Our top 11 trade fair booths at BAU 2025 from an architect’s perspective
Over 2,230 exhibitors, hundreds of hall meters, countless impressions – BAU 2025 was a marathon for the eyes, feet, and conversations. Our team of eight spent a total of four days on-site, taking a closer look at the booths that particularly stood out to us from an architect’s perspective. Admittedly, it was impossible to see everything amidst this abundance, but some trade fair booths truly impressed us – with smart concepts, thoughtful designs, and a clear focus on the needs of planners.
Here are our favorites and the reasons why these booths stood out so positively:
Tarkett – The Beauty of Circularity
The booth’s theme was implemented consistently. Rolled linoleum flooring, standing like sketch paper in a quiver, and folded vinyl floor remnants, pierced and reminiscent of an art object, created clear, aesthetic accents. Tarkett showcased innovative solutions across 400 square meters, putting its circular flooring collections in the spotlight. Another highlight: the in-house take-back and recycling program ReStart®, designed to reduce harmful CO₂ emissions and save on disposal costs.
But even beyond the product-specific content, the booth impressed with its architecture. A pastel, inviting world of colors and materials was a delight for the senses, encouraging visitors to touch and explore.
Agrob Buchtal – Road to Net Zero
Agrob Buchtal relied on a simple yet effective concept: the curved pathways featuring the claim »Road to Net Zero« ran like a green thread – symbolically – through the booth with various stopping points. The tiles and products at the sample tables could be thoroughly tested and taken home. High-quality giveaways, such as sketchbooks and samples, left a lasting impression – as did the hospitality with coffee, beverages, and snacks.
The special highlight? The decision to forgo a dedicated floor covering in favor of the existing trade fair flooring underscored a consistent commitment to sustainability. This seamless connection to the exhibition hall not only created a sense of openness but also sent a clear message: resource conservation and circularity were truly embraced here. Additionally, all materials used in the booth will be repurposed afterward.
A little treat: we had the chance to admire the booth even before BAU, as we were tasked with the accompanying communications on LinkedIn, Instagram, and via email. The approach of »communicating sustainability without explicitly mentioning sustainability« worked perfectly.
Formani – Gallery of Fittings
Am I at a trade fair or in an art gallery? This was the thought sparked by Formani’s booth. The clear division – black on the left, white on the right – was reflected in every detail: from the picture frames to the seating areas, tables, and decorations. The respective designers were elegantly showcased above their fittings and handles, like artworks in a gallery.
The communicative centerpiece? A long, likewise divided table that invited visitors to work, relax, exchange ideas, and snack. This central spot was actively used and gave the booth a lively atmosphere – a calming space amidst the otherwise bustling environment of BAU.
Object Carpet – More Substance, less Show
A trade fair booth like this requires a good dose of courage. The expensive square meters are booked, the year’s highlight BAU is approaching – and Object Carpet? Opted for reduction. At first glance, the space appeared empty. But behind the booth, marked off with black tape, lay an invitation to the Munich showroom. Parallel to the trade fair, staff offered personal consultations and detailed insights into the products there.
Our conclusion: bold, clear – and unlike anything we’ve seen before. A concept that deserves a spot in our top 10 while also sending an important message: advocating for creative solutions and against the waste mountains generated by major trade fairs like BAU.
Häfele – Built Study »Dynamic Living«
When a single booth isn’t enough, Häfele simply books a second one. And it paid off. Under the name »Dynamic Living,« the adjacent booth showcased their product portfolio in a built case study. The question: How can we live in just 18 square meters? Live demonstrations of the adaptable tiny-living solution captured the attention of visitors. Passersby stopped in their tracks, drawn in by the dynamic concept and its impressive functionality.
And for those wanting to learn more, the main booth was just a short walk away. One thing is certain: showcasing the functionality of their products so practically in a real-life installation is hard to beat.
WIEHAG – reduction with structure
An approach we often recommend in strategy projects for building product manufacturers: let references speak for themselves. And that’s exactly what WIEHAG did. The booth, constructed from their own materials, impressed with simplicity and clean lines – showcasing only references. The load-bearing wooden structure framed large-scale projects and placed a clear focus on what truly matters: communication through completed construction projects.
What we particularly liked: the booth opened up to the trade fair audience like a torn corner. This not only made the wooden beam construction visible along the walkways but also highlighted the interior of the booth like a glowing treasure chest.
Stora Enso – Showcasing the Big within the Small
Stora Enso presented a trade fair booth that seamlessly combined architecture and materials. Their own products and systems were directly integrated into the booth’s architecture, creating an impressive display both inside and out. Fine details, such as showcasing the system through small architectural models, particularly attracted architects. The accompanying brochures and flyers also impressed with their high quality, both in terms of information and presentation.
Especially noteworthy? The booth was reused from BAU 2023 – with new exhibits, but in the same architecture. This came across as neither dull nor monotonous but rather emphasized brand recognition while reinforcing the company’s sustainable approach.
Lindner – A Statement in Red
With a clear focus on the »Future of Construction«, the Lindner Group presented an exhibition stand that highlighted the themes Circular. Collaborative. Digital. The booth, designed in vibrant red, radiated an impressive presence thanks to illuminated LED strips embedded in the upper area of the expanded metal, making it visible from afar. The consistent color scheme – from expanded metal to furniture, lighting, and flooring – lent the stand a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic.
By the way, the stand’s basic structure was not used for the first time: it was originally created in collaboration with the Danish textile flooring manufacturer ege carpets for ORGATEC 2024. This year at BAU, however, the focus was on circular products for flooring, walls, ceilings, and circular business models. And anyone looking to discuss career development and new opportunities was also in the right place with Lindner.
