Image Credit : Ian Carlson Photography
Project Overview
Traditional Japanese architecture meets a modern twist in Sushi Hub’s flagship store. The undulating waves and rigid patterns of the space encapsulate the harmonious balance that is synonymous with old Japan. The result is a design rich in culture that is palatable for the emerging multicultural phase of Australia.
The notion of generating depth through the use of static objects is explored to develop a store vivid in motion and complexities. Through repetition, a unique rhythm is created. It serves as the design language applied throughout all aspects of the store. Heavily utilized materials have been selected for their visual and tactile properties that enhance the identity of Japan. Unique marbling of the timber and the texture of the stone recreate the serene landscape.
The layout and features of the store have been formulated to respond to the site constraints. An efficient operation at the back of house is paramount to cater for the fast turnover of items. To lengthen and elongate the site, linear dowels assist in drawing the eye into the space. A culmination of innovative design techniques and a simple material palette symbolize the cultural difference that Sushi Hub offers to their customers.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Ruth Tjitra
Project Brief
Located within the bustling city center of Sydney lies a visually dynamic store that symbolizes the essence of traditional Japan. The brief was to create an iconic store catering for a fast paced life-style, whilst offering refuge from the city. Inspiration was drawn from the delicate equilibrium demonstrated in Japanese architecture. This notion has been refined and applied in a modern day context to create a fusion ambiance. The layout is functionally effective, as spatial and volumetric manipulation transforms the space.
Sushi Hub responds to the high demand of customers with inventive and time saving design strategies. As a high traffic area, an open design of the shop front invites customers into the store minimizing congestion. Patrons are guided along the path created by the relationship between the structural column and front counter. The placement of the space is similar to a loop, where customers are taken from the shop front, past the merchandise and into the atmospheric dining area. They are then lead around the column towards the shopping center. Minimal interference between incoming and outgoing traffic flow is experienced, providing a proficient business model.
Project Need
A consistent design intent is carried throughout the store to transport customers to the origin of the cuisine. All elements and aspects of the space mirror the same language, forming a cohesive whole that correlates with the concept.
Innovative construction methods are juxtaposed with cultural aesthetics in the uniquely formed furniture. Dowels journey from the ceiling, along the walls and are utilized to form the furniture. Cantilevered bench tops conceal their structure behind stone panels. This floating effect communicates with the suspended dowels above. Without visible supports, the bench tops do not impose on the height of the space. Hollow ottomans consolidate the wrapping effect of the timber.
From the application of timber and it’s tone, a shift in depth is generated. Timber along the feature wall creates a dynamic, fluid form drawing the eye to the back of the space. These undulating curves offer homage to the mountainous topography of Japan. Combined with the logo routed into the front counter, these patterns assists in the visual identification of the brand. Concealed fixings ensure the products are at the forefront of the design. Existing services at the ceiling height are camouflaged to maintain the continuity of the space.
Design Challenge
To overcome a low ceiling constraint of 2.2m, timber dowels suspended below a black backdrop, generating the impression of stature. Height variation converts static space into a visual illusion of depth, and manipulates the spatial experience of the user. The timber pattern establishes a balance between the linearity of the stone panels adjacent to the front counter. This effect counters the cool tones and rigid lines of the panels. The natural properties of the materials were exploited to produce a decorative and tactile finish without the need of typical wall applications.
Timber dowels facilitate in diluting the imposing presence of the structural column. Cutlery holders have been integrated, transforming an obstacle into a usable feature.
Given the deep, angular site, kitchen corners have been built out for a streamlined path of travel and as storage behind. The layout was designed to allow staff resources to be effectively distributed during peak hours, with sight lines from the kitchen to the front of house. Vision panels into the preparation area of the kitchen allow customers to witness the fresh, handmade products. An appreciation for the craft of Japanese cuisine draws customers back to the store.
Sustainability
A robust use of natural materials was employed throughout the project, with strict consideration to durability, sustainability, recyclable properties and environmental friendliness. Timber dowels, extensively used in the all furniture and feature walls are 100% recyclable, resulting in over 50% of the overall building materials as recyclable.
Certification schemes and forest product purchasing programs must be in place for any timber purchased. The materials purchased are from sustainable resources that are from well managed forests which provide significant and measureable environmental and economic benefits to communities. Other materials used are melamine particleboard, used extensively for all displays, cabinets and carcasses. It has been tested extensively to the Australian and European Union Standards.
Interior Design - Retail
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors, with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes and aesthetic presentation. Consideration given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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