A biscuit factory between design and craftsmanship, with Hi-Macs in the foreground

In collaboration with the interior design studio Kletz, the famous brand Aerts Speculaas has renovated its store in Lokeren, Belgium. The end result is a bright space with an air of the Mediterranean that preserves the original essence of this family business, which has existed since 1913.

“Nobody said that modernity was incompatible with tradition”, was the motto of Aerts Speculaas, and the designers of Kletz Studio took up the challenge of undertaking a metamorphosis that would preserve the history and identity of the company.

The interior designers responsible for all aspects of the project, from initial design to final delivery, focused on "demonstrating the power of combining attractive design with appropriate materials, to achieve a space both modern and traditional. This tribute to the heritage of the house and its culture is reflected in the luminous counter, built in HIMACS, which takes the form of a Belgian speculoos, a biscuit traditionally served at Christmas.

To magnify the luminosity and space, Kletz used HIMACS Alpine White, whose elegance and purity give the counter the place it deserves. “The design of the counter is characterized by rounded corners and perfectly smooth walls, and the use of HIMACS acrylic stone contributes to creating a soft and soothing atmosphere,” explain the designers.

During the refurbishment, the priority was to ensure that the central showcase would showcase the products of Aerts Speculaas, while ensuring hygiene in the surrounding area, qualities for which HIMACS is the ideal solution, thanks to its uniform surface. , non-porous and resistant to dirt, germs and scratches.

The designers wanted to reinforce the feeling of space and draw attention to the products, in order to appeal to consumers: the minimalism of the store and the extensive use of white color counterbalance the industrial-style shelves, in a perfect mix between classic and contemporary.

This combination, between commercial strategy and design, extends to the shelf around the counter, designed in Sky Blue, from the HIMACS Solids collection, whose fluid shape perfectly matches the shape of the counter. This feature is convenient for customers while ensuring hygiene and aesthetics, durable and easy to maintain

Furthermore, the use of this azure hue contributes to the original aim of coordinating a modern, Mediterranean style with the traditional and colorful character of the floor tiles, reminiscent of the early days of the family business.

Aerts Speculaas has been present in Belgium since 1913. The company started as a family bakery in Sombeke, in the Flemish part of the country. Gradually, the company specialized in the small-scale production of speculoos, a traditional Christmas cookie, which has since become its flagship product.