The iconic flagship for the Seoul-based women’s specialty store Boon the Shop is located in the prominent retail district of Cheongdam. The 55,000 sq. ft., 7-floor structure comprises two polished angular volumes in white marble and serves as a powerful, calming statement. To support a sense of connectivity and promote the impression of a singular form, two aligning glass bridges were developed to create a visual continuity from street level while offering an intimate retreat in the sunken courtyard, which remains concealed and embedded within the building.

During design, the improvement of the pedestrian experience was a central priority given the dense urban district’s lack of open and landscaped spaces. Setbacks along the primary facade provided relief to the surrounding congested and narrow streets, and space was consciously used to create a series of micro plazas at street level providing four entry points and maximizing connectivity to the neighborhood.

The facade was designed to illustrate the brand’s innovation in both fashion and art, as well as to maximize daylighting and minimize thermal gain from the structure’s exterior. Featured systems include monumental punched openings glazed with double-laminated insulating glass of 9 meters height, large-format sliding doors with ultra-low profile framing, and fully-custom unitized curtain wall with integral glass balustrade and soffit details.

Heintges provided building envelope consulting services during all phases of design and construction.