Selldorf Architects designed the first retail space for The Row in London, located in a century-old bank building previously occupied by an art gallery in Mayfair. The project involved a full interior renovation across the two-level space to restore it to its original elegance, exposing historic columns, opening up windows that had been closed off, and removing a dropped ceiling. The firm created an elevated ‘gallery space’ for the brand’s clothing and accessories which is presented alongside changing selections of contemporary art and vintage furniture. A permanent installation by James Turrell welcomes customers in the vestibule.
A white oak staircase, well-crafted and tactile, balances the minimalist concrete floor of the upper level and ties into the existing wood floor of the lower level. Strategically located beneath an existing skylight to bring natural light down, the stair references traditional wood stairs found in other shops in the neighborhood but is detailed in a contemporary way. All the merchandise display furniture, including hanging racks, etageres, vitrines, mirrors, and shoe shelving, was custom designed by Selldorf Architects.
The lighting design for the space was crucial, reconciling the requirements of retail lighting with a more sophisticated aesthetic. With soaring ceiling heights on the upper level, suspended fixtures were custom designed. Downstairs, lighting is recessed into a wood ceiling to create a warm and intimate space.
The local architects were Cowie Montgomery and L’Observatoire International were the lighting designers.
(Photography credits: Courtesy of The Row )
