Akin Atelier have designed an experience-driven space for Poho Double Bay, setting a new pace for excellence in the world of floral retail.
Drawing inspiration from ephemeral land artists Andy Goldsworthy & Robert Smithson, the spatial design is an immersive framework to capture the changing rhythms of the store landscape; offering a place to experience, linger, and observe.
Materiality & tone is an oscillation of contrasts; Delicate / Robust. Ephemeral / Lasting. Growing / Grounded. A dialogue between the evanescent beauty of stems and buds, and the slow patina of the manmade framework that surrounds them.
Swathed in a mix of icy blues and sandy neutrals, the store’s material palette is composed of micro-cement, varying applications of hand-trowelled renders, concrete polymer flooring, and a monolithic marble workspace clad in Infinity quartzite. Walls are treated as joinery items, integrating function into the store’s gentle geometry, while curled, mirror-trimmed partitions frame outwards from back-of-house.
Spatial planning hinges off the store narrative which is defined by key moments which are central to the Poho experience; Greet, Consult, Select, Make/Observe.
Greet / A sense of arrival is signalled by a trio of Helle Mardahl Bon Bon lamps along a softly combed rendered wall. This links the approach to a tubular concierge plinth composed of hand-trowelled Tonachino with an Infinity quartzite bench top. Behind sits art piece 'Cusp' by Gemma Smith.
Following the concierge welcome, the experience moves to the consult lounge. A pair of Antonio Citterio armchairs, a Domo Bol Sofa, custom Terra Pesca marble coffee table, tapetti rug and Tanika Jellis one off ceramic side table create a space to reflect & observe whilst developing a personalised floral brief.
Select / The narrative unfolds as the client enters the floral circle, where flowers are framed as sculptures within a ceremonial plinth. The floral circle shapes a modern take on a wild meadow, creating an empirical environment where the customer is immersed in flowers, handpicking their selection.
Make / Upon selection, the experience moves to the workspace. Akin to a laboratory or fine craft workshop, the customer is encouraged to observe the art of floral composition.
A vintage Carlo Moretti 1960s table lamp accents this zone, positioned in the illuminated recess of the wall which serves as a secondary, integrated work bench. Glimpses to the back of house show a stripped back composition of stainless steel shelves and countertop.
Clients are invited to peruse an offering of globally sourced products, displayed within a hand-finished stainless steel custom shelving piece that wraps around wall towards the storefront, designed to act as a physical conduit between the flower circle and the workspace.
Poho Double Bay is the first Akin Atelier-designed space in the floral design discipline, and signals a new benchmark in the category.
