YU² SPACE’s second dessert store in Changsha embraces natural materials and minimalist design to create a relaxing, immersive retail experience.
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Embracing Nature in a Trendy District
YU² SPACE’s second store is situated in a bustling commercial district of Changsha, a stark contrast to the location of their first store. The design team at Cerat prioritized establishing a connection between nature and the urban environment. This approach aimed to highlight the brand’s identity and offer customers a unique experience within the fast-paced city life. Notably, the store’s location within an old house posed a unique design challenge and opportunity, allowing the team to seamlessly integrate the building’s existing charm with the new design elements.
Dialogue of Natural Materials and Minimalist Design
The design concept revolves around the theme of “transmitting nature as a way of life.” Natural materials like sandstone and wood feature prominently throughout the space. The sandstone’s rough texture adds a touch of primitive wilderness, particularly noticeable in the exterior staircase leading to the second floor. The deliberate use of aged wood for flooring, display stands, and furniture further enhances the natural aesthetic, creating a sense of warmth and authenticity. Exposed ceiling beams contribute to the minimalist design, preserving the building’s original character while adding a sense of history and texture.
Creating a Relaxing and Immersive Retail Experience
The store layout is carefully planned to offer a seamless flow and encourage exploration. The expanded doorway invites natural light and enhances the fluidity of movement throughout the space. White fabric draped from the ceiling and island counter creates an illusion of layers reminiscent of traditional Eastern aesthetics. This fabric installation not only adds visual interest but also softens the space, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. The absence of dominant overhead lighting contributes to a sense of intimacy and spaciousness, allowing the natural materials and carefully curated products to take center stage.
Functionality and Aesthetics in Harmony
Custom-designed elements blend seamlessly with the store’s overall aesthetic. A wooden frame structure with rice paper above the order counter cleverly conceals track lighting. A unique umbrella stand crafted from iron plates and hollowed sandstone showcases the designer’s attention to detail and commitment to functional aesthetics. These handcrafted elements transform everyday objects into artistic expressions, enriching the customer experience and reinforcing the brand’s connection to nature.
A ‘Life Turn’ Towards Nature
YU² SPACE aims to provide a sanctuary for customers to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. The store’s design facilitates a transition from the frenetic city to a tranquil, natural environment. This ‘life turn’ is central to the brand’s identity, offering a space for customers to savor the simple pleasures of life, such as enjoying a dessert, coffee, or browsing through curated homeware items. The design’s emphasis on natural materials and minimalist aesthetics creates a welcoming and restorative atmosphere, encouraging customers to slow down and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.
Project Information:
Architects: Cerat
Area: 1500 ft²
Project Year: 2021
Project Location: Changsha, China
Photographs: 24designclub
Category:Interior Design
Children Category:Commercial Space Interiors Design
Main Materials: Sandstone, Wood, Fabric, Art Paint, Glass Fiber
Project Type: Dessert Store, Retail
