Commissioned by the Taiwanese outdoor furniture brand 7Oceans to design their flagship showroom in Taipei, Yatofu envisions a retail space driven by the brand’s mantra of bringing a holiday atmosphere to everyday life, drawing inspiration from the sensations and ambiance of a twilight stroll along the beach in the French Riviera.
The essence of nighttime on the French Riviera permeates the entire space. Initially, drawing inspiration from the warm embrace of the evening breeze and the soft glow of moonlight, Yatofu sought to recreate the tranquil ambiance of the beach at dusk. Visitors exploring the 7OCEANS Showroom can feel the subtle interplay between relaxation and vibrancy, brand affinity, and spatial joyfulness meticulously curated within the carefully delineated areas.
Delving deeper into 7Oceans' brand values, Yatofu extracted keywords such as "relaxation," "warmth," and "ocean," aspiring to craft a space that would detach from the site's inherent commercial attributes and envelop patrons in a serene atmosphere. In response to the brand’s outdoor furniture series and their commitment to advocating exquisite material production, the designer meticulously selected materials with inviting textures and orchestrated spatial arrangements to create an immersive store that beckons tactile exploration and leisurely strolls.
Rough sand-colored clay bricks, as if weathered by the sun and ocean, form the main material palette, interspersed with handmade rattan elements, showcasing the brand's commitment to impeccable craftsmanship and both selected for their recyclable nature. From the striped textile of the entrance bench to the intricate details of the rattan cabinet panels, the holiday ambiance is palpable. A blue latticed steel frame sits beneath the exposed ceiling, defining and visually extending the space, while hemp rope chandeliers, adorned with boat knots, add a nautical charm. Above the cashier, a wall lamp featuring the brand logo in the form of a ringed tag casts a gentle glow reminiscent of beachside streetlamps. At the entrance, a walk-in display window mimics the structure of a beach pavilion, fostering a voyeuristic connection between the interior and the exterior, enticing customers to venture in and become part of the display and dialogue. The central display floor, framed by flexible blue louvre screens, serves as a versatile backdrop for showcasing furniture products, adaptable to accommodate seasonal variations. Towards the rear, a raised platform forms a defined area for reception and customer meeting purposes.
7Oceans’ Flagship Showroom is inspired by the sensations of a holiday memory, telling of the serenity and calmness of a relaxing evening on the beach. The space is intended to foster both a sense of familiarity and exploration, offering visitors a distinctive peek into cherished and remembered moments.
Team:
Interior Design: Yatofu Creatives
Design Team: Angela Lindahl, Yihan Xiang, Sheen Tao
Photography: Hey! Cheese
Materials Used:
Rough sand-colored clay bricks
Handmade rattan plates
Oak panels
Metal mesh
Cement textured tiles
