The outline scope of the brief was to create The Splash Labs US flagship showroom within a 1930’s factory unit. The Splash Lab were clear: they wanted to create something unique that resonated with their passion for design, experience and exploration. They were, however, open minded as to how this intent might be communicated as a work of architecture.
The space needed to showcase The Splash Lab’s products, but it was equally important to create a space that echoed with the brands principals – an emphasis on high quality and inventive design, the importance of materiality, and how these can positively contribute to the consumer experience and enhance the brand value. This would be achieved by developing an environment where the architectural intervention and the tactile qualities of The Splash Lab’s products coexist in harmony, celebrating the coming together of products, materials and architecture, where the presence of each reinforces the other.
We started with a pragmatic appraisal of the areas required for product display, meeting rooms, staff kitchen, reception area etc. Schematically, we wanted to deviate from the typical showroom format of individual rooms within a larger space – the display areas needed to feel integral to the architecture of the space and not afterthoughts within an independently conceived envelope. The various functions of the showroom are identifiable through a subtle hierarchy of positioning, materiality and product, resulting in a clear understanding of the showroom and what it offers.
