Sunsmith K11 Musea

Craft By The Sea.

Building upon the success of Sunsmith's inaugural home of craftsmanship, the brand is proudly extending its artisanal spirit to K11 MUSEA - the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. This 6-month pop-up store serves as an embodiment of Sunsmith's unwavering dedication to exceptional craftsmanship. Its design elements draw inspiration from the nostalgic allure of Hong Kong's antiquated fishing village homes, serving as an artful tribute to the city's rich and textured history.

House of Forme worked with the client on their interior design, FF&E design, brand environments and project management.

See their website: instagram.com/sunsmith.hk/

The Saltwater Pilgrimage.

Our design narrative is a heartfelt nod to the humble beginnings of Hong Kong, transformed from a modest fishing village to a buzzing metropolitan city. In paying homage to our location, K11 MUSEA - a 'Muse by the Sea’; we also draw inspiration from the oceanic elements that are integral to the city's identity. The fishing industry remains an indelible part of Hong Kong’s heritage, a fact we celebrated by infusing elements reminiscent of the shimmering waves of sea, old village homes, trading ports, and local craftsmanship. These details also help communicate Sunsmith's ethos of dedication and resilience, resonating with the transformative journey of our city and the spirit of our chosen location.

The existing concept of the Causeway Bay store as a home of craft, is echoed in K11 MUSEA which in itself is a muse of crafts. As an extension of the brand, the store put the brand’s dedication to their craft into the limelight. This commitment is most visibly embodied in the craft table, a bespoke masterpiece forged from rich cherry wood. Standing as the centrepiece of the store, it draws the gaze of passers-by and invites them into the world of Sunsmith. It is here, at this table, where craftsmen bring Sunsmith's designs to life, allowing visitors to witness and appreciate the intricate artistry at play.

A Bespoke Touch Among Light And Shadow.

As you step into the pop-up, your gaze is immediately drawn to the bespoke displays flanking both sides of the entrance space. Each display, an artful fusion of aesthetic appeal and practicality, offers generous storage space, ensuring that the space remains uncluttered and inviting.

The lighting system is a harmonious blend of craftsmanship and functionality. Inspired by lamp posts, fishing rods, and antennas on boat houses, the light system is designed to not only illuminate but also to narrate a story. These adjustable fixtures, featuring magnetic interchangeable spotlights, provide flexibility both in lighting level and position where the horizontal component of the light posts can be moved up and down. Custom-branded signages are also incorporated, this whole design caters to the diverse needs of the space, enhancing both the products on display and the overall ambiance of the space.

Echoing through the store is a unique water glass pattern. This design element forms a harmonious thread that weaves through the store, reinforcing the overarching narrative of our design — a homage to Hong Kong's fishing heritage. This subtle yet impactful pattern serves as a constant reminder of the city's historical roots, resonating with the story at the heart of Sunsmith's brand identity and lineage.

Borrowed Scenery.

Our design approach pivots on consistency and meticulous attention to detail, inspired by traditional East Asian principles of harmonious integration. Borrowing cues from the metal accents of the mall, a technique known as 'borrowed scenery' is employed, seamlessly blending the shop with its inherited space. Every design element, from furniture to signage to lighting, is unified by a consistent copper framework. This aesthetic choice mirrors the copper bamboo element in the Causeway Bay store and subtly nods to the old dock houses of Hong Kong. The result is a cohesive brand experience that ensures Sunsmith's pop-up shop stands as a distinctive beacon of craftsmanship while still harmoniously integrating with the space of K11 MUSEA.

All Craftsmanship Alike.

We celebrated the art of woodmanship among the FF&E design of the store. This especially applies to the solid cherry wood table, which beautifully compliments the bronze and copper elements in the space. The craftsman table also showcases joinery details inspired by the city's fishing heritage. This serves as a testament to our commitment to integrating traditional craft techniques into contemporary design contexts.