Corporate headquarters should reflect a company’s ethos and provide a great place to work. Hamburg-based HHLA, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing port operators, transformed a beautiful, canal-side warehouse into a striking yet functional head office. Amtico flooring was the perfect choice to preserve the historical flavour of the listed building whilst bringing its facilities up to date.
HHLA occupies a landmark Neo-Renaissance building in Speicherstadt – Hamburg’s historic warehouse district. The listed warehouse was constructed in red-brick and sandstone in the late 19th century to store coffee and tea. Founded 120 years ago, HHLA’s history is deeply rooted in Speicherstadt and so the company was keen to locate its headquarters here. The €20 million modernisation took one year and included structural renovation to create a bright central courtyard.
Amtico worked with HHLA to create a special product resembling oiled oak. Amtico based the flooring on W744 Fresh Oak, but with a darker and wamer finish. The bespoke product complements the exposed steel frame and glass elements of the interior and reflects the heritage of the old warehouse. The effect is sympathetic to the historical design yet thoroughly modern, and it works equally well in all areas of this massive building.
With floor space totalling 14,000m2, the offices further benefit from the easy maintenance of an Amtico floor. Finally, the flooring is soft underfoot, providing quiet acoustics and a comfortable surface – two more reasons why Amtico is ideally suited to the work environment.
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Product: W744 Fresh Oak with custom recolouration
Area: 14,000m2