Estúdio Chão has unveiled its design for Mariah Rovery’s debut jewelry store in São Paulo, Brazil. With a floor plan of just 20 meters squared, the studio has wrapped the interior of the shop with an envelope of ‘tubes’ that appear tonally similar from afar, but upon closer inspection prove to be texturally individual. In its preparation for the project Estúdio Chão undertook extensive research into the work of Mariah Rovery exploring the various elements, jewels and textures employed in her work.

“The contrast of textures, brightness and values are always a rich source of her art and work”, explain the studio, who were inspired by the artist’s use of relatively ordinary materials in conjunction with precious stones. The studio mimicked this style in their approach to the design, working with three tonally similar but texturally distinct materials: brass, wood and cardboard.

The main street facing window is obscured by a screen of floor-to-ceiling tubes, with the material of each alternating periodically. The central concept was to create a homogenous palette of textures where, from a distance, the viewer would perceive a warm and welcoming ambience. As soon as the store is approached, the materials reveal themselves as a contrasting collection of textures, properties and sensibilities.

The effect is continued throughout the store, interrupted only by recessed glass display cases. The design raises the question of “worth” with regards to different materialities. Three distinct textures, when combined, are shown to be equally as appealing aesthetically — but some lose value or appeal when perceived in a different context.

Design: Estúdio Chao
Photography: Graziella Widman