torafu architects renovates gabled structure in seoul for aesop

torafu architects has completed ‘aesop samcheong’ in seoul, korea, its ninth retail outlet for the australian skin care brand. the project called for the interior redesign of a single storey building located near the city’s lively gyeongbokgung palace. positioned on a prominent plot, the existing structure measured 5 meters wide and 7.5 meters deep. the architects sought to retain the original ceiling, making visible its wooden truss.

the store is torafu’s ninth outlet for the australian skin care brand
all images by jan dee kim

as the building had been repeatedly renovated over the years, with a variety of mismatched materials, torafu looked to develop a visually coherent response. consequently, the aesop outlet has been clad with a midnight blue color externally, and a warm off-white tone internally — lending the entire scheme a sense of unity and brightness. large windows offer views inside the store, designed to catch the attention of passersby.

the project called for the interior redesign of a single storey building

internal fixtures and fittings are stainless steel, with surfaces and tables taking on the same deep blue color as the building’s exterior. sinks for consultations have been united with point-of-sale counters within a single unit found at the center of the store. a sprawling network of pipes above the table provides the water supply and lighting for the sink area, while simultaneously highlighting the striking piece of furniture.

the architects sought to retain the original ceiling, making visible its wooden truss

internal fixtures and fittings are made from stainless steel

sinks for consultations have been united with point-of-sale counters

a warm off-white tone has been used internally

large windows are designed to catch the attention of passersby

the building has been clad with a midnight blue color

project info:

location: seoul, korea
total floor area: 41.2 sqm
design period: march 2016 – september 2016
construction period: september 2016 – october 2016
production: youngwoo id. co, ltd.
graphics: aesop
lighting: ellie
photography: jan dee kim

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