Aguavida Hair and Beauty is located on Church Road, the busy commercial axis in Brighton & Hove, this space was originally a clothing store that we converted into a hair salon with health and beauty treatment rooms. An example of coordination and planning ability that allowed us to manage and build the project, with a certain degree of complexity despite the geographic distance between our office in Portugal and the United Kingdom.

The geometry of the space had a proportion of a relatively narrow glazed front extending deeply into the interior of the building. We used this proportion by creating lines that accentuated this perception of depth in a way that the space could be clearly understood by people passing by. We also had the idea of using only a few materials throughout the space that would contrast in colour and texture.

When construction began and the demolition of the existing space was complete, we discovered an original brick wall that is common in the Victorian era and that fitted perfectly into our concept. We chose to clean and polish the wall and make it an integral part of our design. The brick wall functions as a textural surface that contrasts with the smoothness of the full-height mirrors that interconnect with the ceiling. This creates a textural visual rhythm and an alternating depth of the visual field.

For the reception we used also used two contrasting materials – coloured glass and small mosaics incorporated in the main body that accentuated the depth of the space. Towards the rear of the space, we placed the quiet and more relaxed treatment areas; a pedicure room and two private spa rooms.

This project was a success and became the cornerstone that led us to open an office in Brighton. We particularly enjoyed converting a dilapidated space into a new benchmark in the Brighton area.