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Frenchologie Store

BAT Studio, London, 2013

 

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Inside the store the raffia ceiling and broom handle table legs grow like stalactite and stalagmites 

Andy Matthews (website)     Download Original

  • Inside the store the raffia ceiling and broom handle table legs grow like stalactite and stalagmites    
  • The broom handles rise through the shelves to meet the hanging raffia     
  • The clothes rails use the same palette of materials as the tables, with broom handles for rails    
  • A forest of broom handle table legs    
  • Lights hang down from the ceiling to illuminate the products on display    
  • A tangled series of linear shadows are cast onto the surrounding walls    
  • A unique retail environment     
  • 10km of raffia hangs from above    
  • Enticing views into the store from the street    
  • Plan    
  • Section    
  • Exploded axonometric    
  • Exploded Furniture Axonometric    
  • Furniture Axonometric    
  • Detail of Jewellery Case    

Design and fit-out of a pop up retail store to stand out amongst the varied and visually rich retail environment of Covent Garden

The concept uses everyday, mass-produced, low-cost materials not usually associated with architecture. The result is a rich, highly textured space featuring a paper raffia ceiling and a forest of broomsticks.

The ceiling treatment, made up of 10km of hanging, fire treated, paper raffia - enough to stretch the length of the Eiffel Tower 29 times - is the most eye-catching feature of the design. A tangled series of linear shadows are cast onto the surrounding walls by lights hanging down through the stalactite-esque ceiling, which also illuminate products for sale. Bags and smaller accessories hang from the ceiling, amongst the dense raffia, adding to the effect.

On the floor, a forest of 374 legs - made from humble broom handles - supports tables and shelves adding to the unique product display. The clothes rails continue in the same palette of materials, connecting to the existing balustrade the design again uses broomsticks, to create double rails spanning between grey Valchromat sheet material.

The design and innovative application of materials combine to create a visually arresting interior that delivers a truly unique retail experience.

The shop is open until 10th January 2014.

Data

  • Begun: Nov 2013
  • Completed: Nov 2013
  • Floor area: 41m2
  • Sector: Retail
  • Total cost: £2,373
  • Address: 38 Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9LH, United Kingdom

Professional Team