A 3-dimensional corrugated ceiling feature brings a unique rhythm into an industrially-styled retail space for a collaboration between professional hair product provider Kerastase and fashion salon Flux. Designed by CJ STUDIO-ShiChieh Lu, the angular, undulating nature of the ceiling contrasts against the calmer, more conventional walls beneath.
Co-branding was a key strategy for the retail concept located in Taipei. The letters X and K, key to both companies, were extracted into a morphological variation with the angular, intersecting nature of the letters inspiring the space’s unique geometry.
Within the high ceiling, the angular corrugated metal boards reference the pattern of the ribbed vaults of Gothic churches. According to the designers, the linear texture of the corrugated board can be seen as a metaphor for well-treated hair, while the staggered arrangement of the boards references multi-layered hairstyles and textures. The more conventional finishing materials beneath the ceiling include plain terrazzo floors and white stucco walls, a smooth metal counter and shelving of stainless steel.
The inner atmosphere of the salon is made visible to those passing by. Spatially there are four key sections to the space. The front area accommodates Kerastase, and includes consultancy counter, meeting seats and display shelves. Then there is a rectangular space for the salon, along which 11 chairs with stations are arranged. Towards the end of the space there is a glass box where two rooms for scalp treatment and hair wash are located. On the side of the salon area, two VIP rooms are adjoined with an independent entry to increase service privacy.
Resonating with the tone of the space, furniture pieces are viewed as sculptural interventions and were carefully selected to accentuate the surroundings.
