By Imagine Architecture
Project Description:
After viewing and investigating numerous properties with the client the tenancy at 9 Arko Place was selected. The building is located at the end of a cul-de-sac just off a main road. The building is part of a larger complex and is surrounded by a variety of commercial, industrial & retail structures. The 71m2 space was a typical drab office with standard surface mounted fluorescent lights, cable trunking everywhere and the dreariest vertical blinds. Positives for the space were its location, abundant car parking and simple structural make-up.
The concept mooted is that this salon is a destination rather than another shop among many. The owner is a multi-award winning hair stylist with a vision to create a place where her clients can escape the world and receive superior level service in a relaxing, sophisticated environment. The new salon needed to be a great place for the customers to be and a rewarding environment to Vee team to work. To achieve this major overhaul of the spaces and décor was required whilst at the same time successfully adhering to a tight budget and timeframe.
In addition to the design and décor the commission also involved working closely with the owner to develop the logo and branding. This allowed the opportunity to fully connect the design with the brand and have all aspects of the business respond to each other harmoniously rather than one dictating to the other.
Design Features and Creative Solution:
The plan solution revolves around the relationship of spaces to each other. The salon had to function just as well on quieter days as it would at hectic capacity. The cutting & styling stations were placed back to back in the middle of the room and then angled to optimise the actual working space for each stylist whilst allowing the chosen stations to be on display in their own right. The shampoo stations are positioned discreetly which also worked well with the existing plumbing arrangements.
The key planning idea was to deconstruct the hallway by punching view shafts through the wall via a combination of walk-through openings and look-through shelving. This departure from the traditional hallway configuration achieved a number of desired outcomes such as greater sense of space, excellent transition between zones and importantly the ability to monitor the operation of the salon anywhere in the building whilst still maintaining clarity and order. The site lines through these openings were carefully considered to achieve the desired result.
Developing the Vee brand using a black, gold & cream theme was enabled predominantly using paint and wallpaper. The black striped wallpaper was an excellent foil for the wall logo and custom designed lacquered MDF shelves. The cream walls create the calmness and the gold timber trim the bling. The hard wearing vinyl plank flooring bridges the black tone whilst providing a near bulletproof functional surface. Other key design elements included the energy efficient LED lighting, reception counter and waiting furniture.
Colours & Materials:
Wall & Ceiling paint: Resene Quarter Solitaire Y94 014 081
Accent trim paint: Resene Metallics – Gold Dust M69 066 078
Wallpaper: Resene Simply Silks II NS24916
Flooring: Karndean Opus – WP308 Carbo Wood