Spacemen has designed the latest flagship for Braun Buffel, the first in a series of conceptual spaces entitled ‘Urban Bloom’. Conceived somewhere between a gallery and a laboratory, the brief called for a concept with the visual impact to draw people into the store with the intention to experiment with human interest taking precedence over design intention.
Eschewing the traditional concept of luxury in favor of a maximal minimalism approach, the centerpiece of the space is an abstract interpretation of a living tree sprouting from the floor through to the ceiling, like an experiment growing in a sci-fi lab. The moss-covered installation’s organic silhouette creates a calming contrast with the open plan layout of the store that aims to merge architecture with sculpture, giving a unique identity to the space.
Against a base of pale plaster walls which is used throughout the space, a composition of precious stones with onyx walls and counters takes center stage drawing focus to the displays and allowing the products to stand out to shoppers.
A pair of matching green jade marble-clad counters with glass vitrines display small leather goods at the front of the store. Its natural green grains provide a visual connection with the rest of the biophilic-themed space. Further in, orange onyx display counters add punchy accents to the store.
The serene green onyx feature wall which sits at the end of the store is accompanied by a display counter constructed entirely out of clear glass. Two bespoke pieces of furniture were designed for the waiting area for customers; a long curved bench fabricated out of the same green onyx and an oak armchair. Through artistry and nature, the elegant and futuristic aesthetic redefines the future of the brand’s in-store retail environment into an immersive, engaging, and compelling experience.
Architects: Spacemen
Lead Architect: Edward Tan
Design Team: Edward Chan, Raymond Tang, Phyllis Zhang, Kuma Ni, Alvin Zhou
Photographs: David Yeow Photography