In this interview with architects Joel Alcorn and Chloe Middleton of Alcorn Middleton, we hear firsthand about the design of Spiggy’s beautiful Sydney showroom: a jewel box of discovery for those seeking designer hardware for their spaces.
Products
Tell us about the design concept underpinning your design for the Spiggy Sydney Showroom space?
Alcorn Middleton: The design of the Spiggy Sydney Showroom draws heavily from the learnings of the inaugural Brisbane showroom. Understanding how people engaged with the hardware in Brisbane provided invaluable insights into how best to present these pieces in Sydney, especially within a more compact footprint.
A fundamental part of Spiggy’s identity is the way architectural hardware is perceived – not simply as functional objects but as beautifully crafted, bespoke adornments, much like jewellery. This philosophy underpins the showroom’s aesthetic, where a subdued, clean, and homogenous backdrop allows each individual piece to stand out on its own merit.
Beyond aesthetics, functionality was a key driver in the design. This space is not just about display; it’s a working showroom where visitors are encouraged to engage with the products – picking them up, handling them, and experiencing their weight, texture, and craftsmanship firsthand. Every design decision was made to facilitate this interaction, ensuring that the showroom is both an elegant showcase and a highly practical workspace.
Can you highlight your favourite features of the space?
Alcorn Middleton: One of the standout features of the design is the carefully crafted, expressed window treatment. It serves as an exquisite addition, complementing the displayed pieces like jewels in an otherwise minimal space. If you had seen the original windows in this part of the building, you’d appreciate just how transformative this intervention has been. Maintaining access to natural light was essential, as it plays a crucial role in evaluating colours and materials.
Another key element is the console bench, which, like in the inaugural Spiggy Showroom in Brisbane, plays a pivotal role in the Sydney space. The design of reception and retail environments has evolved significantly over the past two decades, with the concept of a cordoned-off reception area becoming almost obsolete. The console bench responds to this shift in multiple ways. It serves as a functional workbench, allowing hardware to be compared side by side or against other finish samples; [and] it acts as a spatial device, encouraging fluid circulation in this compact, elongated room. Lastly, and most crucially, it offers valuable concealed storage – an essential consideration given the limited footprint.
Tell us about some of the materials selected to bring the showroom to life?
A key collaboration unique to the Spiggy Sydney Showroom exemplifies the synergy between Spiggy and Artedomus. This partnership led to the extensive use of tiles throughout the design – not only for their durability and longevity but also for the rich, textural qualities that Artedomus products bring to an interior. This integration reinforces the connection between the two brands, embedding Artedomus materials into the spatial experience of Spiggy.
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