Chan Sau Cheuk drew inspiration from the natural elements present in the salon's location, an art mall in Guangzhou. A grand vertical green wall and an abundance of natural light set the stage for the salon's design. The classic art museum concept was conceived by the owners in collaboration with the designer, aiming to create a space reminiscent of a museum nestled in a forest. The use of arch features with metal trims further enhances the salon's elegant atmosphere.
The Museum Salon stands out for its unique approach to customer experience. Unlike traditional salons where customers are often seated close together, each styling station in the Museum Salon is standalone, offering a private and prestigious space for each customer. This design decision aligns with the salon's location in an art hub, catering to the area's prestige population seeking high-end hairstyling services.
Chan Sau Cheuk employed innovative techniques and materials to realize this design. The reception counter's wood panel, made of Cedar, underwent a special treatment to withstand the salon's high humidity environment. The ceiling, custom-built in an arch form with concealed mono-tone lighting on every single arch, is a rare feature in hair salon design, contributing to the salon's unique aesthetic.
The salon's design also prioritizes functionality. For instance, each styling station features a private cabinet for storing customers' belongings and a jewelry-vision display case for presenting merchandise. The salon also includes designated spaces for parking equipment and tools, ensuring a tidy environment at all times.
The project, which started in January 2018 and was completed in May of the same year, faced several challenges due to the shop's long but narrow structure. However, Chan Sau Cheuk skillfully overcame these obstacles, creating a harmonious and functional space that balances openness with privacy. The Museum Salon's innovative design has been recognized with a Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019, a testament to its exceptional design quality.
In conclusion, the Museum Salon by Chan Sau Cheuk is a pioneering example of how art, architecture, and design can transform everyday experiences. By integrating elements of a classic art museum into a hair salon, Chan Sau Cheuk has created a space that not only provides high-quality hairstyling services but also offers a unique, elegant, and private environment for its customers.
Project Designers: Sau Cheuk Chan
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Harold de Puymorin, 2019.
Image #2: Photographer Harold de Puymorin, 2019.
Image #3: Photographer Harold de Puymorin, 2019.
Image #4: Photographer Harold de Puymorin, 2019.
Image #5: Photographer Harold de Puymorin, 2019.
Project Team Members: Interior Designer: Chan Sau Cheuk
Project Name: Museum Salon
Project Client: Sau Cheuk Chan