Our second signature store in Taipei exploits subtle contrasts to explore the tension between nature and urban environments. Conceived in partnership with Mlkk Studio, the space occupies a corner site in a tranquil street, and draws inspiration from the ubiquitous ceramic tiles seen on the city’s storefronts, apartment buildings and pavements.

The design embraces the peculiarities, cracks and imperfections that develop over time to create a record of a changing environment. Matte alabaster tiles extend from the building façade to the ground-floor interior, effecting a gentle continuation of the streetscape; while local plants provide a verdant accent to the achromatic palette.

The tiles’ orderly geometry is offset by the fluid shapes of the furniture. A handful of surfaces have been left exposed to reveal the mortar; rather than a sense of the unfinished, it gestures to the meticulous craftsmanship typically concealed beneath tilework.