Squirrel, St Paul's Churchyard
Wren have recently completed the refurbishment of a retail outlet, situated next to St. Paul's Cathedral.
Formerly an A3 Starbucks unit, the space features large perimeter and central bulkheads, an array of different flooring types and a toilet block that dominated the shop floor. Our client, who we have worked with previously on a number of retail outlets, wanted something a little more upmarket and quintessentially British. We proposed a concept that was unique to our client, through incorporating the colours and imagery of the brand and creating a high end, yet welcoming space.
Construction-wise, the idea was to remove the existing customer toilet block to open up the shop floor, whilst reconfiguring the Disabled WC to allow for more space for merchandising. Whilst retaining the existing bulkheads, the former ceiling grid and tiles were removed, and replaced with a plasterboard ceiling for a cleaner finish. We removed the existing flooring and replaced it with a checkerboard style linoleum. we introduced elements of homely features, such as a seating area (which gives a weary shopper / tourist a place to temporarily rest) and a fireplace, allowing the customer to envision items in their own home.
The brief from the client was to have flexible display units throughout the store, allowing for change of merchandising. Through the use of Antique and Bespoke-made furniture, this allows for a unique retail experience for our client and their customers. We collaborated with the team at EJ Ryder, who brought ours and our clients ideas of flexible merchandising displays, to reality.
Photography by Tom Fallon: Tom Fallon Photography
