ROVR

On behalf of ROVR, we accepted the challenge to refurbish a neglected three storey compact shell in the heart of Soho and create a basement record shop, a ground floor coffee shop and a first floor exhibition space. In line with our approach to sustainability, we purposefully retained the maximum existing fabric of the building as possible and carefully designed a bespoke demountable system for furniture display using natural materials that can be re-used in future spaces if required. 

On the ground floor we designed a coffee shop that put the making of specialist coffee at the heart of the design, under a new fully openable sash window to the street. We used Cherry fruit wood to add richness and warmth combined with polished concrete floors and counters.

The basement record shop is connected to the street using the existing (but improved) ladder-like stair that we found in the old external stairwell. Now surrounded by ferns our idea is to create a journey from the street to the record shop that recalls the basement spaces of 1960s Soho and Denmark Street. The listening area within the shop allows music lovers the opportunity to hear their chosen vinyl on a bespoke speaker system. We have used acoustic ceilings, a concrete counter with inset listening stations and a bespoke furniture system for presenting records and memorabilia. Visitors can hear original vinyl while using an original Aalto stool or table.

There are subtle references to The Haçienda by Ben Kelly, and the record storage furniture found in the original Tower Records store on Times Square. We developed the graphic system for signage and wayfinding with our regular collaborators YES Studio, with all signage applied directly onto architectural surfaces. The overall concept is a building dedicated to the culture of music.