Located in Melbourne, the small asymmetrical existing retail shell presented plenty of design opportunities and challenges.

The design intent was to create a powerful immersive experience demonstrating the timeless quality, textural beauty and versatility of the client’s products.

This was achieved by placing new symmetrical, rational, well-proportioned organising volumes within the existing retail shell and applying the client’s own finishes to the entirety of the new internal surfaces including walls, floors, ceilings, and custom made fixtures, fittings and furniture.

At the heart of the composition lies a new 'grand salon' as a single organising device for the space. This centrally located room is approached through four symmetrical portals providing access to secondary spaces such as display alcoves, storage, consulting areas, and services.

The new cruciform plan arrangement is a gesture to timeless architecture, generating a sense of order and calm and an invitation to explore and discover the space.

Both artificial and natural light is thoughtfully controlled to create dynamic shadows and highlight the texture and depth of the materials.

The design creates a calming gallery-like atmosphere that is both monastic in the simplicity of its form and indulgent in the total application of beautiful surface finishes applied luxuriantly throughout the space.

While intimate in scale, this project demonstrates how the arrangement of new geometry and the thoughtful application of quality materials can elevate a simple space to become monumental.

Architecture & Design: Can you describe the initial vision for this project and how it evolved over time?

Martin Rubenstein: We had already worked with Kastex on several projects so we had a pretty good understanding of their products and, through working together, we developed a mutual respect and admiration. When they approached us with an idea to develop their showroom we were very excited about the possibilities.

Our initial thoughts were; this was not going to be a typical showroom where you might find a few dusty samples on a table or propped up against a wall. We wanted to design a complete space where the products were integral to the design - an immersive, sensory space that really conveyed the qualities of the products and most importantly, demonstrated how they could be used on a 1:1 scale.

How did you ensure that the project met the client’s needs and expectations?

The client had great products and they needed help to demonstrate and communicate them in a new space. Our vision was to use the entire space to do this by creating an ambitious, immersive design more akin to a gallery than a showroom. Hopefully the design not only fulfilled but exceeded their initial expectations.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during the design and construction phases, and how did you overcome them?

We had no control over the selection of the retail space so we really had to come up with a way to overcome some of the less than ideal geometry of the existing layout and demise walls. We overcame this by designing a new orthogonal room or 'grand salon' at the center of the space which we thought would bring a calm order and better represent the clean simplicity and timelessness of the clients products.

Were there any unique or innovative techniques or materials used in this project?

The construction is really basic, just plasterboard and timber framing, but entire surfaces are covered in the client's own products applied by tradespeople trained in their application so the entire space including walls, ceilings, floors, furniture and lighting are finished in a wide variety textured plaster surfaces.

How does this project fit into your broader portfolio and design philosophy?

Its a relatively small project but it's ambition is large. With a few moves it demonstrates how simple well organised space coupled with thoughtful materiality can be interesting and enriching. Maybe that's what we ultimately aspire to achieve.

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