e studio sculpts stainless steel installations in higold's interstellar headquarters

Oct 30, 2024

E Studio takes over the interior design of Higold’s Interstellar Headquarters, a high-end brand in home hardware solutions. Occupying a 30,000-square-meter site in China, the headquarters includes a range of commercial spaces, from a grand lobby to refined showrooms, all rooted in a concept that mirrors a ‘Modern Art Museum,’ delivering a curated experience on the future of home living.

Anchoring the experience, E Studio’s design emphasizes seamless interactions within a dynamic open space. The slanting curtain wall gives the atrium an expansive, flowing form, replacing traditional spatial structures with sculpted stainless steel features that extend beyond conventional dimensions. The space, grounded in minimalist grey tones, evokes a connection to the vastness of the cosmos, reflecting both Higold’s focus on innovation and its reverence for structural clarity. Central to the design is a cantilevered staircase leading to a dedicated home hardware museum. More than a functional link, this staircase serves as a sculptural form, visually extending the vertical space. Its open structure evokes the design of an aircraft window, enhancing the feeling of transition and exploration. The staircase supports the museum concept, capturing the spirit of discovery as it links different spatial experiences.

all images by ZC Architectural Photography Studio

Within each exhibition zone, E Studio’s designers employ restrained materials like stainless steel, forming a quiet balance of texture and line that underscores Higold’s products. Sinks, cabinets, and islands are arranged in symmetrical formations, creating visual rhythm and inviting interaction. Symmetrical slopes add depth, while hardware elements are displayed as artifacts, each positioned to celebrate simplicity and utility. A standout in the wardrobe display, a triangular steel installation reflects the project’s exploration of folded forms and new spatial relationships, marking it as a sculptural focal point. Throughout, the design challenges traditional views of built structures, transforming hardware into art objects. In the central display area, circular installations and arcs of varying curvatures create paths that invite visitors to explore freely, while load-bearing columns are skillfully integrated into the aesthetic, merging seamlessly with functional features or standing out as refined design elements.

The result is a space that pairs minimalism with symbolic depth, using timeless materials and sculptural forms to foster reflection on the intersection of art, architecture, and functionality. Higold’s Interstellar Headquarters, with its cohesive design and emphasis on museum-like experiences, blends form, function, and futuristic vision.

project info:

name: Higold’s Interstellar Headquarters

architect: Pininfarina Architecture

interior design: E Studio

location: Shunde District, Foshan, Guangdong, China

area: 5,000 sqm

chief designers: Fan Junjian, Zhou Xuanzhuo

design team: Huang Chenxi, Liu Shuqi, Liu Ying, Zhang Jieying, Fang Guiyun, Huang Qiqi, Zhou Jing, Deng Changyi, Hao Xingyun, Guo Chao, Wu Leqing, Zhong Jinghong, Lai Hongfa

construction: Shunde Xingshi Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd.

main suppliers: BUMBLEBEE, TONG, CR CEMENT, SIMPLE, BAINENG, RISING, SZMOKE

client: Higold Group

photography: ZC Architectural Photography Studio

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom