Client:

Crysalis

Location:

Newcastle, NSW

Expertise:

Retail, Workplace, Interiors

Photographer:

Josh Hogan

Awards:

Newcastle Architecture Awards – 2021 – Awards Entry – Interior Architecture

The Team:

Architect: Leigh Richardson, Dylan Try
Builder: Skelcon

The Vision

This project encapsulated an environment that transformed the customer while experiencing a sensory immersion. Every element of design was focused to create a boutique escape from the outside world through a beginning-to-end experience.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Taking from the name, Chrysalis, this project was all about creating an environment that transformed the customer while experiencing a sensory immersion. Every element of design was focused to create a boutique escape from the outside world through a beginning-to-end experience. Lighting, ambience and texture were integral to fashioning a wellness-experience. Customers transition from a busy city street to a sensory and cerebral oasis, where connected zones allowed for comfort, relaxation and escape from the everyday. Strategic use of quality materials, finely crafted joinery, beautiful artwork and furniture solidified the sensation of an “oasis of refinement”.

The design captured two key benefits. First the transformation from hectic world to calming immersion within the building produced by ambient lighting, textured walls, fragrant smells, calming music and an array of visual delights. The second is to create intrigue and invitation to public outside the building via two shopfront windows, where hand-selected products are displayed under a beautiful brass pendant light, and the other window features ornate mirrors displaying the stylists at work. Nestled within a shop-top house from the Victorian period, the space was designed to capitalise on existing structural elements of the building and reduce elements that did not reflect the building’s character. Due to load-bearing beams the existing structure could not be altered cost-effectively, the solution was to design unique interconnected spaces that facilitated different functions for the user. The result is a homage to the Victorian era of the original building. We embraced the client’s request to allow each space to have their own unique feel and serve a different function for their business. On a functional level, clever connection of the different spaces allowed for smooth operational efficiency and flow of customers and staff. Every function of the business was considered alongside the comfort of patrons and efficient movement of staff. Collaboration was key to creating beautiful features to help breathe life into the space. Specialist trades, custom art works, 3D foliage wall art crafted in-situ, handmade wallpaper, exquisite light fittings and finely crafted joinery work in harmony. Completed within the client’s initial budget, SDA knew attention to detail and “space creation” was paramount to the success of this design. By creating a functional layout within the constraints of the building, the client’s budget could extend to the finer elements of the fit out providing a high quality feel through its textures, materiality, fixtures and fittings.

Crysalis Hair is a sustainable salon, offering Newcastle’s largest range of non-toxic, organic and plant based beauty, hair and makeup products. The fit out allows the business to continue to operate ethically, incorporating different types of waste storage, using quality materials and revitalising an old building giving it a new life to continue its story. The result was an exciting transformation of the existing space into a beautiful calm and tranquil environment, located in the heart of Newcastle. This space offers its users and the community, not just a unique experience, but a redefinition of the hair salon experience.