Insights

CHRIS sports AG

Light as part of the brand world at the new headquarters

29.10.2026

Sport, movement and strong brands have shaped the world of CHRIS sports for decades. As one of the leading Swiss suppliers in the bike and sports retail trade, the company sells numerous international brands. With the new build of the headquarters in Eschlikon, logistics, sales and consulting were brought together under one roof for the first time. The result is a modern corporate headquarters that promotes collaboration and personal encounters and brings the CHRIS sports brand world to life for employees, customers and partners. The lighting concept developed by TRILUX Switzerland meets the diverse requirements, showcases the architecture effectively and underlines the brand identity of CHRIS sports.

A lighting scheme for the whole building.

Light played an important role from the outset. The first contact with TRILUX Schweiz arose during the sampling of the Bicult workplace luminaires for the new office spaces. The quality of the light and the advice convinced those responsible, so TRILUX Schweiz was ultimately entrusted with the lighting design for the entire building. Together with the client, the architectural firm W+P Weber and Partner AG and the electrical planning firm Kohler AG, a holistic lighting concept was developed. Close collaboration among all parties was particularly important to align the design wishes, technical requirements and the workflows of the various trades. The exposed concrete ceilings, for example, did not allow conventional recessed solutions everywhere. Integrating the lighting into the building automation also required precise planning.

Optimal conditions for logistics

In the expansive warehouse and logistics areas, good visibility and even lighting are essential for safe and efficient operations. At the same time, the lighting should contribute to a pleasant working environment for staff.

With the TRILUX E-Line linear lighting system, a solution was implemented that combines high light quality with energy efficiency and is ideally suited to large-scale logistics areas. In the final evaluation the E‑Line prevailed over a competitor’s solution — particularly because of its higher efficiency. Michel Fontana, former COO of CHRIS sports, confirms the result: "In the logistical area we are very satisfied with the technical lighting possibilities. Our employees feel comfortable, i.e. not dazzled, and it is still very well lit."

Workplaces with personalised lighting

In the office areas, visual comfort, focused work and a pleasant ambience were the priority. At the same time, the lighting was intended to harmonise with the modern architecture and support a variety of workplace situations. Finea and Sonnos luminaires provide the general lighting and create a calm, even lighting effect in the room. They are complemented by the Bicult task lights.

Brands and products staged to great effect.

In the showroom, light primarily takes on a staging role. The brands and products distributed by CHRIS sports are intended to come into their own here and be experienced by customers and partners. At the same time, the lighting creates the right atmosphere for a range of occasions – from one-to-one customer meetings to larger events.

In the reception area too, the lighting plays a key role in the perception of the space and gives the head office a distinctive character. The exposed concrete ceilings were to be preserved as a defining element of the architecture, but did not allow conventional recessed solutions everywhere. With Monolicht’s Cycle ring luminaires and the integrated gear tray, the lighting could be technically integrated precisely into the architecture without impairing its effect.

A particular eye-catcher is the large ring light above the staircase in the showroom. The bespoke solution introduced by the client echoes the design language of the lighting scheme and itself becomes a distinctive design element.

The company's history translated into light.

The interplay of architecture, light and corporate history is particularly striking in the staircase in the entrance area. Its distinctive, cylindrical shape evokes a wheel in motion and thus alludes to CHRIS sports’ roots in cycling. TRILUX Switzerland picked up this idea in the lighting design and developed its own proposal to emphasise the dynamism of the architecture. The lighting reveals the room’s special form and supports the design concept. In this way the staircase tells part of the company’s history and creates an emotional connection to the brand. The idea convinced both the client and the planning team and became an integral part of the overall concept.

Lighting as an important success factor

The lighting requirements were as varied as the building's uses. The new headquarters in Eschlikon shows what an early, holistic lighting design can achieve.

Michel Fontana talks in the video about his experiences from the joint project.

Editors

Ann-Christin Blum

Online-Marketing
TRILUX

CHRIS sports AG

Light as part of the brand world at the new headquarters