Premium bathroom brand Laufen has commissioned Norwegian design studio Snøhetta to create a new brand experience in its HQ near Basel, in Switzerland.

The Snøhetta team has completely reimagined the Laufen Forum, creating a new reception area, events space, showroom and product display area.

Both companies have an interest in saving resources and creating long-lasting architectural solutions, with consideration paid to raw material production and efficient use of water.

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Managing director of Snøhetta Studio Patrick Lüth commented: “It was important to us that the core of the Laufen brand was the focus in the newly designed Laufen Forum.

 “The essence of Laufen is represented in the tension between materiality, design and technical perfection.”

The entrance area features clay and brass, two materials used in the manufacture of  bathroom ceramics and fittings.

At the centre of the Forum is a circular space designed for events, with the curved double height building made from exposed concrete with light terrazzo flooring.

Display niches are positioned around the edge in a choice of colours, with products displayed on industrial shelves and wheeled racks, allowing visitors to move them around and test different product combinations.

Brand director of Laufen Roger Furrer added: “To truly connect with cultural life and remain relevant, a brand must go beyond traditional communication.

“Laufens’s expertise in ceramics and fittings is constantly evolving through collaborations with architects and designers.”

Part of the Roca Group, which has been in the UK for over 30 years, Laufen has been established for 125 years.