Men’s Culture

The client’s challenge was to create a ‘masculine space’ within a very small constrained, T-shaped footprint, measuring just 33 sqm and only 3.1 metres wide wide. The space needed to include four hair cutting stations, a washing machine, two shampoo chairs, sinks, a hot-towel machine and a retail area.

The solution was in reinterpreting the classic wooden wainscoting, by developing a wall-lining system of textured navy powdercoat that wraps the space and incorporates the key operational elements within its frame work - which demarcates the various store areas, from benches, mirrors and retails areas. The mirrors at each hairdressing station are surrounded by reeded glass – a subtle nod to the classic barber shop – while the solid brass barber’s trays conceal power points, subtly crafted into the hinged lids. At the back is a monolithic cupboard of galvanized steel, which hides a washing machine and dryer and barbering clutter from sight.

The design is a combination of old and new referencing and modern design detailing provides a familiar but invigorating customer environment and is impactful in continuing the journey of what can be achieved with barber shop design and the comeback barber shops are making on street corners world wide. Overall the design is a success, it has created a cohesively designed space where everything speaks to each other, from side to side and from top to bottom, it allows a small space to exist in harmony producing a space that people want to visit.

Other key features include shelves made of walnut and marble have been recessed to maximise space, while more playful elements include the use of perforated steel sheeting with butcher’s hooks inserted to provide flexible hanging for guests coats and bags. The use of premium materials, such as marble, brass and walnut, juxtaposes with the industrial elements, yet the space reads as a cohesive whole due to the limited colour palette and framing system. The cork floor, departs from the more masculine material choices to provide some give underfoot for the barbers who are on their feet all day. It also matches the colour of the entry travertine flooring. The unusual T-shaped floor plate has been made sense of by using the front area for the retail shelves and point-of-sale counter, keeping the latter from detracting from the minimalist interior.