going underground Clash concept store

Punk will never die! That was the '80s street war cry. Now an exciting new retail outlet captures this energy, but with a modern, upmarket edge.

The Clash interiors, designed by fresh-thinking design company Spaceworks, draw on the punk movement and street art to create the gritty, urban and confident feel required.

The existing store was gutted, leaving only the timber flooring, says Lizzi Hines, co-director of Spaceworks together with Christy Ormand.

"Then an arched ceiling was erected alongside a central black spotlighting track to create the effect of a tunnel in the London Underground, with a bold yellow line on the floor for the platform edge.

"The white brick wall aesthetic is central to the Clash identity. MDF panels in a brick pattern were applied to walls and ceilings to create the facades. The end wall and floor section is finished in a dark tone, in keeping with idea of a tunnel."

To intensify the urban feel, scaffolding fixtures and fittings are utilised along the store walls as retail displays. These are set above the floor to give the appearance of space in a relatively narrow site.

Custom joinery, shopfitting and display specialist xCube worked closely with the designers to create the dramatic sales counter, jewellery counter and back offices for the Clash.

Director Terry Friedrichs says xCube's ability to transform quirky, complex ideas into a practical reality using a range of materials and delivered to tight timeframes is central to its success.

Metalier, supplier of water-based metal coatings and applicator of decorative metal finishes, also played a role in creating the edgy Clash look.

To evoke the feel of the Underground, the designers specified Metalier's iron coating with a black wax finish for several elements, says the company's operations manager Mary Whaley.

"As even waxed iron rusts, the textural finish is protected with a special clear coat supplied by our sister company Halo Surfaces."

For more on Spaceworks, phone 0800 2Fitout (2348 688). Website: spaceworks.co.nz. To contact xCube, phone (09) 828 9264. Website: xcube.co.nz. For further details on Metalier, phone (09) 376 7099. Website: www.metalier.co.nz. For information on Halo Surfaces, phone (09) 376 7099 or visit the website: www.halosurfaces.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas