Sneakers Feel

Sneakers Feel / sneakers store, 80m2

Located in the protected historic centre of Montpellier, this 80 m² boutique underwent a complete architectural transformation, combining heritage restoration with contemporary scenography. The intervention began with a full refurbishment of the storefront, executed in accordance with the requirements of the Architectes des Bâtiments de France. The original stone framing was carefully revealed, hand-cut and repointed with natural lime mortar, while a massive marble threshold was installed using traditional anchoring methods.

A custom steel façade was then fabricated in thermolacquered metal, fitted with SP10 laminated glass for enhanced security and visual clarity. Integrated into this new façade, a liquid-crystal LCD film allows the transparency of the glazing to shift instantly, modulating privacy and visibility according to the needs of the boutique.

Inside, the space is defined by a 60 m² ceiling artwork created by Montpellier-based artist @honck1980. Painted over ten consecutive nights, this immersive graffiti mural blends futuristic and psychedelic influences, composed of twelve metallic spray-paint gradients that ripple across the ceiling like fluid light. Four layers of spray varnish amplify the shine and create a sense of infinite movement, an atmospheric contrast with the historic stone envelope of the site.

The architectural intervention sought to reveal and honour the existing patrimonial structure. All metal claddings were removed to uncover the original stone vaults, which were then treated with a lime and acid-wash patina to unify their appearance. This process was carried out in close collaboration with heritage authorities to ensure the character of the building was fully respected.

Spatial organisation was redesigned to restore the symmetry of the original plan. The two former rooms were opened into a single continuous flow, allowing the vaulted geometry to become the anchor of the project. Sneakers are displayed on invisible magnetic supports fixed onto discreet metal plates embedded in the concrete-rendered walls. On the stone surfaces, the same system is integrated onto steel bars anchored directly into the structure, preserving stability while maintaining visual lightness.

This exhibition system is entirely modular, enabling the layout to evolve as collections change, and allowing for new product typologies to be introduced without altering the architectural framework.

The cash desk and curved seating elements, both crafted in metal, function as sculptural objects that stand in dialogue with the weight and texture of the stone vaults. Together, they create a refined contrast between heritage and contemporary design, making the boutique an immersive, fluid and highly identifiable retail environment.