Louis Vuitton Shanghai HKRI Taikoo Hui

Louis Vuitton’s iconic ship – known as ‘The Louis’ – is an extraordinary architectural landmark that turns luxury retail into a cultural experience.

Located in a bustling shopping area, the colossal sculptural ship-shaped structure rises to a height of nearly 100 feet. The multi-level store takes customers through a ‘trunkscape’ archway on an experiential journey inspired by travel and the brand’s heritage, as well as offering elegant retail spaces and a luxurious cafe.

Brand: Permasteelisa Gartner Retail

Client: Louis Vuitton

The project

The concept

Aesthetically, the design of The Louis is deeply rooted in Louis Vuitton’s origins as a trunk maker for ocean voyages, with the ship’s form referencing this legacy and Shanghai’s rich maritime history. The main body of the ship is wrapped in a metallic monogram, with the upper levels designed to look like Louis Vuitton trunks, stacked in different sizes. To reinforce the impression of a real ship, the ‘deck’ is made from wood.

What did we do?

We designed, engineered, supplied and installed the façade for The Louis, including the elevation and top roof. The façade was designed to be lightweight and easy to install. We drew on our specialist materials knowledge to supplement anodised and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) cladding with GFRP (glass fiber reinforced polymer), which is particularly light and strong. To ensure maximum impact at night, we provided the ship’s stunning lighting system.

The project is a great example of fast-track façade installation, with two teams working around the clock to get the job done.