Selo Shoe Store in Sao Paulo by MNMA Studio

MNMA Studio have completed a retail store in Sao Paulo for handmade shoe brand Selo, inspired to create an escapist atmosphere for customers. The prime aim for the 100sqm interior was to create a seamless transition between the exterior and interior, with the same concrete on the footpath continued within, and oval and rounded shapes defining the minimalist floor plan.

“The studio’s core process of developing ideas from outside to inside and the pursuit of a fluid circulation led to the final layout and the sidewalk alignment as a continuum, so to offer seamless accessibility for all,” says MNMA.

The clean, tranquil façade and interior were designed in contrast to the oft chaotic city of Sao Paulo. Board-marked concrete and frameless glass reference the urban surrounds, while whitewashed tones bring a fresh take and a sense of lightness. Cement rendered with a textured finish covers the interior walls, floors and ceiling, and forms stairs and certain furniture fixtures.

During the building process, natural cracks appeared on the floors due to the expansion of certain materials. The architects chose to adopt a Japanese ‘Kintsugi’ approach, the art of repairing broken pottery by filling the cracks with lacquer and dusting with powdered gold, silver or platinum. Here, MNMA filled the cracks with a gold-tinted mixture, in homage to the traditional technique.

Further handmade techniques include that used to craft the sink, made using the process of ‘curving’ limestone and applying flames in order to create a particular rough texture. Sparse items of furniture throughout the store are retro references to the 1950s, with takes on classic pieces.

An internal atrium was remodelled with the addition of a rounded skylight, giving a clear view of the sky not just for natural light, but also offering a playful insight into nature, weather, the passage of time. The architects elaborate – “and to have some human scale perspective, reminding us that we share the same sky. It is inspired and celebrates some works of artist James Turrell.”

See more projects by MNMA Studio on Yellowtrace here.