The Solmé boutique has opened at Stary Browar in Poznań – a space that redefines the contemporary shopping experience by combining a radical aesthetic with the concept of responsible design. Architects from the raw07 studio have created an interior that not only showcases collections from Polish and Italian brands, but also tells a story of change, circularity and a conscious approach to materials.
From the outset,the project was designed to move away from the traditional understanding of luxury. Instead of perfectly finished surfaces, there is a deliberate imperfection; and instead of decorative excess, there is pragmatic reduction. It is an interior that evolves alongside the collections and its users, remaining open to constant reinterpretation.
Modularity and circularity as the foundation of the project
A key principle was the implementation of circular economy principles. The fittings are made from aluminium profiles commonly found in industry and laboratories, designed in accordance with the ‘design for disassembly’ concept. They can be configured, dismantled without damage and reused in a different function or location. Minimising construction work and leaving sections of the plasterboard walls in their raw state is a deliberate move to challenge an aesthetic based on excess – a solution which simultaneously reduces waste throughout the interior’s entire life cycle.
The furniture system is based on modularity and adaptability. The stainless steel structures remain unpainted, retaining their authentic, raw form and allowing for full recycling. Their mobility allows for the constant reconfiguration of the functional layout, enabling the boutique to adapt to changing collections and display requirements.
The softness of textiles
The industrial austerity is counterbalanced by interchangeable textile accessories: ribbons, curtains and fabric-wrapped rails. These introduce softness, seasonal variation and a subtle element of fashion-inspired playfulness. Semi-transparent plexiglass forms, made from recyclable materials, also play an important role. These ephemeral elements resemble the ‘spirits’ of clothing – delicate, intriguing structures that engage visitors’ perceptions and allow the space to be quickly given a new identity simply by swapping them out.
Between permanence and transience
The finishing materials create a deliberate dialogue between artisanal elegance and imperfection. Polished stainless steel panels are juxtaposed with the raw, unfinished appearance of plasterboard, emphasising the tension between permanence and transience. The walls provide a pragmatic backdrop for the garments, whilst experimental, etched mirrors blur the boundaries between the seemingly unfinished interior and the reflection of the collections on display.
The functional layout is based on a sequence of discovery. The entrance gate serves a dual purpose: it acts as a backdrop for the display whilst simultaneously concealing part of the interior, creating a tension between what is visible and what lies further inside the premises. The second gate, separating the fitting room area, becomes a subtle exhibition space and conceals the necessary back-of-house facilities.
The Solmé boutique proposes a new model for interior design. In the face of the climate crisis, it moves away from the conventional image of luxury, focusing instead on a dialogue between the austerity and apparent imperfection of the finishes and the softness and quality of the collections on display. It is a space that redefines the aesthetics of contemporary retail, demonstrating that responsible design can be at once expressive, conscious and deeply engaging.
design: raw07
photographs: Studio Archives
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