Project Overview

Australian owned and operated since 2012, Pampered Petz is a luxury pet store located in Hornsby. Situated within a prominent Westfield shopping centre complex, the store creates an exciting new pet shopping experience. The design was heavily influenced by the company's slogan "My Pet, My Family". Taking inspiration from the idea of pets as part of the family, the design concept of 'the family home' emerged. Elements that are reminiscent of a traditional family home were introduced into the space making it easy for customers to picture the pets and pet products within their own homes. In turn, this creates a relaxed atmosphere in which customers feel comfortable shopping at leisure and interacting with their possible new family members. Each interior zone has been inspired by a common space within a home. Blending the concept with the functional needs of a pet store, the interior zones became an ingenious source of easy way-finding. For example, the 'bedroom' inspired zone within the store is where all pet beds are located, whilst the 'kitchen' inspired zone is where all pet food and pet bowls are located.

Project Commissioner

Pampered Petz

Project Creator

Rptecture Architects

Team

Vincent Choi
Sandra Siew
Eleni Alexiadis

Project Brief

The client's brief for the fit-out was a contemporary, fresh and homely interior, influenced by the desire to provide customers with a luxurious, high-end pet shopping experience. The store aims to stray away from the normal pet store interior and the negative connotations associated with them. As the store is based around the concept of the family home, it was extremely important that the pets are at easily accessible heights for both adults and children. The large scale of the shop front inspired an exaggerated, whimsical design. The right hand side is an oversized interpretation of the typical family home staircase balustrade; an homage to children playing under the stairs with their pet and best friend. Each zone within the space has been inspired by a different aspect of a family home. Cleverly combining the concept with the functional storage needs of a pet store, pet beds are located within the 'bedroom' inspired zone. Storage solutions have been framed with forms reminiscent of a four poster bed, subtly hinting to the family home. A warm colour palette of soft, earthy, natural materials such as limestone and timber have been implemented to create a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

Project Innovation/Need

The biggest source of innovation within this project was re-thinking and re-imaging the common-place pet store. The project required vigorous research into the functional display and storage requirements of a pet store, as well as pairing that with the best interior layout for the pets quality of life. The interior fit out mostly consists of blonde coloured timber, providing a cohesive look and feel to the entirety of the shop. In order to create interest and subtle differences within each zone of the store, the same material has been utilised and applied in differing ways throughout the space. The glazing in the animal enclosure areas have been reduced in height in order to allow for a generous, airy pet living environment. This also increases the interaction between pet and possible new owner/family member. To enhance the levels of interaction the animals have been raised up from the ground, perfectly situated at a child's eye level. On the outer side of the enclosure, a ledge has been placed encouraging people to sit with the animals for an extended amount of time. Overtime, pictures of purchased pets and their new family members will fill the frames located above the front counter.

Design Challenge

The biggest design challenge for this project, was breaking away from the stereotypical nature of other pet stores, whilst still fulfilling the stores functional display and storage needs. In addition to this the interior also needed to be of the highest functional and aesthetic quality for both pets and people. There is a lot of stock that comes with the nature of a pet store; different food, bowls, treats, toys and bedding associated with each different animal. The challenge was designing for all of this, whilst also creating a fresh, unique and homely feel to the interior. Instead of viewing this only as a challenge to overcome, it rather morphed into the biggest form of innovation within the project. Dealing with lots of stock on display and differing storage solutions, lighting also became a design challenge. To sufficiently light and display each product in the best possible way, each storage section needed to be individually lit in order to avoid dark pockets within the space.

Sustainability

With such an array of natural materials used within the interior, it was essential that the choice of materials was carefully considered in regards to making sustainable choices. Each material was chosen with strict consideration to durability, sustainability, recyclable properties and environmental friendliness. It was ensured that the materials which were sourced by the shop fitter had the environmental policies implemented wherever possible. Given the large proportions of timber and sandstone used throughout the store, it was ensured that all adhesives used throughout the entirety of the construction emit low volatile organic compounds (VOC's). The paints used on the walls and ceiling are low in VOC's to improve the air quality and working environment within the store during construction and also during use.

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.
More Details