More Cupcakes

Added : 22 Dec 2010 | Visits : 2216 | Average votes : %

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The Morecupcakes retail store in Chicago, designed by David Woodhouse is statement in minimalism.

A 550sqft space in Chicago has been tranformed into a chic cupcake store by architect David Woodhouse. The inspiration for the interiors which are designed in a minimalistic fashion, came from the ingredients in the long list of goodies offered by the store. According to Woodhouse, 'we wanted to get the feeling of what the cupcakes were made of,the purity of the white flour, the creamy feeling of the butter.'

The architect wanted to do design the interiors different from the traditional image of a 'bakery', especially the glass counters that one has to bend over for looking at the display. Instead, he chose to design it like a museum where the artifact that is each cupcake is at eye level. The focus of the space is the stainless steel cupcake display stand where each cupcake is placed like a piece of art. For the main retail space, the architect has chosen bamboo plywood for the counter as well as cabinets. The latter are custom made for storage of boxes, bags and other packaging material. 3/4" thick panels of bamboo plywood, with their caramelised finish, instill a feeling of warmth and coziness that one associates with a bakery. These panels are made of small pieces of bamboo stacked perpendicular to the outer surface's vertical grain. As a result, the holes bored in the front panel have a beautifully detailed cross-section.

Use of matte finish 3 form Chroma Panels allowed the architects to play with light. The frosted glass panels add to not just the aesthetics of the place but also help in the creating a sense of lightness and flexibility. A custom-built installation themed around the swirls of butter used in baking, is designed by the local artist, Greg Mowery and placed on the back wall. The desired effect is achieved by combining proper colour temperature of neon tubing and a specially painted surface. In front of this, along the back wall, floor-to-ceiling formed Chroma panels diffuse the light. Similar panels but of varying thickness, with circles routed on them, are used to display the cupcakes. These help in displaying the cupcakes evenly and also prevent them from sliding around. They also lure the passersby into the shop since it becomes visible from the sidewalk outside.

Acid-etched float glass is used for the countertops and the pivot door between the retail space and the kitchen. The door conceals the clutter of the bakery kitchen while allowing the customers to see chefs working in the kitchen space behind as well as letting the sounds and smell pass through. Though the architect has used simple materials, they have been detailed meticulously evoking a sense of luxury akin to a boutique. The project won the Chicago AIA Award in 2009.

Text Compilation: Hina Nitesh

Photographs: courtesy the architects

Architect's Website: http://www.davidwoodhouse.com/