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The Japanese specialty homewares store MONOLAB and Nexus Designs recently teamed to create a distinctive retail experience in Melbourne ’ s up-market South Yarra . Running with the theme of ‘ Japanese Hand Made ’ products , the design brief called for a classy retail environment for household goods imported from 12 regions in Japan . The result is a space that sets the scene and stage for both products and something of their origins .
PROJECT MONOLAB , Melbourne
INTERIOR DESIGNERS
Nexus Designs
PRINCIPAL GLAZING Viridian ScalaMirage TM Rain backpainted black
TEXT , IMAGES & FILM Peter & Jenny Hyatt
Rather than the more familiar retail experience of noise , distraction and visual riot , Nexus has reined in materials , colour and complexity to one of assured authenticity .
The result is gallery-like . Natural timbers and monochrome materials sees Viridian ’ s ScalaMirage™ – a geometric black glass etched with grey rain pattern – provide a durable yet delicate backdrop to showcase an assortment of high-end crafts . Nexus ' choice of ScalaMirage™ is based on the firm ’ s sense that it mirrored important elements of the Japanese landscape .
Nexus divided Monolab ’ s 127 sqm store into three zones , each defined by its own circulation area . The first is the ‘ active zone ’ focused on traditional Furoshiki wrapping and childrens items , set on two four-metre-long benches and a suitable height to sit at . The second is the high-end gallery zone for the handmade brands individually defined on five separate timber plinths .