Acre, a Melbourne-based boutique landscape architecture firm, has collaborated on an exciting project with Australian luggage designers, July in The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley.
Acre are acclaimed for creating unique and emotion-driven environments in luxury residential, multi-residential and commercial landscapes. With a focus on connection to landscape and authenticity in their designs, their projects range from coastal to rural settings; each infused with clean architectural lines and a layering of natural, textural and emotive plant palettes. This has been incorporated into the commercial realm in this new installation for the highly sought-after luggage brand, July.
Embarking on a new journey into lifestyle retail, Acre alongside In Addition, have collaborated on the July store located in the Calile Hotel within the vibrant James Street precinct. The recently opened store fuses inspiration from the laid-back lifestyle, characteristic of Brisbane and the lush tropical landscape unfurling around the boutique hotel. The retail space blends sophistication with a refreshing relaxed vibe, mirroring the timeless holiday imagery and mid-century aesthetics of photographer Slim Aarons.
Acre worked on a central planter, located in the heart of the new store. The installation blends design and nature, playing off the wanderlust created in the store to create a journey for those entering the lifestyle retail experience. Outfitted with the iconic silhouettes of Pygmy Date Palms and the texture and detail of climbers, shrubs and perennials, the planter transforms the space into a tropical oasis.
The vibrant foliage within the central planter works beautifully with the chosen interior finishes curated by In Addition. The infusion of warm timbers, supple leathers, and light stone accents not only complements the lush landscape but also elevates it to a focal point at the rear of the store. This integration of natural elements and refined materials creates an inviting ambiance, enticing customers to immerse themselves in the sun-drenched allure of the space.
Acre noted the challenge of the installation, which presented numerous design and logistical obstacles despite its small scale. Due to the stores indoor location, the designers at Acre had to factor in the filtering of natural light from the southern exposure as the primary lighting source. Additionally, intricate internal design complexities were required to ensure the planter could function as a low-maintenance feature garden.
As a Melbourne-based studio, the team at Acre relished in the opportunity to delve into a tropical northern plant palette, which naturally coalesced with the store's concept of travel and iconic Palm Springs aesthetic. The layering of textures and details through the array of plant life in the installation aids in creating a layered depth and interest to the store.
“Embracing opportunities that are diverse in complexity and nature fuels our passion as a firm, enabling us to explore fresh ideas and approaches to landscape interventions. This project resonated as we collaborated with a global luggage brand, infusing the project with a sense of worldly allure”.
- Brett Robinson, Creative Director.
As the boundaries between traditional disciplines blur, this collaboration exemplifies the transformative power of interdisciplinary cooperation. Acre's expertise in crafting luxurious residential and multi-residential landscapes seamlessly merges with InAddition's design ethos, while July's design craftsmanship adds an intriguing dimension to the mix. Together, these entities converge to redefine the concept of experiential retail, offering shoppers an immersive journey into a world where design, lifestyle, and hospitality intertwine.
To view more of Acre's exciting work, you can head to their CO-architecture company profile and learn about their studio, services and other projects including Piccolo House.
PROJECT DETAILS
Location: Fortitude Valley, QLD
Interior Design: In Addition
Landscape: Acre
Builder: Trust Projects
Photographer: Cieran Murphy
NOW HIRING
Acre is currently looking to employ a Senior Architect for a full-time role in their Collingwood office. If you are interested, you can read more about the job role and apply directly through the CO-architecture job listing.
