The Spiggy Brisbane showroom has been entered into the Australian Institute of Architecture Awards – Small Project Architecture Category, for 2023. The awards include a People’s Choice award so click here to add your vote!
Designed by Alcorn Middleton, the showroom features the Brisbane-based architectural firm’s renowned “hide and reveal” concept which is a perfect fit for the Spiggy showroom.
The brief tasked the architects with taking a different approach to this design and challenged them to give the showroom the look and feel of a jewellery store. “Our products are like jewellery for doors, so I was keen to ensure they were elevated accordingly,” explains Colin Wright, founder of Spiggy. “Handles are handled, so it was also important for the products could be held, used, and inspected, rather than just hung on walls or display boards”.
In a space just 30sqm, the architects have created a sophisticated scene that is a world away from the traditional hardware retail outlet. A layered approach was utilised to assist patrons to navigate the product offering, with various collections of handles revealed behind individual doors.
These working doors feature different mortice and hinge configurations which allows visitors to view the workings of the product to make an informed decision for their project. Each door features authentically-designed products from some of the world’s most highly regarded designers and manufacturers.
Specially-designed plinths sit in alcoves and feature highlighted products which are changed frequently, further reinforcing the idea of each piece as a work of art. Lighting from one of their brands, Buster + Punch, is used to great effect to highlight each piece.
The main island is a tiered, multi-purpose unit which showcases the sculptural collection of handles from Philip Watts Design but is also the perfect place for additional seating for events or when architectural presentations are held. Within the island, a number of drawers open to reveal a collection of joinery handles as well as smaller drawers for the mortices, hinges, door stops and other accessories.
Furthering the concept of a jewellery store, the idea is that the accessories are chosen and matched to the preferred handle collection to ensure all colours and finishes are considered as a cohesive whole.
The Spiggy Brisbane showroom is open for visitors and a new Sydney showroom is planned to be open soon. In addition, a new website is being designed and will be live shortly.
For more information visit spiggy.com.au
Photo credit: Toby Scott.
