Mecca founder needed to create ‘the world’s most extraordinary, revolutionary and liked experiential magnificence vacation spot’: welcome to Mecca Melbourne

Australian magnificence model Mecca has unveiled its new flagship on Bourke Avenue in central Melbourne, establishing it as one of many world’s largest standalone magnificence shops. Spanning three storeys and 4,000 sq. metres, the area by Sydney-based Studio McQualter seamlessly blends heritage restoration with up to date retail design.

Mecca opens in Melbourne

Housed within the Thirties Artwork Deco EW Cole constructing, initially designed by architect Harry Norris and as soon as residence to the legendary Coles Ebook Arcade, this new flagship additionally marks a homecoming of kinds. Mecca’s first retailer opened close by in 1997, although a modest 60 instances smaller than this newest incarnation. There are presently over 100 Mecca shops throughout Australia and New Zealand.

A multi-level, immersive atmosphere, Mecca’s founder Jo Horgan describes the shop as her ‘love letter to Melbourne.’ It options devoted zones for make-up, skincare, hair salons, a nail bar, café, and a set of remedy and therapy rooms. There’s even an auditorium to host Mecca’s academic programmes.

The challenge was led by Sydney-based Studio McQualter, headed by Donald McQualter, a apply recognized for its materials sensibility and contextual nuance—the Zimmerman New York flagship is amongst its portfolio of labor. Horgan’s transient was clear: ‘to create the world’s most extraordinary, revolutionary and liked experiential magnificence vacation spot.’ The architectural goal was to develop a definite idea and spatial identification whereas remaining true to the Mecca expertise.

‘Our focus was to pay homage to the heritage whereas introducing a cohesive and up to date visible language,’ the studio’s founders informed Wallpaper*. ‘Constant materials palettes, inventive interventions, and considerate zoning imply every service feels a part of a unified expertise, whereas nonetheless permitting for distinct moments of discovery.’

This design philosophy translated into a method of uncovering and integrating authentic architectural components. The constructing’s terracotta façade was restored, and faience tiles initially produced in Sunshine, Victoria, have been complemented by newly recast counterparts from Darwen Terracotta within the UK. The elimination of an awning revealed 5 arched home windows, reinstating vertical proportions, and drawing gentle into the primary flooring.

Throughout the inside is now a beneficiant central void, created by repositioning and separating the escalators. This spatial transfer opened up clear sightlines throughout all ranges to focus on the restored heritage ceiling from the bottom flooring. A brand new mezzanine, launched by means of this reconfiguration, has additionally contributed to the general sense of openness.

On the coronary heart of all of it sits the Magnificence Carousel – a sculptural, round anchor on the bottom flooring. ‘It’s a visible cue for discovery and play,’ explains Horgan, ‘the place clients collect, attempt new merchandise, study methods and join with our workforce. With area for as much as 12 friends, it’s a communal area impressed by the enjoyment of make-up, the enjoyable of color and the sensation of being a part of one thing vibrant.’

Supplies, too, are offered of their uncooked, genuine kind – uncovered structural components, hand-finished tiles, and a muted, refined palette. Bespoke furnishings, combining classic and up to date items, introduces variation in texture and scale. Massive Venini pendants and sculptural wall sconces deliver a smooth, understated heat to the lighting scheme.

‘A part of our core design technique was to peel again the layers that had lengthy obscured the positioning’s architectural heritage,’ the studio notes. Unique terrazzo flooring have been uncovered and preserved, together with uncovered concrete columns and decorative plaster ceilings. A vibrant Aztec tile design from the Thirties was additionally revealed, permitting the constructing’s wealthy historical past to converse with the brand new interventions.