HIMACS: L’Oréal’s HQ in Germany

In less than two years, HPP Architects have fashioned the L’Oréal headquarters in Dusseldorf, Germany into this spectacular building. This 60 metre building has 24,400 m² of gross floor area, which reflect the corporate values of the group and its 86,000 employees. In order to echo the high end qualities of the company, the top quality solid surface brand, HIMACS, has been used throughout to provide exceptional fittings worthy of this cool and elegant space.

The architects developed a concept incorporating L‘Oréal’s essential values, such as transparency and innovation. As soon as you step into the 7 metre entrance hall, a scheme of openness and permeability becomes obvious, offering an extraordinary spatial experience. The distinguished white and gold interior continues the idea of transparency in design. Innovative elements, such as a brilliant white reception counter made of the HIMACS solid surface material in Alpine White finish, give an exclusive touch to the space and provide an elegant and low-key structure for the 36 international brands of the world-leading cosmetics company.    

The customised reception counter and round coffee point make both visitors and employees feel as if they are entering a modern, exclusive lounge, promoting communication and exchange. They are made of the thermoformable HIMACS solid surface material in Alpine White.

The open and welcoming design of the entrance area continues throughout all 16 floors of the building, including the work stations and the restaurant on the second floor which offers seating for 400 people. Round seating islands create a contrast to the otherwise open and communicative design, offering employees a place to retreat.

The HIMACS solid surface material was also used as a connecting element in the restaurant: the white and black structure for the seating benches in the restaurant and also for suspended counters and table tops for the seating islands. These elements were made from the brilliant white but durable and low-maintenance HIMACS in Alpine White.

The unique material with its seamless finish was also used for the screens and surfaces of the free-standing soup station as well as the buffet counter running across the room. Thanks to its non-porous surface, the material is extremely hygienic and easy to maintain. This makes it the perfect solution for restaurants. Due to its durability, the material can also be used in areas with extremely high traffic such as the cashier area.

A special zone of contrast is created by the coffee point in the restaurant. Instead of using bright, radiant colours in line with the rest of the interior, the architects decided to use HIMACS Black for a clear distinction. 

Schumann Möbelwerkstätte GmbH, the fabricator involved in this project, choose HIMACS, in Alpine White and Black, as they have been very impressed with the exceptional qualities of the solid surface. "Although HIMACS is almost as robust as stone, it can be processed just as easily as wood. The solid surface material can be sawn, milled or drilled without any problems using standard woodworking tools," explains Managing Director Gert Schumann.

The solid surface material consists of minerals, acrylic and natural pigments, can be fabricated seamlessly and thermoformed into almost any shape. At the same time, the non-porous surface does not allow bacteria, mould or dirt to collect, thus complying with all hygiene requirements. This makes HIMACS the perfect material for use in restaurants. With its tough characteristics, HIMACS can also handle the heavy-duty use in public areas such as entrance halls and waiting zones.  

The LG Hausys solid surface material is a high-tech material conforming to the highest standards in terms of quality, aesthetics, manufacture, functionality and hygiene. This makes it the ideal choice when it comes to creating a stylish but equally functional structure for a world-famous brand like L’Oréal.