VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports
New perspective – A new era in skiing
With its headquarters in Scheffau am Tennengebirge in Salzburg, VAN DEER–Red Bull Sports has created an international competence centre for ski development, production and distribution. The facility, designed by X Architekten, combines a ski factory, flagship store and administrative area. The aim was to integrate it respectfully into the alpine surroundings. The building responds sensitively to the topography: Facing the street, the building rises two stories and gradually steps up to three stories toward the rock face. This terracing ensures a harmonious fit into the landscape and reinforces the dynamic impression of Flow, which emerges naturally from the terrain.
Flow as a guiding motif
Flow appears everywhere: in the shape of dynamic skis, the movement of racers, the curved road approaching the property and ultimately in the architecture itself. This element runs like a red – or rather green – thread through the entire project and becomes the central conceptual idea. Flow symbolises movement, energy and precision – the core values of VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports.
Architecture as a process and experience
This basic idea gradually developed into what is probably the most modern ski factory in the world. The main task was to spatially map the entire process – from the craftsmanship of creating the products to their presentation and brand communication – and make it tangible for visitors. In the flagship store, designed by Studio Riebenbauer, visitors can gain insights into ski production, enjoy world-cup-level ski service, have their boots individually fitted, browse clothing with a clear design identity for on and off the slopes, and receive expert advice from the team of specialists.
Brand identity expressed in architecture
The architects worked with the raw beauty of wood, stone and metal, harmonising these materials with natural fabrics, carpets and glass elements. The building itself becomes an expression of the brand and its values. The colour concept is derived directly from the VAN DEER–Red Bull Sports corporate identity, while remaining rooted in the context: The green tones harmonise with the surrounding nature and also act as camouflage, as often found in natural environments. This creates a subtle, yet clear connection between the brand, the location and the architecture.
Light as a design tool
During the winter months, natural light in the headquarters is limited due to its location in the valley. This made precise, high-quality lighting design even more important. In the interior concept, products were carefully selected to reinforce the architectural character of the project. Lighting was adapted to suit the building’s different functions – from focused office work and collaborative meetings to the effective presentation of premium products in the store. MITA luminaires with precision faceted reflectors ensure optimal lighting conditions at the office workstations. The SASSO and VARO spotlights with high colour-rendering skilfully showcase the products in the shop – from perfectly handcrafted high-tech skis to clothing and bags.
 „It’s epic!“
VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports
Flashlight
X ARCHITEKTEN is a group of young architects who are passionate about architecture. As a mathematical variable, the X stands for openness – a principle that also guides them when selecting projects, ranging from small fire stations to office buildings, logistics centres, hospitals, production facilities and retail spaces. When embarking on new projects, it is important to us to develop a concept with strong roots from the very beginning, in order to carry the planning through to completion.
Flashlight
SR is a global creative studio based in Vienna and Los Angeles working across brand, spatial, and product design as well as digital and sensory experiences.
Products
