Astra Walker’s new showroom in Brisbane, designed by Richards & Spence, showcases the brand’s sophisticated tapware and minimalist showroom design.
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A Sanctuary for Tapware: Astra Walker’s Brisbane Showroom
Astra Walker, a renowned Australian tapware manufacturer, opened its first Queensland showroom in Brisbane’s vibrant James Street precinct, designed by local architects Richards & Spence. The 55sqm interior, the brand’s second standalone showroom, reflects Astra Walker’s minimalist design philosophy and showcases its sophisticated tapware collection. The showroom design, minimalist showroom design, showroom design concepts are evident in the space’s layout and materiality.
Showroom Design Concepts: A Deliberately Restrained Palette
The showroom’s design concept revolves around creating a calming and immersive environment where the tapware takes center stage. Richards & Spence employed a deliberately restrained palette of ecru tones, allowing the tapware’s design and craftsmanship to shine. The central island bench serves as a focal point, drawing visitors in and encouraging them to interact with the products and materials. This minimalist showroom design approach emphasizes the quality and aesthetics of the tapware. The space is designed to showcase minimalist showroom design concepts.
Materiality and Biophilic Qualities: Enhancing the Showroom Experience
Every material choice within the showroom contributes to the overall narrative and experience. The concrete render of the central island unit provides a textural contrast to the smoother finish of the two-pack cabinets, creating a balance between indulgence and minimalism. Adjustable spotlights from Iguzzini are strategically placed to highlight the tapware’s intricate details, while subtle landscaping outside the side window connects the interior with the natural world, emphasizing the biophilic qualities of Astra Walker’s products. The showroom design concepts incorporate both functionality and aesthetics.
Timeless Design and Immersive Brand Experience
Astra Walker’s brand director and co-founder, Andrew Shirtliff, emphasizes the importance of creating a space where clients can fully immerse themselves in the brand’s philosophy of timeless design, quality, and reliability. The showroom’s design facilitates this immersion by providing a tactile and visual experience, allowing clients to appreciate the craftsmanship and intricate details of the tapware firsthand. The minimalist showroom design approach enhances the focus on the products themselves.
The Architect’s Perspective: Creating a Clean and Focused Space
Architect Ingrid Richards explains that the showroom’s design aims to create a clean and focused environment that avoids overwhelming visitors while still maintaining a strong presence. The minimalist aesthetic allows clients to easily understand the design process and appreciate the tapware without distractions. “Anything that is not Astra Walker really sits back,” she says, highlighting the intentionality behind every design element in the showroom. The minimalist showroom design concepts are evident in the space’s layout and materiality.
Project Information:
Project Type: Showroom Design
Architect: Richards & Spence
Area: 55sqm
Project Year: 2020
Country: Australia
Photographer: Christopher Frederick Jones
