To celebrate 100 years of its hazelnut wafer, Loacker asked MoDusArchitects to redesign its flagship store in Heinfels, Austria. The project, called Loacker Galaxy, is guided by the dialogue between two key materials—wood and stainless steel. Wood refers to the company’s artisanal tradition, while steel highlights the precision of its modern production. Together, they give the flagship a clear material identity. The transformation covers the ground-floor café and shop, the first-floor pastry workshop, and a new outdoor pavilion with gardens and play areas.

Material Expression and Identity

On the ground floor, the café and shop are unified by a coffered wooden ceiling. Its design is inspired by the brand’s wafer pattern and set against the stone flooring. At the entrance, a sculptural stainless steel counter introduces the contrast between warm and cool materials. This balance continues throughout the shop, where large steel furniture pieces combine with wood to define the interior.

Retail Structures in Stainless Steel

The shop is organised around ten stainless steel display totems. Each oversized shelving grid can rotate freely, which allows for flexible layouts and adds movement to the space. As a result, the displays amplify both the sense of scale and the feeling of abundance. Behind them, a pick & mix wall makes use of colour and variety to create a strong visual effect.

Workshop and Material Contrast

Upstairs, the pastry workshop invites visitors to produce their own wafers. Black cabinetry and handrails frame the space, while a red tiled floor adds vibrancy. Stainless-steel tables reflect light from an oversized circular fixture. At the same time, elevated platforms let friends and family watch the process. These elements give the workshop a theatrical atmosphere.

Outdoor Pavilion in Wood and Steel

The new outdoor pavilion extends the design language to the exterior. It is clad in dark-stained timber boards with stainless-steel details. In addition, two sculptural concrete columns support the canopy, which shelters an ice cream kiosk and seasonal facilities. The surrounding “Hazelnut Garden” and children’s play area connect the design to the landscape and encourage outdoor use.

Design Significance

With its clear focus on wood and steel, Loacker Galaxy shows how material choices can strengthen brand identity while shaping visitor experience. The project demonstrates how retail architecture can combine storytelling, flexibility, and craftsmanship. In doing so, it highlights how materials can bridge tradition and innovation.

Source: MoDusArchitects / Mint List