Neil Barton, a well-known hair styler from Edinburgh, decided to move to the city of Marbella and wanted a very special salon, for this he chose Carolina Gual's studio to take over the project. The task was to create a beauty salon with a minimalist aesthetic, as if it were an art gallery, where the work done for each client is unique and is shown as a work of art.

Given that the space of the premises was small, it was decided to give a space continuity, leaving the space as open as possible. The unifying touch is achieved through the use of the same color and materials throughout the premises. The white of the walls works like a white canvas and promotes the reflection of light, while creating a relaxing atmosphere for the client of the premises. VarnishedDM was used as the main furniture material in a kind of constructive brutalism. All furniture, except mirrors, chairs and head washers, have been specially designed for this project.

A curved counter receives the visitor when entering and articulates the space, leaving on the sides the touchers who are faced to the walls on both sides, using a continuous bench as an element of support for them while serving as a protection of the wall against dirt. Behind the counter we find another element dividing the space, a furniture as it is used as a waiting area on one side and on the other serves as a storage furniture for the carriages and hairdressing utensils, at the same time it functions as a sculpture exhibition stall. Behind the mainspace we find the head wash area, to which we have wanted to give some intimacy using a separator made in the same material as the rest of the furniture and without glass or elements that close the space, so that it acts as a kind of lattice that lets the light see and pass, but gives a certain sense of privacy. At the bottom of the premises are accesses to the toilet and the color preparation area, in separate rooms.

Lighting is of particular importance. Upon entering the venue we find ourselves over the reception with a lamp that acts as a light sculpture. The playrooms have technical lighting from above, but it has been wanted to emphasize each spot using warm light linestras on the sides of the mirrors. In the head wash area has been given an intimate and cozy lighting with a fountain of light in the rear wall and the Atollo Glass lamp has been placed as a unique design element.

The facade is of simple lines and neutral gray tone to create an element that does not distract from the interior of the premises, which is the true protagonist.

Team:
Architect: Carolina Gual
Other participants: Comfortel Furniture, Zara Home Furniture, Oliva Iluminación 
Photography: Stefan Randholm 

Material Used:
1. Flooring: Vinyl floor, Berry Alloc Product

2. Interior lighting:
Vetro opale Atollo, OLUCE
Tube, AROMAS DEL CAMPO
Tolva, NEXIA

3. Interior furniture:
Comfortel Forniture
MDF board custom furniture