The objective of this project is to create an high efficiency functional salon with the given area restriction, but yet with a classy, comfortable luxury ambience utilizing the natural lighting from the full glazed façade on its long side.
The functional zones are catergorized as below :-
1, Hair Styling Zone (Cutting Area)
2, Hair Treatment Zone (Shampoo Area)
3, Spa Beauty Zone (Beauty Room)
4, Supporting Zone (Reception Office Room/ Preparation Room)
The entire floor is subdivided according to the above 4 zones. After understanding of the operation and interrelation of each zones. The “Supporting Zone” is located at the centre with the other zones revolving around to facilitate the functional efficiency.
The “Hair Styling Zone” is located along the glazed facade to utilize the natural lighting and open view. In sunny days, the artificial light fixtures are barely in operation due to the orientation of the cutting chairs to the glazed facade.
The windows are skinned with bronze curtain with potted plants outside at the balcony. These 2 additional layers act as a diffusing screen to the view over the chaotic skyline in Central.
The feature free-standing mirrors are framed with tailor-made bronze metal with matching color to the curtain. With the morable wings, feasibility in the spatial arrangement in these zones is achieved.
This zone is further subdivided into 3 areas based on the existing structural grid.
Cabinets for clothes storage and hair treatment machines storage are wisely situated at these pillars to serve as spatial dividers as well.
The other functional areas are planned at the opposite side of the “Hair Styling Zone” which is connected by the “Main Circulation Spine”. The spine is finished with different flooring material – carpet with open ceiling lit by indirect light to visually demarcate its difference in function. The spine wall is decorated by hand drawn graphics with contrasting accent colour to the base colour spectrum applied in the rest of the salon to act as the main feature.
The “Hair Treatment Zone” is spatially separated from the spine by a full height cabinet with a punch hole. The punch hole serves both in aesthetic and function aspects. Due to the relatively tight space allowed in this zone, bronze-tinted mirrors are applied on two perpendicular walls to enhance the spatial appreciation.
The “Beauty Room” is finished in darker earthy tone to suit its dedicated function as a soothing retreat in the crowded city center. Shower finished in dark brown color coated glass is to match the color tone of the rest of the room and cover as a camouflage when tan spraying is served in the shower.
“Reception Office” is designed with similar manner as the “Hair Treatment Zone” in terms of spatial divider to the spine. The punch hole in the zone is also the servery counter for the customer.
In conclusion, the salon is not merely a superficial creation, but a creative which combines both for functionality, aesthetic and utilization of environmental resources. With the given restrictions in the space and budget, an optimum design carefully considering all restrictions is achieved.
