Mentze Ottenstein creates space for "calm discovery" at Tekla store in London
A calming and natural material palette of clay plaster, cherry wood and wool characterise Danish homeware brand Tekla's store in London.
Located on Marylebone High Street in west London, the space was designed by architect duo Mathias Mentze and Alexander Ottenstein of Mentze Ottenstein.
Having previously designed the brand's Modern Romance exhibition at this year's 3 Days of Design and head offices, Mentze Ottenstein aimed to bring a Scandinavian interpretation of British design to Tekla's London store.
"British and Scandinavian design share an appreciation for natural materials and craftsmanship," Tekla founder Charlie Hedin told Dezeen.
"But it was the playful exchange between these two sensibilities that was most inspiring, finding unexpected ways to let British wit meet Scandinavian clarity," he continued.
"We've maintained the clean lines and functionality of Scandinavian design, while playing with references to Victorian cabinets of curiosity through glass front cabinets, for example."
The minimal and neutrally toned space was partitioned by panelling and free-standing bespoke cabinetry, made from European cherry wood, which was intended to create a retail experience that encourages "calm discovery".
"It was an idea from the start to see everything as furniture in the store, something that can be arranged in different ways," Mentze told Dezeen.
"Making it feel more open and dynamic, rather than built in. The space is more like a stage, and the screens and furniture are the characters."
The soft wool screens, woven at an English factory, divide the space, whilst blackened iron was used for hanging rails.
A large cedar wood chest is displayed in the window of the store, referencing a Swedish "bridal chest" traditionally used to store linens and quilts.
An oak parquet floor, originally hidden, has been restored, with unsalvageable patches filled with polished concrete, whilst neutral clay plaster lines the walls.
The space has also been filled with collectible furniture and objects, which, according to Mentze, "tell a story about Tekla's inspirations and bring in some cultural context to the fabrics of the brand".
For example, an Alvar Aalto 31 lounge chair has been placed next to a Pierre Chapo bed, creating a domestic feeling within the store.
A group of vessels by Irish ceramicist Sara Flynn, in collaboration with Tekla, are displayed in a glass-front bespoke cabinet.
Other projects featured on Dezeen by Mentze Ottenstein include a 19th-century Danish country house renovated for Dinesen and a craft bakery in Berlin.
The photography is by Ludovic Balay.
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