German architecture firm HENN, in collaboration with LRO GmbH & Co. KG Freie Architekten BDA, has completed a striking new office space for Bestsecret, an online members-only luxury fashion platform, in the heart of Munich, Germany. The 3,100 square meter workspace, completed in 2024, accommodates approximately 125 employees and serves as a physical manifestation of the company's digital brand identity.
Located on the newly developed iCampus at Munich's Ostbahnhof, the office occupies a seven-story building designed by architectural firm LRO Lederer Ragnarsdóttir Oei. Positioned at the site's northernmost end and facing the city center, the building offers panoramic views across the Werksviertel district and extends all the way to the Alps on the horizon. This strategic positioning creates an urban axis that maximizes the visual connection to Munich's evolving cityscape.
The interior design philosophy directly translates Bestsecret's brand aesthetic into a tangible workspace environment. Known for its reduced and timeless approach to showcasing upscale fashion brands in the digital space, the company's identity has been carefully interpreted through the selection of colors, materials, and furnishings. The design team employed warm gray wall tones that work harmoniously with exposed concrete ceilings and light gray seamless flooring to create a neutral backdrop that mirrors the digital brand's clean aesthetic.
The project team included key architects Katrin Jacobs, Yvonne Koll, Martin Henn, Alexandra Berger, Christiane Reichenbach, and Kathrin Stamm, with interior design contributions from BES Brunold Holz und Design Manufaktur and designfunktion. The space features products from renowned manufacturers including Reggiani, Zeitraum, Artek, B&B Italia, Carl Hansen, FLOS, HAY, Kvadrat, and Thonet, among others.
Reflective and mirrored surfaces throughout the office expand the space visually, while generously applied textile materials establish a clear reference to the fashion industry that Bestsecret serves. The interior design creates compelling contrasts through the juxtaposition of different textures and shapes – cool mirror surfaces versus warm wood elements, and sturdy metal components versus gentle, flexible textiles. This approach lends a clear and coherent appearance to the workspace while maintaining visual interest.
The design successfully balances industrial appeal with homely comfort through the strategic use of raw surfaces such as architectural concrete and galvanized metal, which create an intriguing contrast with custom-made wooden furniture. This bespoke furniture extends along the outer walls and incorporates integrated small benches and shelves, maximizing functionality while maintaining the space's aesthetic integrity.
Each floor of the building serves different functions while maintaining a unified design principle centered on transparency and openness. Glazed walls create a continuous sense of space throughout each level while allowing for panoramic views from the building's center. The ground floor houses a deliberately visible boardroom facing the city center, while the opposite side features a lounge kitchen with a large community table that serves as a meeting place for employees from all floors.
The upper levels are thoughtfully organized into distinct zones that cater to different work styles and requirements. These include communicative co-working spaces designed for collaboration and contemplative think-tank rooms intended for focused individual work. Floor-to-ceiling curtains provide flexible zoning options, allowing for even more granular space division as needed. The arrangement of these areas follows a deliberate design strategy: the more open collaborative zones face the vibrant city center, while rooms designed for concentrated work are positioned on the quieter side of the building.
The Bestsecret office represents a successful translation of a digital brand's identity into a physical workspace environment. HENN Interior has created a space that not only embodies the company's luxury fashion platform identity but also provides an inspiring and functional atmosphere for both employees and visitors. The project demonstrates how contemporary office design can reflect brand values while prioritizing user experience and operational efficiency in Munich's evolving business landscape.
