English aparthotel brand Locke has made its way to mainland Europe with the debut of Schwan Locke in Munich. Located a stone’s throw from Theresienwiese, the official grounds of Oktoberfest, the property features 151 studio apartments, plus a coworking lounge, gym, retail space, and dual F&B options—all designed by London- and Los Angeles-based studio Fettle.
Firm cofounders and creative directors Andy Goodwin and Tom Parker crafted Schwan Locke as a tribute to the principles of Deutscher Werkbund, an influential architecture and design movement that began in Munich in the early 20th century. “The Werkbund’s aim was to combine mass production with traditional craft to make objects that were functional and feature little ornamentation but were also aesthetically pleasing and available to the masses,” explains Goodwin. This inspiration of German modernism is showcased via the interior’s architectural elements and midcentury-inspired color palette of muted red, green, yellow, and blue.
To further accentuate the theme, the hotel’s art collection pays homage to the pioneering women involved in Werkbund, including photographer and sculptor Marianne Brandt and Lilly Reich, a member of the board of directors. The work of local contemporary artists—designer and illustrator Veronika Grenzebach, graffiti artist Armin Kiss-Istok, and illustrator Tomomi Maezawa to name a few—was also added to the mix.
The light-filled guest apartments and three suites are inviting and stylish with walls and ceilings painted in two coordinating tones. “We used a variety of light timbers, chrome, and steel to contrast with the more tactile materials, like the mohair upholstery,” adds Parker. “We also used painted finishes to keep the scheme bright and vibrant.” Although compact, Fettle carefully considered the layout of each accommodation to provide sleeping, seating, and cooking areas.
On the ground floor, F&B concept Bambule! serves as a coffee shop and cocktail and wine bar. The venue is Locke’s first collaboration with the founders of local Michelin-starred restaurant Mural. (A second partnership, dubbed Mural Farmhouse, is set to debut at the lifestyle brand’s next Munich property, WunderLocke.)
“We have gone to great lengths to create a space that is deeply rooted in the neighborhood—where both locals and visitors can feel at home,” says Locke chief development officer and creative director Eric Jafari. “Munich is steeped in a rich and diverse history, while also being home to a unique creative landscape. We wanted to celebrate this—paying homage to the city’s past, but working with disruptive, forward-thinking partners to bring our vision to life.”
