Aquatalia

USA
New York, NY
1,800SF (167m²)

In this design for Aquatalia’s first brand concept and flagship store, materiality, texture and light are implemented with an artisanal sensibility. Elemental luxury is expressed though modern detailing of classic finishes. Responding to a site that was deep and narrow, N&R created a language with faceted walls to direct the space, angling in and then stepping down, leading to a “skylit” room at the back. The subtly faceted, lime plaster walls are washed with light from a perimeter cove which also casts a glow on suspended shelves of antiqued brass. Beneath the shelves are slabs of silver travertine resting on brass box supports. A cantilevered assembly of silver travertine, antiqued brass and blackened steel provides the central display element. Piers of tumbled French Chambolle limestone mark the space vertically, establishing benchmarks to give scale to the deep, horizontal space. Silver stained, wide plank oak flooring is punctuated throughout with brass fillets of varying widths. These brass accents are echoed in the lighting above with brass valances that shade the lighting, concealed in coves. Custom seating in muted tones of gold and dusty blue provide sensuous lines. Featured at the back beneath a faux skylight, a puzzle-like feature wall extends and retracts to transform with changing display.