Using reclaimed ship wood, Chinese/German architecture firm Cheungvogl created a one-of-a-kind installation for the Aesop shop on Canton Road in Hong Kong. The design celebrates the natural processes of weathering and aging—and is a salute to the legendary slow boat to China.
Photography via Cheungvogl.
Above: The planks of wood were left in their original state and used to form two floating cabinet installations for display and storage of Aesop's skin and hair care products. Founded in Melbourne in 1987, Aesop has stores around the world, no two alike: "It is always our intention to add to the neighborhoods in which we operate, and to respect their history and culture. Architecturally, our first principle is to work with what already exists and to weave ourselves into the fabric of the street."
Above: The size and orientation of the wood planks inform the design and detailing of the cabinets.
Above: The cabinets accommodate different functions, including seating for makeup application.
Above: The drawers are fronted with planks that are consistent in size but varied in their appearance, creating a tapestry of textures.
Above: The reclaimed wood provides an arresting display for Aesop products.
Above: Industrial stools with wooden seats slide under the makeup counter.
Above: The architects took advantage of the naturally occurring holes and turned them into drawer handles.
Above: A drawer contains Aesop samples filed neatly.
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See map below for the location of the Aesop Shop in the Lane Crawford Shopping Centre on Canton Road in Hong Kong.
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