Casa Palacio: A New Retail Concept Store in Mexico City
To give the store an intimate feel, Hutchison and his team created three distinct areas to divide the space.
The store's entrance includes a three-story facade with vertical wood slats and glass storefront.
The entrance to the first of these experiences suggests a grand market, similar to those found in Mexico or Europe, but with contemporary twists. A modern wood lattice structure creates a canopy for small shops and provides a strong architectural contrast against more traditional elements like tile and iron columns. A fireplace in the center of the market creates a visual link to hearth and home.
The mansion entry hall includes a large staircase that allows the customer to meander through multiple floors.
After the market, patrons emerge on to a "street" flooded with natural light and lined with houses of various architectural styles, including two modern buildings that pay homage to Mexican architect Luis Barragán. The retail spaces are located inside these houses, and the merchandise is chosen to match the style of its building. This allows the customer to envision objects in a suitable home environment and connect with the product in a more emotional way.
Inside the mansion, each room displays a furniture collection that coordinates with the home's architectural style.
"It’s exciting to be working on our first project in burgeoning Mexico City as well as be at the helm of a unique home store concept worldwide," says Hutchison. "We have designed a shopping environment where customers feel transported and can see themselves using products in their own homes or even envision a new home."
Upon entering the store, the customer is transported into a busy market, much like those in Mexico, where he or she can purchase food products, housewares, utensils, etc. The space is brought up to date through the scupltural wood canopy that moves the eye toward the center of the space.
Casa Palacio carries products from over 60 brands, including SubZero, Miele, Hediard, Fortnum & Mason, Ralph Lauren Home, Frette, Etro Home, Loro Piana, Bose, Sony, Samsung, Artemide, La Table Hermes, Baccarat, Christofle, MoMA, Assouline, and Rizzoli.
In addition to the fireplace at the center of the market, natural light streams in through the windows.
Upon leaving the market, the customer suddenly finds themselves on a street lined with five houses. Two of these houses are inspired by Luis Barragán, the great Mexican modernist. The other three are more classic, representing Mexico's colonial architectural styles.
The wood sculpture from the market continues up through the second floor and provides a dynamic backdrop for the contemporary furniture area.
The tableware collections are showcased in a modern interpretation of a classic butler’s pantry with indirect lighting and polished stainless steel frames.
The last building is a classic townhouse with a grand staircase to allow customers to traverse the space easily.
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