Aesthetic Endurance – Lo & Co Woollahra by Alexander &CO.

Originally hailing from Adelaide, Lo & Co has grown into a new home in Sydney. Designed by Alexander &CO., the Woollahra store reflects the quality and precision of the brand’s fine architectural door hardware.

The new store marks a milestone as Lo & Co gains recognition from the Australian market; no longer a start-up, the company has defined its place within the architecture and design industry, becoming renowned for a youthful character and productively disruptive ideology. In recognition of this ethos, the design brief for Lo & Co Woollahra entailed paying homage to the brand’s journey thus far whilst crafting a non-traditional setting for its signature hardware to be displayed. As the store occupies just 20 square metres, efficiency permeates the design. Uncluttered and functional, the space reflects an understanding of the dynamic nature of an ever-growing business, accommodating the possibility of future relocation.

Uncluttered and functional, the space reflects an understanding of the dynamic nature of an ever-growing business, accommodating the possibility of future relocation.

Alexander &CO. draws from a unique conception of aesthetic endurance. The store is filled with furniture that can easily be relocated or positioned to complement future sites. As free-standing furniture, these timeless pieces that feature a refined materiality and champion a textural, monochromatic palette create the illusion of space whilst forming amenities. Engaging with the historic external frontage, the interior possesses a ‘found’ character, despite its modern configuration. Walls rendered in a soft white plaster combine with American oak limed timber flooring to establish a classic, gallery-esque space in which the individual qualities of the products on display are brought forward.

A large, walnut veneer island bench draws the gaze towards the back of the store. The timber centrepiece represents the evolution of the pink concrete bench that has become synonymous with Alexander &CO.’s work. With rounded edges and carved benchtop storage, the piece is imbued with a sense of quiet dignity that does not overwhelm the small space. Overhead, an elongated brass pendant light accentuates the detail of the hardware below. On the back wall, a painted veneer open bookcase is fitted with integrated lighting, also highlighting the products on display. The adjacent walls see concrete frames with oak infill form a refreshing and sophisticated means of showcasing pieces of craft. With each change of material and position of lighting, the store gently shifts the direction of interest, guiding visitors on a journey of discovery.

Alexander &CO. draws from a unique conception of aesthetic endurance.

With each change of material and position of lighting, the store gently shifts the direction of interest, guiding visitors on a journey of discovery.

Fusing minimal furniture and lighting with a tonal colour scheme, Alexander &CO. crafts the basis of a contemporary treasure trove. Enhanced by the architectural surrounds, the Lo & Co products glint with metallic lustre, enticing customers into the warm, tactile space.