03 Apr 2023
Innovation Eye Clinic is a 1,400 sq ft ophthalmology clinic and eyeglass retail outlet located on the ground floor of a newly completed condominium building in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Innovation Eye Clinic is a 1,400 sq ft ophthalmology clinic and eyeglass retail outlet located on the ground floor of a newly completed condominium building in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Also Read | 4 ways to style your interior spaces with copper
When the clients first received the space, they noticed concrete beams in various elevations and locations throughout. A certain area of the ceiling dropped below 8 feet from the promised 13-foot ceiling clearance height. “We had to devise a plan to conceal the beams, but we also embraced it as a design response to the existing character of the space,” explains Andrew Sun, lead architectural and interior designer, and founder of the firm. “We came up with an innovative ceiling feature that addressed the immediate issue and inspired us to replicate it throughout the design.” Also Read | Visioarq wins Architizer 2022 Architecture + Wood
The solution devised by Atelier SUN came in the form of an artistic ceiling feature composed of wooden slats, suspended at varying heights and connected with clean, straight lines. Recognizing that the structure’s transparency warmly contrasted with the bright white ceiling above, custom-designed lighting was designed in an intricate way embedded in the wooden slats themselves instead of more traditional downlights, or pot lights, found in similar retail spaces. The positioning and luminosity of the embedded lights create a subtle and sophisticated interplay between the light and wood tones that creates a welcoming sense of balance and harmony. Also Read | Interior stylist Bhawana Bhatnagar on smart lockers at residential spaces
A feature wall was designed at the back of the entry area, defined by natural wood tones that infuse organic warmth into the space. Within the embrace of the wood-toned feature wall, a reception desk serves as a transition point between the retail space and the rear operations of the clinic. The resulting contrast between the white and the wood tones creates a sense of layering and the illusion of stepping out of the white box to enter a separate wooden box. Also Read | 5 Innovative ways to incorporate Japanese architectural elements in the Indian home decor
The wood-toned displays that line the walls of the retail spaces perfectly complement the store’s design aesthetic. The soft, customized lighting casts a warm glow on the products and enhances the eyewear on display. Beyond the retail space, the client’s clinical facilities provide a warm, calming, and functional environment, contributing to the overall design. Also Read | The summer beach edit by Tisva
From the unique wood ceiling feature to the wood backdrop panels and eyewear displays, each element is carefully crafted and curated to create a space that is both functional and visually stunning. It is a space that inspires and captivates, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the eyewear and the cosiness and inviting atmosphere of the store. Also Read: Easy Guide To Choose A Color Palette For Your Space
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