Peek & Cloppenburg, Vienna – A Modern Masterpiece in Vratza Limestone

The Peek Cloppenburg Vienna Vratza Limestone project stands as a prime example of how modern commercial architecture can seamlessly blend into a historic, UNESCO-protected urban landscape using premium natural stone. Designed by the internationally acclaimed David Chipperfield Architects, this flagship store on Kärntner Straße is an architectural landmark.
The Vision: Modernity in a Historic Context When designing a massive retail space in the heart of Vienna, the architects faced strict structural and aesthetic requirements. The building needed to respect the rich, traditional architecture of its 19th-century neighbors while presenting a bold, modern identity. The solution was found in a “building with windows” concept, utilizing a material that felt both monumental and deeply rooted in the region’s history.
The Solution: Vratza Limestone (Danube Limestone) Locally referred to as Danube Limestone (Donaukalk) due to its historical trade routes, premium Bulgarian Vratza Limestone was selected as the defining material for the entire project.
● The Exterior Facade: The massive outer shell is constructed from bush-hammered Vratza Limestone. This textured finish provides a solid, light-colored presence that contrasts beautifully with the recessed glass windows, fulfilling the strict aesthetic demands of the Viennese historic center.
● The Interior Atrium: Showcasing the remarkable versatility of the material, the exact same limestone used on the rugged exterior is repeated inside the building’s central, daylight-flooded atrium—this time with a high-gloss polished finish for the luxurious flooring.
A Testament to Versatility This project perfectly demonstrates how a single premium material can be manipulated through different surface finishes (bush-hammered vs. polished) to serve entirely different functional and aesthetic purposes within the same building.