Australian architecture outfit Akin Atelier, led by director Kelvin Ho, was tapped by Brian and Vincent Wu, the founders of fashion retailer Incu, to create the brand’s multi-purpose headquarters in the Rosebery neighbourhood of Sydney. But the finished result is much more than just an HQ. The newest Incu address performs as an outlet store, event facility, warehouse and office space.
A key element of the building’s design is the intricate brickwork that extends from the outside in. The brick materiality pays homage to the history of the site (originally a mechanic’s workshop), the surrounding industrial area and the storied brick buildings that remain.
The Sydney HQ of multi-brand retailer Incu by Akin Atelier
The facade of the Incu HQ is constructed with Bowral Bricks in Capitol Red; the dry-pressed bricks are a modern take on the classic red brick, quintessential to the Australian architectural landscape. The strong uniformity of the colour and structure is offset and softened by curved edges and smooth terracotta-tinged render.
The building consists of predominantly natural materials, including timber joinery and door frames throughout. The earthy materiality contributes to the calming and neutral sensibility of the space – impressive in its form and structure, but refined in colour and texture so as to not detract from the range of products on display.
“We work predominantly with natural materials for Incu’s material palette,” Kelvin says, highlighting the use of premium oak, stone and ceramic tiles. “There is always a gesture of colour but it never overwhelms the space. We place fixtures and displays as visual clues to guide customers through the micro-departments of each store – almost like an intuitive map.” As well as the material palette, Kelvin describes the way that the Australian identity is painted through the store, creating a “mood [that] is contemporary, warm, familiar and tactile, accessible”.
Despite the reasonably large footprint, the dimensions are narrow, and so in order to let light into the space, the team at Akin designed floor to ceiling windows, both as a means of illuminating the space and as a design feature. Placed around the internal courtyard, the windows also promote cross-ventilation, fostering an open, cool sanctuary in the urban environment.
Though not visible from the street, the courtyard acts as the heart of the upper-level office. Doubling as an intimate place to relax and a means of drawing light into working spaces, the open-air courtyard is the ideal location for an alfresco meeting, mid-day repose or after-work drinks.
We work predominantly with natural materials for Incu’s material palette. There is always a gesture of colour but it never overwhelms the space.
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