Image Credit : Ian Carlson
A contemporary twist to traditional Japanese architecture has been brought to life with Sushi Hub's most popular store, situated in Broadway. The bustling, fast paced environment has paved an opportunity for the modern design to be amplified to a new level. A collaboration between it's urban location and signature design features form a space that is engaging and interactive. The concept of having the urban landscape merging into the store is explored through an intricate yet bold mural applied on faux basalt panels. The artwork is offset against undulating waves of timber, transforming it into a three dimensional piece of art.
Color application throughout the shop is strategically applied to areas to bring them to the foreground or background. Texture is another method employed to create a unique and tactile experience. Natural and environmentally sustainable 'sisal', typically used for flooring, has been applied on the walls. Exterior faux basalt panels have been implemented into the interior space. These atypical applications reinforce the design intent of highlighting the urban environment within the shop whilst maintaining the natural zen-like notions of Japanese architecture.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Rptecture architects is the culmination of reference point architecture. As an internationally recognised, multi-award winning firm, our design philosophy is simple; to treat each project in a contextual and holistic manner, recognising that no two projects are ever the same.
With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Vincent Choi, founder and director of rptecture architects, has paved the way for new and innovative designs. With a young and talented support team, the firm delivers a personalised and engaging design experience from the conceptual stage through to the construction phase.
Servicing the local neighbourhood areas such as Boroondara, Manningham, Monash and Whitehorse, as well as nation-wide, rptecture architects offers a comprehensive knowledge about retail, residential, commercial and hospitality design. We will work with you to develop a visually stunning and functionally innovative space catered to your individual needs.
Project Brief
The client expressed a primary desire to create a space that had a youthful and vibrant vibe. The creation of a strong connection between the Japanese identity of sushi crafting and the Australian urban landscape was a priority, as it allowed the eatery to relate to its target audience, rooting it into the wider urban landscape. The brief provided exciting opportunities through its parameters as the design was required to perform a duality of functions, embodied in the fast paced take away frontage and a dine-in experience within a relatively narrow site. The design has taken the opportunity to answer the client's brief by employing strategies that engage the eat-in and take-away functions of the business while marrying the two together. The concept sought to evoke a sense of vibrancy, movement and excitement that would work to draw city commuters into the venue.
A fresh approach to the brand was to implement the use of street art. Inspiration for the mural has been drawn from the traditional Japanese rudiments such as the koi fish and lotus. They have been stylised to fashion a street culture within the store.
Project Innvoation/Need
The standout feature of this store is the animated and vibrant mural applied onto the basalt panels. Through the use of color and composition, this mural transforms the space from a contemporary Japanese eatery, to an on-trend hub of culture and art. The design of the mural has been specifically crafted for the site conditions, to allow maximum cohesion with adjacent design elements.
A shift in depth is generated from the application of timber. The timber feature wall creates a dynamic, fluid form drawing the eye throughout the length of the shop. These undulating waves offer homage to the mountainous topography of Japan.
Care has been taken to ensure a sustainable approach is implemented into the construction materials. Innovative ways to achieve this have been explored. A new material introduced to the Sushi Hub repertoire is sisal. It is a strong and hard wearing fibrous material. As a recyclable and biodegradable fabric, the use of sisal lessens any detrimental impacts to the environment. It is also a highly renewable resource of energy. Another highly implemented material used is faux basalt panels. Composed of concrete, quartz and sand, it can be broken down and recycled.
Design Challenge
Aiming at attracting a broad spectrum of customers, dining options range to suit all needs. People congestion is a common challenge to address. Long term diners are ushered further into the tenancy where comfortable, custom seating has been arranged. For others seeking an 'eat-and-go' alternative, individual ottomans have been designed around the sushi train, at the front of the shop. This layout increases efficiency and reduces congestion at the dining area. A similar approach has been developed at the sales and preparation area for staff. A single, main thoroughfare is utilised between working areas, to lessen overcrowding.
The timber pattern at the counter cladding 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 expansive length of the tenancy. It assists in forming a cohesive space, by wrapping along the walls and interacting with the murals.
User Experience
Architecture, art and food come together in Sushi Hub's Broadway store to create a space filled with character and vibrancy. With Japanese food growing into one of the world's most loved cuisines, the store offers the average city commuter a rich visual experience whilst eating their favourite sushi roll. The design not only draws diverse social groupings but stimulates the mind by evoking the look and feel of Japanese Architecture through the clever use of waved dowels. The wall mural simultaneously creates a sense of locality embodied in the style characterised by local street artists.
An impressive sense of spatial awareness and intelligence has been exercised to create a space which serves to facilitate the function of the kitchen, sales area and sushi train whilst navigating the tight space restrictions of the tenancy. The bold choice of blending into the urban framework through the collaboration of art and architecture to draw customers reveals the forward thinking mentality and trust between client and designer.
Retail Experience
This award celebrates creative and innovative design in the retail environment. Consideration given to attracting, engaging and motivating customers to make purchases, the use of colour, lighting, space, product information, sensory inputs (smell, touch, sound) as well as technologies such as digital displays and interactive installations.
More Details