LAUFEN Forum reimagined by Snøhetta

LAUFEN has commissioned Norwegian design studio Snøhetta to create a new brand experience in the heart of the Swiss bathroom manufacturer’s headquarters in Laufen…

laufen

The Snøhetta team has completely reimagined the LAUFEN Forum, creating a new reception area, events space, showroom and product display area. LAUFEN and Snøhetta share a commitment to saving resources and in creating long-lasting solutions in architecture and design. As such, when it came to the redesign of the LAUFEN Forum space, the careful use of raw materials in production and efficient use of water formed a common foundation for the project.

laufen forum space

Image credit: LAUFEN

“It was important to us that the core of the LAUFEN brand was the focus in the newly designed LAUFEN Forum,” commented Patrick Lüth, Managing Director of Snøhetta Studio. “The essence of LAUFEN is represented in the tension between materiality, design and technical perfection.”

The new entrance area features clay and brass, two essential materials for bathroom ceramics and fittings. There, visitors will find a wall and reception desk made of rammed earth, alongside a stunning wall of brass. With their contrasting, yet equally tactile, qualities, these materials symbolise the project’s focus on how LAUFEN brings together raw materials, technical know-how and aesthetics in its products.

Beyond the reception, the centre of the LAUFEN Forum is a circular space designed for events. Its light terrazzo floor tones with the exposed concrete of the curved, double-height building. Round the edge, niches display the various LAUFEN collections, each one in its signature colours. On the floor above, LAUFEN products are displayed on industrial shelves and wheeled racks, allowing visitors to move them around and test different product combinations.

laufen forum space

Image credit: LAUFEN

“To truly connect with cultural life and remain relevant, a brand must go beyond traditional communication. LAUFEN’s expertise in ceramics and fittings is constantly evolving through collaborations with architects and designers,” stated Roger Furrer, LAUFEN Brand Director.

LAUFEN is a premium brand under the ROCA umbrella and one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sanitaryware and bathroom furniture, with a global distribution network. For over 125 years, the LAUFEN brand has been using ceramic, the oldest malleable material known to man, to create innovative sanitary products in state-of-the-art manufacturing plants. What makes LAUFEN products unique is the combination of emotional Italian design and legendary Swiss precision, resulting in functional and aesthetically pleasing products. Additionally, LAUFEN is fully committed to preserving natural resources and environmentally friendly production.

Laufen is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

Main image credit: Laufen

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.