HeidelbergCement

Concrete Wonders

Translucent Concrete

Berlin

Designer: HeidelbergCement

The Berlin branch of the British clothing boutique Benchshop, in the trendy Hackesche Höfe, features dressing rooms of translucent concrete. Hungarian architect Áron Losonczi created the first such concrete in 2004 using optical fibers. German concrete maker HeidelbergCement launched its version, Luccon, in 2006, which has since been used to construct staircases, furniture, and even showers. The walls of the Benchshop changing room are less than 2 in. thick. Body-conscious shoppers may need to take a few deep breaths before trying anything on.