KAPOK
Shop of cards
A shop of unique Shelf of Cards systems, a flexible building system made of recycled materials, expresses the Kapok spirit and the ever changing mix of its quality goods sourced from all over the world. The Shelf of Cards is inspired by “house of cards” toys, and is conceived to eliminate on-site construction and material waste. All components are factory cnc-milled and slot-fitted to create freestanding structures of up to 240cm tall. The 200m2 shop was installed in a mere 5 hours.
The Shelf of Cards system is made from FSC and PEFC certified recycled post-industrial wood fibre panels impregnated with organic dyes. The wall units have slotted column structures and various diversely different shelf profiles such as built-in hangers, cut outs or protruding highlight perches, etc. to accommodate Kapok’s multiple product types. The floor units can be dismantled into 10 identical flat panels, and assembled via special criss-crossed slots into different assembly variations.
Standing in space are robust plywood K-frames derived from Kapok’s logo. The structure is formed by the emergent branching of multiple Ks made either of square stainless steel tubes, recycled wood fibre panels or birch-ply. The Ks lean against each other for stability and support, forming an interconnected system of weights and counterbalances.
Under the playful kit-of-parts, game-like atmosphere of the Kapok shop are a bespoke, highly interchangeable and expandable shop system. Furthermore, the Shelf of Cards panels even emit the distinctive, pleasant scent of colored pencils, evoking memories of child’s play and tactile toys.
Project data
Location: Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Client: Kapok, Hong Kong
Program Function: Retail
Interior Design: XRANGE Architects
Floor Area: 200 m2
Design: 2014
Completion: May 2014