Orama – seemingly weightless
The exhibition stand by Orama Minimal Frames was a visual highlight at BAU. With a structure made of translucent panels and floating elements, Orama showcased how products can be presented in a seemingly weightless manner while reflecting the minimalist aesthetics of frameless window and door systems. The open and inviting design created a seamless flow between different areas and practically drew visitors into the stand through subtly illuminated surfaces.
The design was a tribute to reduction – with a special highlight: black tote bags as giveaways, cleverly integrated into the stand’s architecture. They appeared as a living part of the design, continuously transforming through the interactions of the visitors.
Westag – Opening Doors for Architects
Westag had already made it into our Best Case section of the practice guide with its booth at BAU 2023 just a few weeks ago. Now, it earns another spot on our »well done« list: once again this year, the exhibition stand impresses with its inviting architecture. Space-defining elements showcased the doors perfectly, while communicative intermediate zones created ample space for dialogue.
By the way, the entire stand will be repurposed as a permanent exhibition in the showroom at the company’s headquarters in Rheda-Wiedenbrück. In this case, well-intentioned becomes well-executed, as the materials, products, and exhibits are reused in a different location.
MODS – Understated Sophistication
The exhibition stand by mods impressed us at BAU with a minimalist design that revealed its full sophistication upon closer inspection. The cream-white exterior of the modular sanitary boxes contrasted with intricately crafted Portuguese tiles on the interior.
Every detail reflected the high design quality: carefully selected sanitary fixtures, custom-made furniture, and elegant, lab-like light boxes. The delicate metal framework symbolized the building structure, making the modular system instantly comprehensible. As a brand positioned in the high-end architectural sector, mods conveyed an attitude that particularly appealed to architects – subtle yet convincing.
From Top 11 to Top 14: Three Special Mentions
In addition to our Top 11, we would like to highlight three other exhibition stands that were not included in the list for good reason: OBO Bettermann and Etex, whose concepts we developed ourselves and therefore were not eligible for ranking, as well as Keil, which primarily targeted a different audience. All three demonstrate exciting approaches that showcase what makes a successful trade show presence: plenty of tactile experiences, minimal fuss, and ample space for interaction.
Clarity through material and space at Etex and OBO
- Both stand concepts focused deliberately on the essentials: the product. The Etex stand was primarily composed of stacked materials from its subsidiaries Equitone, Eternit, and Cedral, which were used to create tables and exhibits. Open, low-profile elements created an oasis within the crowded exhibition hall.
- OBO Bettermann, on the other hand, relied on a clear structure: the two »houses within the house« literally provided a roof overhead and showcased the new OBO Blackline.
Success factor: trade show staff
- Both companies have one thing in common: no matter how good the trade show is, without the right stand personnel, even the best presentation loses its impact. Training the teams is therefore absolutely essential. For OBO Bettermann, we even provided a last-minute training session shortly before the start of BAU to prepare the sales staff optimally for the target audience.
Craft meets design
- Last but not least: the exhibition stand by Keil impressed with its clear focus on tradespeople. Workbenches and well-thought-out details, perfectly tailored to the target audience, were implemented within an aesthetically pleasing design. The brand presentation was particularly striking: relaxed, clear, professional – while also showcasing a tangible passion for craftsmanship and ingenious detail solutions.
Conclusion: Target Audience in Focus
The clear focus on effective target audience communication was a defining theme of BAU 2025. Equally encouraging: sustainability was increasingly integrated as a natural element rather than appearing staged. Superficial »green claims« or greenwashing faded into the background, while credibility and transparency took center stage.
Even though not every stand was equally convincing, a shift in communication among many exhibitors was evident: moving away from standard solutions towards greater relevance for the planning world. For us, one thing is clear: BAU remains a destination worth visiting – and we are excited to see how the trade show landscape will evolve by 2027.
<div class="highlight_component"><div class="highlight_wrapper"><div id="w-node-_48230b57-d5df-0993-f322-d92683213314-4ea51e71" class="highlight_text-wrapper"><div class="roof">Print + PDF available</div><h3>Practical guide »Trade fair today – trade fair tomorrow«</h3><div class="spacer-xxsmall"></div><div class="highlight_text">Anyone who wants to deepen their experience from BAU or is already looking for inspiration for the next trade fair will find helpful ideas in our practical guide »Trade fair today – trade fair tomorrow«.</div><div class="spacer-xsmall"></div><div class="button-group"><a href="/praxisguide-messe" class="button is-icon w-inline-block"><div>Learn more</div><div class="icon-1x1-small w-embed"><svg aria-hidden="true" fill="currentColor" role="img" viewBox="0 0 20 21" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><title>Arrow Right</title><polygon points="16.172 9 10.101 2.929 11.515 1.515 20 10 19.293 10.707 11.515 18.485 10.101 17.071 16.172 11 0 11 0 9"></polygon></svg></div></a></div></div><img src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/635b9837ee8eff3b48c3f513/678039d080bd5aee8204756f_hej-guide_menu.webp" loading="lazy" id="w-node-_69696d98-9d75-497a-e8b6-d64e29db4c79-4ea51e71" sizes="(max-width: 479px) 83vw, (max-width: 767px) 79vw, (max-width: 991px) 42vw, 49vw" alt="Opened magazines on a blue background showcasing inspiring layouts, graphics, and texts for modern print and corporate publishing." srcset="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/635b9837ee8eff3b48c3f513/678039d080bd5aee8204756f_hej-guide_menu-p-500.webp 500w, https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/635b9837ee8eff3b48c3f513/678039d080bd5aee8204756f_hej-guide_menu.webp 750w" class="highlight_image"></div></div>
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