Ariostea slabs define the spaces of the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich

Located next to the Lindt & Sprüngli headquarters and the historic production facilities from 1899, Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich welcomes visitors with an immersive journey that narrates its history, production process, and cultural significance. As a Swiss chocolate museum open to the public and a research center, it combines sensory experience and knowledge-sharing, offering a fascinating journey through tradition and innovation.

Designed by Swiss architecture firm Christ & Gantenbein, the building stands out for its minimalist language that echoes the geometric forms of the production facilities. A concave, cut-out section defines the main entrance and creates a public square, emphasizing the dialogue between architecture and its surroundings. Inside, the heart of the project is the monumental atrium—an imposing space measuring 64 meters in length, 15 meters in height, and 13 meters in width—where mushroom-shaped concrete columns, cascading walkways, and generously sized spiral staircases intertwine. Through the synergy of cutting-edge design and meticulous attention to construction details, the structural elements blend seamlessly with elevators, ramps, and terraces, creating a fluid and dynamic environment. Dominated by a spectacular 9-meter-high chocolate fountain, the hall introduces visitors to the museum experience. The three-level building features an interactive and engaging exhibition on the first floor, while the third floor is dedicated to offices, meeting rooms, and a chocolaterie offering workshops and events.

Within this architectural context, Ariostea was selected to supply the ceramic materials, playing a key role in shaping the interior spaces. For the construction of Lindt Home of Chocolate, 3,000 sqm of Statuario Altissimo Silk slabs in the 300x150 cm format were provided and subsequently cut to size. Of these,2,168 sqm were used for flooring, while an additional 832 sqm clad the staircase area. The installation followed a running pattern, utilizing 300 cm-long slabs in formats of 300x90, 300x75, and 300x60 cm, arranged in succession to create a seamless, harmonious effect. Evoking one of the most precious marbles in the Italian tradition, Statuario Altissimo surfaces express a classic elegance reinterpreted in a contemporary key, thanks to their pure white background and bold gray veining, which add depth to the spaces.

Ariostea’s technical ceramics offer high-performance properties, combining resistance to wear and impact with refined aesthetics, making them ideal for prestigious, high-traffic environments such as Lindt Home of Chocolate. Their impermeability ensures hygiene and easy cleaning—essential requirements for the well-being of visitors. Moreover, their durability preserves the aesthetic and functional integrity of the surfaces over time, providing a reliable and long-lasting solution.