AESOP JAMES STREET
2016
‘The upturned fibreglass swimming pools became images of inspiration for the articulation of the fluid form and for the material choice.’
Aesop James Street is located in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley on Turrbal Country, occupying a prominent site defined by its scale, dual frontage and complex internal volume. At the time of its conception, it was Aesop’s largest store, presenting a series of challenges including two entrances of equal importance and a dramatic shift in ceiling height from a compressed single-storey zone to a double-height void.
The project is organised around a freestanding architectural insertion that establishes order within this complexity. Rather than relying on perimeter treatments, the design introduces a singular form that defines a focused retail and testing environment, while simultaneously dividing the plan into two back-of-house zones and a curated window display. This strategy allows the store to operate clearly and efficiently, while maintaining a strong spatial identity.
The formal and material language is driven by the use of fibreglass, selected for both its technical properties and its cultural resonance. Referencing surfboards, kayaks and above-ground swimming pools, the material evokes a distinctly Queensland sensibility tied to water, leisure and memory. The form draws inspiration from upturned fibreglass pools, translated into a continuous, flowing surface that connects wall and ceiling.
Constrained by the fabrication logic of one-way curving fibreglass sheets, the geometry develops as a controlled and legible system. The resulting form arches through the undercroft before expanding into the double-height space, creating a spatial sequence that amplifies the contrast between compression and release. Its horn-like geometry, reminiscent of a phonograph, subtly projects sound outward, allowing the store to engage the street acoustically as well as visually.
Through a combination of spatial clarity, material specificity and formal discipline, the project transforms a complex tenancy into a cohesive and immersive retail environment.
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RETAIL
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COMPLETE 2016
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TURRBAL | BRISBANE | QUEENSLAND
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BUILDER | CBD CONSTRUCTIONS
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER | CO-STRUCT
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PETER BENNETTS
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PEDRO KOK FOR AESOP