by Tracy Dillon
Contemporary organic architecture bridges ’60s consciousness with today’s need for a holistic and harmonious environment by incorporating retro imagery and visual merchandising with such natural elements as stone, wood, bamboo, plants, and water, explains designer Victor Zamparelli of Zamparelli Architectural Group (ZAG). Environmentally responsible wood species create a seamless flow from the storefront and entry canopy to wall and fixture elements, including a serpentine “spine” running through the space, for a peaceful, welcoming ambiance.
With a desire for a sustainable environment and little control over building systems in the mall site, the retailer and designer focused on where they could make the most difference without adding substantially to the cost of the project: materials. Working primarily from the LEED Materials and Resources credit category requirements, Zamparelli called for natural, recycled, recyclable, and locally extracted materials as well as low-VOC adhesives and finishes.
Meeting that demand are Builders Furniture’s fixtures, including perimeter fixtures, central spine elements, tables, and cashwrap finished with water-based lacquer. FSC-certified red cedar in perimeter fixtures and the central spine fixture wall imbues the space with sophisticated warmth that is offset by the rough-hewn look of peeled spruce rails commonly used for farm fencing. Purchased locally at a farming community co-op, the rails front the gables of perimeter fixtures. Matching the tones of the cedar are red-oak butcher-block tables, intentionally left with a raised grain to complement the rustic rails.
The massive central spine display wall, supported by a serpentine series of various-height posts down the center of the space, offered a few engineering challenges. “The four-foot steel beams had to be positioned just perfectly in the floor by the general contractor before the flooring went in. Then our wood columns fit over the steel beams, supporting
the freestanding wall and holding the entire structure upright,” says Shawn Holdnick, project manager for Builders Furniture. In addition, the fixture company coordinated with an inlay vendor for precisely matched dimensions of stone-backed cubbies in the perimeter fixture.
Unfinished satin stainless steel hardware contribute to the fixtures’ ability to meet functional needs without adding unnecessary emissions, while inexpensive pipes and fittings flesh out display options.
|
