For over 100 years, Weleda has stood for holistic natural cosmetics and anthroposophic medicines, guided by a clear commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. With the Cradle Campus, the company aims to redefine its logistics as an integral part of a sustainable, resource-efficient infrastructure.
The new building designed by Michelgroup reflects Weleda’s long-term sustainability strategy. The campus is considered a flagship project for circular construction and has already received multiple awards, including the polis AWARD 2024 in the “Ecological Reality” category and the Lehmbau Innovation Prize from the State of Baden-Württemberg. This is proof of its relevance beyond the industry.
The Cradle Campus relies exclusively on renewable and recycled materials with a positive ecological footprint. The goal was to minimize energy consumption, for example through roof surfaces designed to generate renewable energy. The construction, choice of materials, and building services are consistently geared toward resource conservation and longevity. Measuring 82 × 38 meters, the central warehouse is the largest contiguous rammed earth structure in Germany and demonstrates how effective natural materials can be on an industrial scale.
“The decision to choose Lightnet was based on design, functional, and sustainability considerations—and because the partner’s values align with ours,” says Daniela Trah, Head of Logistic Projects and Site Management at Weleda.
The interiors reflect the campus’s sustainable values. Through the use of plenty of wood, muted colors, and clear proportions, employees experience a calm, almost home-like work environment that tangibly caters to their needs. Lightnet luminaires were installed throughout the interior design: In the entrance area, light lines from the Liquid Line series follow the ceiling structure, while luminaires from the Basic series illuminate meeting zones, lounge areas, and hallways. With their circular, minimalist form, they highlight the spaces characterized by wood, textiles, and exposed concrete. Through their even, glare-free light distribution, they stabilize the ambient brightness, support focused work, and blend so naturally into the architecture that they are perceived less as luminaires and more as part of the space itself.
