Freitag started to make tarp-bags in 1993, inspired from a view onto the transit-bridge. In 2006 they decided to sell bags-made-from-tarps in a shop-made-from-containers. Completely built from 17 rusty, recycled freight-containers, selected in person in Hamburg and brought to Zurich by rail. Stacked low enough not to violate the city’s restriction on high-rise, high enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. The way the elements are stacked is authentic, and only connecting elements from the shipping industry are used. This also means that dismantling the tower and leaving the site in its original state will be a straightforward process. Freitag’s decision to locate its flagship store here enriches the area, adding a new, high profile building which is used by members of the public during the day.

++Watch the Freitag Flagship Store Construction Movie

The following text is from the architects Annette Spillmann/ Harald Echsle, Zurich:

‘Welcome to the first and only ‘FREITAG Individual Recycled Freeway Shop’. 1993 our living-room view onto the transit-bridge brought up the idea to make tarp-bags. 2006 we decide to sell our bags-madefrom- tarps in a shop-made-from-containers.

//17 CONTAINERS, 26 METERS
The FREITAG SHOP ZURICH is completely built from rusty, recycled freight-containers. Lovingly they were gutted, reinforced, piled up and secured. Zurich’s first bonsai-skyscraper: Low enough not to violate the city’s restriction on high-rise buildings. High enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine.

//4 SALES FLOORS, 1600 INDIVIDUAL BAGS
The FREITAG SHOP ZURICH is home to the absolutely largest selection of Individual Recycled Freewaybags. And yes, there are really four sales floors. Bonsai ones, that is.

//TRUCKSPOTTING
For some it’s just noisy. For others it’s a source of inspiration. The view from the roof of our FREITAG SHOP ZURICH onto the transitbridge is the same view that started the whole shebang in 1993.’