The store is located in Brurenkerk - the temple of the Dominican monastery, built in the 15th century. Although the building has ceased to be a church, it remains a valuable historical monument, therefore all "innovations" related to the book trade can be dismantled at any time without prejudice to its preservation.
The retail space of about 700 m2 is mainly located in the side nave. Therefore, the main space of the church, the central nave, is still perceived as a single whole - with an 1821 organ on the east wall and a stained glass window designed by the Norwegian artist Kjell Nupen from the west. However, they also found commercial use: the Waanders In de Broeren store is a fashionable establishment, so not only books are sold there, but there is also a café-cookery, which was set up in the choir.
To match the historic interior, the architects limited the color scheme to three shades of wood and white plaster. Such restraint also serves trade interests by highlighting colorful books and magazines.
Three floors were built into the side nave, so the architects tried to solve the usual problem for multi-storey stores - to lure customers to the very top. To do this, a gentle two-part staircase rises parallel to 11-meter bookcases, therefore, it is not even perceived by visitors as a circulation space. Upstairs, a reward awaits them: an exhibition space under the very arches, which for the first time can be viewed up close, without climbing the scaffolding.
