Masons Retail Interior, Melbourne Commercial Development, Victoria Building Project Images
Masons Retail Interior in Melbourne
Kornblum & CO. warehouse Commercial Development in Finders Lane design by Cox Architecture, Australian
28 Mar 2018
Masons Retail Interior, Melbourne
Design: Cox Architecture
Location: Kornblum & CO. warehouse on Finders Lane, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Masons Retail Interior
Housed in the heritage listed Kornblum & CO. warehouse on Finders Lane in Melbourne, the ground level store nods to the areas’ rag trade history through the use of industrial materials such as dark timber, stone and gunmetal steel.
The client required a careful mapping of the store to display their diverse collections, with the added ability to rearrange the space both seasonally and as high-end labels take up short residencies.
To meet this need, Cox Architecture conceptualised an open plan store space for streetwear and casual collections, with visual links leading customers through to a premium suiting and tailoring room defined by softer acoustics, and brighter lighting.
In response to the clients’ brief to create defined movement or flow through various sections of the boutique, Cox Architecture contrasted flooring materials such as black stained American Oak, light Italian marble, and thick carpeting to both map a journey though the store and to celebrate the collections on offer. The variations in flooring are complimented by highly detailed joinery, garment racks and displays that partner together to define ‘neighbourhoods’ of wares, ensuring the clientele have a distinctly exploratory experience.
Lighting also plays a significant role in delineating these neighbourhoods, with recessed strips integrated into ceilings and shelving, highlighting the internal ‘streets’ or pathways around displays. Full height mirrors are used to double the illumination where opaque windows fall short in lighting the store.
Central to the stores’ versatility and openness are gunmetal steel displays suspended from the ceiling. These garment racks are fundamental to the store’s design, connecting the wares to the steel structural columns of the heritage building. The racks are a slim but strong element ensuring modularity and open views through the centre of the retailer.
Distinguishing the retailers’ offering was essential to the execution of the project. Focused on modern, luxury menswear and exceptional tailoring, Cox Architecture selected a cool, masculine colour palette featuring tactile materials to heighten the senses and ensure a memorable experience.
Marble features heavily throughout the space under foot, as wall tiling, as the store counter and in side tables set at seating areas. The material was selected for its’ smooth, cool feel and visual impact, which contrasts nicely against blackened oak parquetry and thick blue carpets of the tailor’s room.
Walnut display cabinetry and shelving edged with brass detailing balances the cool monochromatic tones of the marble, steel and stained oak, adding an element of warmth to the interiors. Velvet and full grain leather furnishings round out the cool palette with their soft tactility, providing space to sit and experience the considered design of the store and its collections.
The interior consideration applied to Mason’s has resulted in a highly experiential space that marries design and fashion to reflect the store’s value for modern luxury.
Masons Retail Interior – Building Information
Project size: 430 sqm
Completion date: 2017
Building levels: 1
Design: Cox Architecture
Photography: Peter Clarke
Masons Retail Interior in Melbourne images / information from Cox Architecture
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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