Stripped back and minimalist yet warm and inviting: this Munich doctor's office in the old town masterfully blends hygge with zen, creating a space that feels both coherent and genuinely harmonious. But there's more to the story. Architect Christian Sandweger and his team at arcs architekten faced an extraordinary design challenge: the practice's owner is an ophthalmologist specializing in care for people with visual impairments. "That's why the spaces are bright, the room flow is clearly organized, the baseboards are lit from above, and sharp edges are nowhere to be found," explains Sandweger, who previously transformed a residential property for the same client with a complete renovation and energy upgrade. For this new practice, the ophthalmologist envisioned a space that balances clarity with warmth—that coveted "hygge feeling"—while steering clear of cold, hard materials like glass and steel.

Once a corporate office in a 1980s building, this space was completely transformed in just four months—a remarkable feat. Sandweger, who draws inspiration from years spent in Asia and Japan and a deep appreciation for minimalist Zen aesthetics, collaborated with interior designers from denkwerkstatt.de and Böhmler Büro und Objekt to create something entirely fresh. Walnut wood slats punctuate key areas with understated architectural rhythm. The curved reception counter glows warmly—clad in the same tactile wood and lit from beneath. To guide patients intuitively through the space, a subtle light-dark choreography unfolds: light oiled oak flooring meets brightly lit corridors, while treatment rooms and the entrance door feature rich, dark walnut. The result is unmistakable wayfinding, especially with the dark doors serving as clear visual anchors. Flush-mounted doors prevent any catching or snagging. White walls become a gallery for large-scale contemporary art, while a Japanese-inspired mural of birds in flight brings movement to the waiting area. A long bench with soft blue cushions and simple wooden chairs complete the picture—refined, restful, unhurried. The discerning doctor-couple and their design-savvy sensibilities shine through: every wish has been realized beautifully through genuine collaboration.

www.arcs.de

Photography:

Antje Hanebeck
www.antjehanebeck.de

(Published in CUBE Munich 01|24)