Effervescent Pairing – The Disco by J.AR OFFICE

Tapping into the feel-good effects of a trip to the hair salon, The Disco is an effervescent space that’s amped up to dramatic effect. With precision and finesse, J.AR OFFICE sets the scene for the theatrics of self-care.

Architecturally, The Disco is intentionally pared-back to offer a heightened experience. Yet while it’s dotted with robust and institutional references, the vibe is more luxurious than clinical. With this design, J.AR OFFICE delivered on an ambitious brief within the constraints of the site, making use of the existing shell’s core structural and foundational elements – the flooring, ramp, ceiling and walls. With the application of cooling and reflective surfaces, the integration of custom joinery and lighting and the addition of a couple of unexpected curves, the space is given a new life.

With this design, J.AR OFFICE delivered on an ambitious brief within the constraints of the site, making use of the existing shell’s core structural and foundational elements – the flooring, ramp, ceiling and walls.

The full-size shopfront window creates a frame of cinematic proportions for the action within, the space becoming a stage and the inner workings of the salon, the show. Stepping inside, however, one isn’t immediately thrust into the spotlight; carefully choreographed sequencing imbues a sense of intrigue and draws guests through a series of connected spaces. The joinery, craft-ed off-site and brought in as entire units, defines functionality and form. It works in concert with both curved and straight partitions that funnel movement through each zone and room – from the entry to the reception counter and into to the washing space, before finally arriving at the main event: the cutting and styling space referred to as ‘the disco room’.

At every step along the way, materiality provides both cues and emphasis. On entry, natural coir matting underfoot softens the transition from the street to the salon. Moving up to the reception counter, the coir gives way to utilitarian polished concrete floors and stucco render is combined with linished stainless steel and marble on the walls to dramatic effect. In the disco room, the drama is heightened further by using a series of mirrors that reflect and repeat the relentlessly reductionist palette of stainless steel and concrete.

A sense of drama is heightened further by using a series of mirrors that reflect and repeat the relentlessly reductionist palette of stainless steel and concrete.

With supreme confidence, The Disco delivers an experience for its clientele that is polished to precision. It’s bold and exciting, elevating the ritual of a cut and colour into an event unto itself.