1. What was the brief from the client? And how did you achieve the same intertwining of your style?
The brief from the client was to have a refreshing appeal to the interiors for this salon while keeping in mind the brand’s philosophy. The Vurvec Salon chain has various branches in South India, all of which adhere to the brand philosophy, yet have a unique design identity. Subscribing to this design intent, the 2500 sq ft salon is located in Alwarpet, Chennai, embodies a rustic earthiness that is captured through various nature-inspired elements.
2. What are the environment-friendly initiatives taken for this project?
Local craftsmen and native materials have been extensively used to bring this vision to life. With a sensitive and sustainable approach to design, the design vocabulary of the Vurve Signature Salon attempts to tackle these issues through an eco-conscious approach. The asymmetrical patterned traditional Madras ceiling is made of bamboo and driftwood and expertly created by native craftsmen. Natural paint, reclaimed wood and an earthy material palette render this space with a rustic, rooted character.
3. How have you incorporated the biophilic design into this Project?
Inclusion of plants in interior spaces adds an element of freshness and connection to nature. We have included plants throughout the entryway and nature inspired elements in the interior spaces.Â
4. Can you give us insights on the selection of furniture and finishes for a Salon?
Crafted in an uneven shape with natural edges for a rustic feel, the wooden salon tables, brown-toned booths, and chairs become the focal point of the interiors against the backdrop of the neutral walls. Easy to maintain, vitrified tiling imitates the patterned chip flooring and creates a cohesive look.
5. What were the difficulties, or first setbacks encountered?
The use of non-traditional internal partition methods was a challenge as it became time-consuming to convince the workers to oblige. Apart from that, the bamboo ceiling and its treatment to ward off any bugs were a bit of a challenge.
6. If you had to name the design style used, what would it be?
Regional modernism. The Vurve Signature Salon, Alwarpet, is an unprecedented take on eco-conscious retail design. Tied together by its earthiness, the space embraces the indigenous individuality of its context.
7. What were the inspirations and key concepts for the development of the project?
Inspiration was drawn from a simplistic Mediterranean style. Unlike the other VURVE salons, we have designed this unit to have a very simple, earthy and monochromatic feel. As a service-oriented retail space, functionality has been given prime importance. Appropriate allocation of services ensures a seamless flow in the salon treatments while ensuring efficient thoroughfare and easier simplistic connectivity between different workstations.
8. What is your favourite element of design in the project?
Conscious efforts for an environmentally-friendly approach have resulted in a homegrown, indigenous space. The asymmetrical patterned traditional Madras ceiling is made of bamboo and driftwood and expertly created by native craftsmen. This allowed us to involve local craftsmen in our efforts and also add a rustic yet chic vibe to the reception space.
9. If you had to describe the project in 2-3 words what would it be?
Eco-conscious retail design
10. Explain the use of colours and/or other details to add value to the design.
A neutral colour scheme with nature-inspired shades permeates the interiors and creates a cocoon-like space to help the customers rejuvenate. The eco-friendly material palette of woody, earthy and edgy elements set up a warm and inviting ambience. In the reception area and the shampoo station, a cluster of artisanal wicker light fixtures of uneven shapes and heights are suspended from the ceiling to add depth and dimension to the decor.
11. One learning you’d like to take on to your next project?
The understanding that retail space and experience go hand in hand and shouldn’t be ignored. A brand’s chain may not always have a cookie cutter model. Each location calls for a different experience and a story to tell.