DESIGN ADVENTURES: Hansgrohe factory trip, the Black Forest Germany Dec 2019

Upperworth co-Founder and Director Kristy Unger was delighted to be invited by luxury brand Hansgrohe to visit their Headquarters in the Black Forest, Germany. Located in the town of Schiltach, it is also the company’s centre for design and innovation, and training.

A select group of interior designers was whisked over to Stuttgart in Hansgrohe’s private jet – what an impressive and luxurious start to the trip!

On arriving at Schiltach our first stop was a tour of the Aquademie, where we familiarised ourselves with spa products from premium brand AXOR and Hansgrohe first hand. The set-up allows designers to explore the functionality of various items – this is so useful in thinking about bathroom specifications.

After a thorough overview of these technical aspects and production facilities, we were finally let loose in the showroom and spa to see the latest designs in situ – which is, after all, what as designers we had been most looking forward to. The sets beautifully showcased the Hansgrohe collections, providing inspiration for future projects. The first day ended with a relaxed evening, testing our group’s knowledge of popular music across the decades.

In nearby Offenburg, we discovered how the Hansgrohe factory maintains a high-quality output, producing 22,000 showers and other products every day, and distributed worldwide via its state-of-the-art logistics centre. Here we also learned how the company’s environmental policy is put into practice, including sustainable production technologies that involve the re-use and recycling of materials. Offenburg also has its own solar tower, supplying the plant with clean energy.

Hansgrohe’s generosity extended to a midday meal in the fascinating Hotel Liberty, Offenburg, a member of Design Hotels. The name is paradoxically apt, as it was only recently converted from a prison into a hotel, with many of its original 19th century features retained in the redesign.