House, Concrete and Water
The Kohler Signature Store São Paulo is the brand's first exclusive store in the city.
To represent the connection between the city and the brand, the project seeks to enhance the encounter of two of its main but opposing elements: concrete, representing the vibrant city of São Paulo, and water, an essential element for Kohler’s products.
This project’s main challenge was to translate the concept of a traditional North American brand of kitchen and bath accessories into the Brazilian culture, and especially adapting it to the urban atmosphere of São Paulo. Also, Kohler's tradition and concern with technology and sustainability should be evident throughout the scope of the project.
The property that was chosen for the establishment of the store is an old mansion located on the traditional Pacaembu Avenue, in the central part of the city. Throughout the 20th century, the house suffered significant damage and was defaced due to various non-residential uses.
From that point on, our objective was to restore the original spaces and volumes of the house, since the facade, roof and original coverings would be unfeasible.
We were able to distribute the program along the original spaces the house had, with the intention of bringing the “house” aspect to the store, allowing the display of the brand’s many products in well-sized spaces. Since this project was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the preference for well-ventilated spaces increased, the external areas were extremely emphasized, seeking to offer a safer environment for its users.
The access to the store is through a corten steel portico that crosses a large façade of hollow concrete blocks.
When walking through the showroom, visitors are guided through environments separated by aquatic elements, at times, fountains, at other times reflecting pools.
With these transformations, the building was not only reintegrated and updated, but it also recovered its essence as a house, but now opening up to the spirit of the brand.
We created a large entrance hall that is unconventional for a showroom, providing a gallery where only a few products are presented. As visitors explore the space, they discover different environments divided by product families.
An elegant staircase in corten steel connects the floors and takes visitors to a spa, specially designed with the intention of providing the clients an experience with the brand’s products.
The showroom was designed to host events and parties involving clients, architects and designers. For this, it includes a complete gourmet area and a large event plaza.
All the expansions are evident through the metallic beams and pillars. The old, structural walls were reinforced with concrete and left exposed.
