Engelbert Strauss Offices – Schlüchtern

PLAJER + FRANZ’s Engelbert Strauss offices in Schlüchtern masterfully balances striking elongated proportions and dynamic aluminium surfaces, creating a welcoming work environment that reflects the brand’s technical sophistication and modern design ethos.

Firm
  • Client Engelbert Strauss,
  • size 5,382 sqft
  • Year 2023
  • Location Schlüchtern, Germany,
  • Industry Manufacturing,

    • The workwear manufacturer Engelbert Strauss wanted a brand statement with greater appeal. To address the building’s enormous height of 50 metres and its 200 metre length, markedly elongated proportions were used. Dramatically arranged aluminium panels create a dynamic interplay of surfaces and joints. The precision of their arrangement implies the technical sophistication of the product, while the powder-coated surface in a warm metallic tone conveys a more welcoming and open feel.

    Inside, various areas were designed individually. The reception zones differ depending on the floor, appearing either modern or technical. The high-gloss white floor in the 4th floor reception reflects the hexagonally arranged custom lighting above.

    The original ticker board from an airport greets guests from behind the monolithic terrazzo counter. It is the restrained and pared-back use of forms and the black-and-white surfaces that underscore the technical character of a logistics building.

    The reception on the 5th floor is intended for executive guests and is no less architecturally ambitious. The walls and ceilings are clad with concrete fins. The rounded oak counter appears abstract, yet offers a warm contrast to the concrete surface.

    The canteen is divided into several zones and plays with closed and open ceiling areas. Once again, the lighting is dynamically arranged. The intention is for staff to feel comfortable and see themselves as part of a modern, design-oriented company. Alongside healthy food, home-baked bread and in-house roasted coffee are served. A colourful selection of sophisticated seating options is structured by animated perforated metal room dividers.

    Design: PLAJER + FRANZ
    Photography: Ken Schluchtmann