Out and About John D Clarke Steamer Trading Chester, UK
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John D Clarke Architects helps Steamer Trading Cookshop to create a store that combines a historic setting with a contemporary retail space.
Popular cookery retailer Steamer Trading Cookshop feels that a retail space should encourage in customers a sense of intrigue, surprise and delight, bringing them into store to explore what products are on offer. Their stores combine quality kitchen traditions with contemporary lifestyle, which is mirrored in the layout of each store both inside and out. The brand likes to marry unusual and
historic listed buildings with a more relaxed and modern interior, in the hope that this combination encourages in customers a real sense of impact. Eastbournebased John D Clarke Architects were chosen to help Steamer Trading Cookshop to ensure that each of the retail spaces was individual and in line with the client’s visions. Lead architect Jacob Chadwick
explained that, while working with historical buildings was a joy, there were many challenges to be faced throughout the duration of such projects; “Working with historical buildings is an absolute privilege, but there are numerous decisions and struggles along the journey. However, we would all agree that the end results for Steamer Trading have been absolutely stunning. Even with a quick glance at the shops you can see the care and skill that has been lavished on them to produce buildings that will become timeless classics.” Steamer Trading’s store in Chester dates
from 1660, and has been specially designed to create a dramatic sense of space. It was important that the original structure of the Building Society that previously inhabited the space was exposed, with features of the building accentuated whilst allowing for the installation of a contemporary interior.
56 In order to make the most of the
incredible building, the decision was made to expose the shallow pitched roof structure and trusses in the building, whilst installation of conservation roof windows either side of the original structure allowed for the maximum use of natural light, adding to the appreciation of the original structure. “These projects really are about
working with an existing ‘shell’ and discovering opportunities within those constraints to create a dramatic retail space,” explains Chadwick. “Incorporating the old structures add richness to the interiors and, in the case of the Chester store, the exposed, trussed roof structure of the original warehouse reveals the structure's historic story.” The calm colour pallet used for the
store allowed for the bright and beautiful products to take centre stage. Chadwick concludes; “There is something about Steamer Trading’s brand that is about conservation and evolution of tradition this is beautifully reflected in both the architecture of their shops and the products they sell.”
Contact
John D Clarke Architects T: +44 (0) 1323 411506
www.jdcarchitects.co.uk
www.a1retailmagazine.com
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