The curved walls and imported mosaic tiling features of Versace's concept store in Sydney CBD must have proved a success, as it has been nominated for a prestigious award.
The Westfield-based shop, which houses men and women’s fashion, homewares and accessories, is only the second concept store to be rolled out worldwide for the brand.
Significant features include a curving wall system and a curved cashier counter clad in yellow onyx is moulded into the rear curved wall of the store.
The 180m2 store fit out was undertaken by the Sidgreaves company and spokesman Lyndon Hawkins, says they are thrilled the shop has been nominated for an award with the Australian Shop and Office Fitting Industry Association (ASOFIA).
“The boutique is elegant and contemporary in style, featuring a minimal colour and material pallet which surrounds an Italian handcrafted marble mosaic inspired by the Basilica of Saint Praxedes,” Hawkins explained. “The store appears to have been carved out from a single mass, and while highly sculptural and dynamic, the restrained pallet provides a blank canvas upon which merchandise can be uniquely displayed.”
The ASOFIA awards program will determine the very best projects completed within Australia over the past 18 months and all entries will be inspected and judged by two highly regarded shop fitters, as well as being rated by the client.
The actual Versace concept store design was undertaken by London-based Jamie Fobert Architects and local design, architecture and documentation was carried out by Sydney-based Crone Partners.
Hawkins says ancient looking mosaic stone pattern was flown in from Italy for part of the flooring and a custom-made 40mm thick curved acrylic suspended feature was installed above this.
“The suspended display is comprised of brass hang rails where produce can be displayed, as well as frosted acrylic shelves where mannequins can be elevated off the floor level,” Hawkins added.
The changing rooms have curved sliding doors, feature brass handles and hang rail, the main flooring used was treated Saddlerstone concrete tiles and Flos modern light fittings were used from Euroluce.
Hawkins says the walls, bulkheads and plinths are of varying radii and are constructed from a plywood base frame system that has two layers of bending plywood applied to it.
All walls were then set with a plastic bond to create a flowing system with no joins, before receiving coats of Granosite and paint.
Instead of featuring lots of stock on the shop floor, single items are displayed, such as one pair of shoes next to one bag – keeping in-line with the store's minimalistic approach.
Hawkins says that due to the many differing curves, the set out process was 'enormous' and very time consuming.
Inconsistencies in the air conditioning system that was above the ceiling caused delays at the start of the project, meaning that the ceiling height had to be altered and additional bulkheads added.
The ASOFIA award winners will be announced at a conference in Fiji at the end of April.
