The North Face Westfield Bondi Junction

Redefining Retail Design with a Plywood Cube

Situated in the bustling Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney, Australia, The North Face store faced the challenge of standing out in a crowded shopping center. With limited direct approach from the front, lateral views needed to be considered. The solution? An oversized plywood cube positioned at a 45-degree angle, creating a visually captivating feature and backdrop for the window display.

The inspiration for the cube came from The North Face's square logo. Taking this iconic shape as a starting point, CoMa transformed it into a three-dimensional element. Drawing inspiration from parametric architecture, the cube was dematerialized, allowing for visual connections between the inside and outside of the store. This design choice was a nod to the brand's association with mountain landscapes and the exploration of nature.

One of the key strengths of the design is the careful articulation of the shopfront. The frameless glass, combined with the deconstructed plywood cube, draws customers into the store and invites them to explore what lies behind. The cube also serves as the housing for the sales desk area, seamlessly integrating function and aesthetics.

Inside the store, the use of timber battens as a ceiling feature creates a dialogue with the shopfront cube. This design element not only draws the customer's eyes towards the interior but also adds warmth and texture to the space. The clean and minimal finishes, including concrete, white walls, and yellow fabric, provide a neutral backdrop for the brand's highly technical products.

The design of The North Face Westfield Bondi Junction store was not without its challenges. The plywood cube, while visually striking, presented technical difficulties. To maintain the design integrity, each rib of the cube needed to be made from a single sheet of plywood without any joints. The solution was to custom-make the length and join two sheets together to achieve the correct thickness. The end result is a seamless and visually cohesive cube that appears as if it was always meant to be.

The North Face Westfield Bondi Junction store offers a unique and immersive shopping experience. The design creates a dialogue between the outside and inside, inviting customers to explore and discover the brand's products. With its innovative use of materials, attention to detail, and seamless integration of function and aesthetics, this retail space sets a new standard for retail design.

Image Credits: Photographer Tom Ferguson, TNF Westfield Bondi Junction, 2015

Awards and Accolades: This design was awarded Silver in the A' Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design Award in 2016. The Silver A' Design Award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill. The North Face Westfield Bondi Junction store showcases a remarkable level of excellence and introduces a sense of wonder and amazement to its customers.