LeTAO by K.Holland Architectural Interiors

Evoking a gallery-like experience, Japanese cheesecake bakery LeTAO has opened its second flagship location in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

Following the success of the brand’s first Australian outlet in Melbourne, the new Sydney store – designed by K.Holland Architectural Interiors – will adopt a merchandising approach akin to the appearance of an art exhibition.

With this new tenancy on George Street, the brand unveils a sensory design that resonates with the Japanese themes present in the Melbourne store.

Flipping the typical retail process, customers will be encouraged to peruse the store, viewing the baked goods and pastries as works of art. “It’s more of a gallery space than a traditional store,” says K.Holland Architectural Interiors director Kelly Holland. “We’re trying to revolutionise how retail is done.” With this new tenancy on George Street, the brand unveils a sensory design that resonates with the Japanese themes present in the Melbourne store.

Along with the gallery motif, LeTAO takes on the themes of Japanese minimalism. Traditional spaces often have a seamless indoor-outdoor connection by placing windows at ground level, an idea that was integrated by installing a low-level mirror to extend the floor plane. This design directive also ties into the strict geometrical quality of the space. The store is constructed within a square, with tiles, shelving and displays measured to slot in with sleek precision. To mask the back room and storage cupboard, the team worked extensively with Hawa to create a custom sliding door mechanism that was structurally supportive and sat flush with the meticulously measured wall panels.

Delicate desserts are displayed atop granite boulders from a local quarry, creating an intriguing contrast between the raw grey rock and the vibrant cakes.

To invigorate the aesthetics of the store, an earthy materiality has been introduced. Delicate desserts are displayed atop granite boulders from a local quarry, creating an intriguing contrast between the raw grey rock and the vibrant cakes. The perceived height of the space was extended by installing a mirrored ceiling, and lights line the bases of the displays, between wall panels and along the skirting of walls, further evoking that immersive gallery atmosphere.

The LeTAO Sydney flagship store is a refined and distinct space that reflects the precision and care taken in creating the sumptuous desserts it realises and showcases.

Interior design by K.Holland Architectural Interiors. Build by Silk Eternity.