showcases the goods. A well planned room concept with short distances for staff was also established.
While the old metal ceiling made of perforated panels was dismantled, the existing integrated chilled beams were re-sprayed and reused. A new green ceiling and a unique acoustic ceiling system with concealed supporting edges were installed, creating an unmistakable, floating appearance.
Planters made of the same material as the trowelled flooring are integrated into the interior design, and the climbing plants tied to steel cables create a homely atmosphere. The ‘Nexus’ shelves by ‘Piade’ made of solid wood joints in a combination of natural ash with muted red and green were used to display the goods. Areas in warm brown tones were combined with this on the cabinet facades.
A historical quarry stone wall was revealed behind the panelling during the renovation and now reveals the building's rich history.
In Murten, you can see a wide variety of historical tiles in many places, typically laid and arranged in patterns. This inspiration was used to select a mosaic made of porcelain stoneware and now serves as an ‘entrance carpet’ and welcome greeting in the pharmacy, as well as highlighting the rear checkout area.
In the basement, a picking machine with 3 lifts leads to the dispensing points at the cash desks on the ground floor.
There was even space for a children’s corner underneath the staircase to the first floor. The theme of nature was incorporated as a mysterious tree cave, where children have the opportunity to crawl into a tree while shopping – hence allowing them to experience a fantasy world and listen to fairy tales.
Today, Mrs Sarah Schneeberger and Mrs Mireille Lenz both run the Neue Apotheke Golliez with great success.
