Venroy Armadale by Sarah I’Anson.

Sarah I’Anson transports us to the coast of Spain for Australian leisurewear label, Venroy’s first Melbourne store. Located on the very fashionable High Street in Armadale, the space captures the embodiment of the brand, that being to live life supremely relaxed.

Australian limestone shines as the hero element, underpinning Venroy’s signature retail aesthetic composed of natural materials and an understated, neutral colour palette. Quarried from South Australia, the singular use of material en-masse is reminiscent of traditional limestone villas in the Mediterranean and plays into the importance of travel within the brand narrative.

Natural materials including the use of red American oak, coir, linen, and sisal are key features of the store design. Their textural appeal creates a sense of ease and warmth in the space, evoking feelings of nostalgia for times spent on holidays in the sun. Custom stainless-steel metalwork and a Venetian plaster ceiling bring the space back to a contemporary, retail setting.

The design was a collaborative process between I’Anson and Venroy’s Founder and Director Sean Venturi, directly referencing Jørn Utzon’s holiday home in Majorca, Spain. His purist aesthetic and use of a monochromatic colour palette was particularly appealing to the design. As the architect behind the Sydney Opera House, this was a conscious source of inspiration.

In introducing a bricks-and-mortar concept to Melbourne, Venturi says of the design — “My vision for Armadale was to create a space which felt like a hotel lobby in the Mediterranean; a place where people could shift their mindset to a more idyllic escape.”

Related: Camilla and Marc Armadale by Akin Atelier.

In another nod to Sydney designers, a curated edit of furnishings including a Henry Wilson Pillar Lamp in honey onyx, stainless steel and glass sculptural Like Butter Table by Olivia Bossy and a vintage burl console sourced from The Vault are key accents in the interior.

Inspired by hotel lobbies and airports the custom seating captures the spirit of travel and transient locations. The curved shape directly references the iconic Cloverleaf Sofa designed by Verner Ebbesen, found in the Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge at Hong Kong Airport. Upholstery is designed by Vincent van Duysen and Anna Vilhelmine Ebbesen, using a twisted yarn and chenille for a soft handle, but also the appearance of movement. “We played with natural materials in line with our laid-back, resort aesthetic but purposefully designed the space as an elevated visual landscape, using textures and features to create a monastic-like sanctuary amongst the bustle of the community,” says Venturi.

Working with EMAC Constructions the project has prioritised sustainability. EMAC is a Green Building Council Member and is working towards a net-zero carbon offset, utilising renewable materials and prioritize optimal manufacturing techniques.

Balancing Mediterranean vibes with Australian materiality Sarah I’Anson has weaved a textural narrative of summer vacation into the Armadale store in line with Venroy’s laidback ethos.

Related: Under The Sea: Sarah & Sebastian Armadale by Russell & George.

[Images courtesy of Venroy. Photography by Tom Ross.]