The Standard Store

Independent Australian retailer The Standard Store recently opened the doors to their new Sydney home. The design concept—unusual for a fashion store—focussed on permanence and longevity. Pattern Studio prioritised improving the new space’s architectural qualities; and enhancing its existing built fabric. Structural modifications including the addition of an oversized glazed pivot door increased the amount of natural light within the space as well as improving the connection between the site’s outdoor and indoor areas. The new glass and steel opening creates views through to a lush rear courtyard; which was formerly hidden out of sight behind a solid wall. The courtyard floor was refinished in natural stone baton tiles which extend into the store blurring the boundaries between inside and out. Existing dark brown particle-board floors were sanded and lime-washed; the near-white finish highlighting the building’s raw sandstone and heritage masonry textures.

Pattern Studio curated a mix of bespoke built-elements with design classics. The store’s POS is clad is brilliant blue solid glass bricks; hand-cast in Italy. The POS counter is wrapped in an ink-blue aniline leather hide, a soft and tactile contrast to the cool, hard glass. Fine, custom stainless steel rails are a slick offset to the space’s rougher, more tactile textures. Pattern looked to Swiss design icon USM to provide modular display and storage solutions that will last a lifetime, and be able to be modified as needed in years to come.

Completed April 2021

Photographs by Traianos Pakioufakis.