Retro Punk: A Unique Fusion of History and Innovation

A Fresh and Edgy Hair Salon and Residential Space

Located in Taichang City, Taiwan, Retro Punk is a two-storey hair salon and residential space that seamlessly blends the old with the new. Designed by Huei-Min Tu and Chiu Wei Cheng, this project showcases the perfect balance between retro aesthetics and punk-inspired innovation.

The Retro Punk salon stands out amongst the old military dependents' village with its fresh and simple facade design. The exterior seamlessly integrates with the original building, giving it a unique charm. But what truly sets Retro Punk apart is its ability to maintain the sense of history while embracing modern design elements.

The house, which is over five decades old, underwent a renovation on an extremely slim budget. The interior layout was reorganized to create a space that pays homage to the original building's architectural structure. The designers, Huei-Min Tu and Chiu Wei Cheng, infused the space with an industrial punk sentiment, symbolizing the retro, innovative, and unique spirits that are essential to the world of fashion hair design.

Despite the narrow interior layout, the designers made the most of the space by pushing the reception counter outwards, combining it with the facade design. The use of imitation marble, glass, and Southern pine facade creates a fresh and vintage texture, further enhanced by the application of coating to correspond with the internal space.

The overall space of Retro Punk boldly combines different materials to achieve aesthetic balance, deviating from the stereotypical hair salon style. Iron piece lighting fixtures and retro seats create a vintage ambiance, while the scruffy punk style is showcased in the dye conditioning and washing area at the back. Metallic partitioning curtains and irregular hand-painted walls add to the rugged charm.

The challenges faced during the design process were overcome with creative solutions. The arrangement variation for the second-floor residential space allows for future expansion into a hair salon space. The master bedroom and the dining room/kitchen form a small-scale rest area through the combination of a passageway and a sofa, replacing the need for a traditional door. The glossy coating on the new brick wall and the dim lighting create a cozy atmosphere.

Retro Punk is not just a hair salon; it is a space that challenges conventions and embraces individuality. Its unique blend of history and innovation has earned it the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in 2019. This award recognizes the well-designed, practical, and innovative nature of Retro Punk, which meets professional and industrial requirements while contributing to a better world.

Step into Retro Punk and experience the fusion of retro aesthetics and punk-inspired innovation. It's a journey that will leave you inspired and captivated by the possibilities of design.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Huei-Min Tu
Image Credits: Huei-Min Tu
Project Team Members: CHIU, WEI-CHENG TU, HUEI-MIN
Project Name: Retro Punk
Project Client: Huei-Min Tu


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