Architecture studio Modem Atelier has created a moment boutique Inside a historic building that surrounds a hidden courtyard nanjingChina.
Located in the Xinanli district – known for its network of alleys and two-storey Qing Dynasty wooden houses – the Moment Boutique is located on the second floor of an ancient structure, with a small courtyard with plum trees on two sides.
Modem Atelier The aim is to create an identity for the store that respects the historical fabric of the area.
With only 3.5 meters of usable space on the ground floor, Modem Atelier created an open-air corridor that connects the street to a hidden courtyard.
The studio added weathering steel frames to the boutique’s windows, which overlook the courtyard, to complement the brick facade.
“The mottled rust on the surface of the steel matches the tone of the bricks, creating a sense of texture that has been baptized over time,” the studio told Dezeen.
On the upper floor, the boutique’s L-shaped interior features a wooden pavilion elevated on small columns at its centre.
The pavilion’s exclusive furniture is arranged like a tea room and serves as a space to host salons, product launches and intimate gatherings.
Featuring a sloping roof, the structure is open at the front and back and is connected to the ground by a suspended staircase, giving the illusion that it is floating. The large stones scattered below the pavilion strengthen its hold on the natural elements.
“The design of the wooden pavilion is inspired by the evolution of the surrounding historic buildings,” the studio said.
“It gives customers a feeling of a comfortable home environment, while also allowing them to view the surrounding clothing displays and the landscape outside the window, creating a unique experience.”
The pavilion extends from the wall of a cylindrical space that houses fitting rooms and nail service areas.
According to the studio, the layout of the boutique incorporates the concept of a traditional garden corridor, guiding customers through the store as they navigate a path that opens up around a central pavilion.
Clothing displays are arranged on a winding path around the store, while strategically placed mirrors and windows offer views of the courtyard below and the surrounding streets.
“The mirrors and windows are not only functional but also serve as a bridge between the space and the outside landscape,” explains the studio.
“We have arranged them in a way that simulates a flowing landscape that breaks the monotony and boundaries of traditional retail environments, creating a more immersive and diverse shopping experience for customers.”
Natural wood accents and white tones dominate the interior palette, ensuring that fabrics remain the visual focus. External water-brushed stone is used for the flooring, its rough texture contrasts with the wooden pavilion and adds to the external beauty.
“We tried to transform the sales space into an ‘exhibition’ full of storytelling, emotional resonance and experiential value,” the studio said.
“Through a visual narrative that resembles a long shot in a movie, the landscape is naturally integrated into the space and becomes part of customers’ interaction with the brand.”
Boutiques recently featured on Dezeen include A futuristic showroom with cobalt blue flooring and reflective chrome furnitureas well as A London store offering a gradient color scheme,
Photography is by Howie.