Contract - November 2012 - (Page 43)

Bottles are displayed on the angle at which a maître d’ would present a bottle to discerning diners (left and below). Smooth white surfacing and leather display walls let each bottle animate the space. Key Design Highlights Linear vertical channels beneath the counters allow for neat storage of the remaining bottles of a case of wine, while a single bottle is gracefully showcased at eye level on continuous, sinuous shelves above. Magnetic labels can be easily repositioned along the edge of the stainless-steel shelving system, allowing for flexibility in placing wine bottles as inventory expands and contracts. Touch-screen technology and a state-of-the-art wine dispenser offers cutting edge service for sophisticated clientele. The flowing wall system was inspired by the landscape in which the grapes are typically grown, and the angles of bottles was inspired by a sommelier’s presentation. The cues for the flowing wall system were inspired by vineyard landscapes and that, in turn, influenced the overall aesthetic of the space. “We were obsessed with the rolling typography of a vineyard,” says Fryatt. “We were struck by the beautiful, languid views of grape vines on hills. And by working with curving continuous shelving, we were also able to visually expand the depth of field in the space and make it feel larger.” Bottles animating the space According to the architect, the presentation of the wine bottles in the store was inspired by Harry Poulakakos’s history and experience as a sommelier. “When you consider the most generous way to present a bottle of wine, you think of a maître d’ at a table, holding a bottle at the base and neck at an angle of slight repose with the label facing up at eye level,” says Fryatt. With this image in mind, Rogers Marvel used digital software to design a series of water-cut openings in the shelving to hold each bottle in a semi-upright position at varying degrees, allowing the bottles to become active players in animating the space and giving each its individual space to shine. The wine itself, on the other hand, guided the architects’ choice of materials for the space. “We aspired to use materials that would age well as wine does,” says Fryatt. Luminous terrazzo covers the floor, counters are stain-resistant and durable white Corian, and rich brown leather that will develop an antique patina with age lends warmth as a backdrop behind and beneath the bottles. With a design as highly honed as the shop’s retail concept, this bright, airy shop is sure to become a welcome downtown destination. c contract

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract - November 2012

Contract - November 2012
Contents
Editorial
Industry News
Product Focus: Getting Crafty
Product Briefs: Seating and Carpet
HyundaiCard Air Lounge
Orla Kiely
Vintry Fine Wines
Louis Vuitton Selfridges
Diptych Leadenhall Market and Bleecker Street
Camper Granada
Practice: The Future in Technology and Experiential Interiors
Designers Select: Tables and Casegoods
Sources
Ad Index
Small Project: A Lighting Installation Emphasizes Decadence in a Brussels

Contract - November 2012