hawaii’s volcanic geology inspires clap studio’s ALOHAS flagship in barcelona

clap studio fuses the raw and the refined at alohas flagship

Sparking an artful dialogue between the rugged and the refined, ALOHAS’ first flagship store opens in Spain, with interiors by Clap Studio. Located in the iconic street of Rambla Catalunya, in the heart of Barcelona, this 100-square-meter space embodies both the fashion brand’s history, stemming from its origins in Hawaii, and its bolder new visual identity.

The studio moves away from the paradisiacal beach aesthetic commonly associated with Hawaii and focuses on the archipelagos’ rugged, brutalist landscape. The design evokes volcanic landscapes, specifically the cavernous lava tubes, with rugged surfaces and lighting. ‘The surface of a lava river, over time, cools and hardens, creating underground rivers that, after the eruption, transform into tunnels with a magical appearance. This geological concept has been the cornerstone of our design,’ notes Àngela Montagud, director of Clap Studio.

evoking hawaii’s brutalist volcanic landscape

ALOHAS takes a decisive step towards offline commerce after conquering the digital world with its first physical store, encapsulating its essence in a space that invites customers to explore a distinctly immersive shopping experience. Clap Studio’s concept for the flagship store unfolds as a volcanic grotto, an environment that combines the brutality of nature with the sophistication of design.

The metal furniture, with sharp and angular geometries, infuses a sleek dimension while emulating the ferocity of lava, creating a contrast with the serene ambiance of the store. The oversized ceiling lights appear on the ceiling symbolic of volcanic openings that, over time, form in the roofs of these lava tunnels, reconnecting them with their surroundings.

project info:

name: ALOHAS Flagship Store
architect: Clap Studio | @weareclapstudio

location: Barcelona, Spain

area: 100 square meters

photography: José Hevia

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.