Salon Xia
Salon for Salon Xia
The design creates a tenant improvement and re-branding strategy for an established beauty salon in downtown Pasadena California by offering an innovative approach to organizing a modern salon. Instead of traditional rows of styling stations, two freestanding hexagonal towers float within the space to create open and unique stations for each of the stylists. Other sculptural hexagons activate the space with functions and amenities. Subtle references to both its Southern Californian and urban context are provide through rich colors and bold shapes.
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Unique Properties
As a tenant improvement and re-branding for an established local hair salon in downtown Pasadena, the designer created an innovative approach to organizing a modern salon whilst providing subtle references to its Southern Californian and urban context. Instead of traditional rows of styling stations, two freestanding sculptural hexagonal towers float within the space to create open, uniquely oriented, and equal stations for each of the twelve stylists.
Tags
xia, salon, hair salon, beauty salon, modern salon, TI, tenant improvement, modern architecture, modern interiors, architecture, interiors
Production Technology
Hexagonal shapes repeat in plan and rotate through the space in various forms, including the reception desk, waiting bench, dressing room, ceilings, and lights. The central dressing room becomes a focal point in richly colored velvet for privacy and sound absorption and can be fully opened for more space during events. High-pressure laminate, quartz, and powder-coated steel provide durability and resist potent hair coloring pigments. Larch warms the space while sheer curtains diffuse daylight.
Design Challenge
The challenge was to fit a hair salon for 12 stylists into a small space on a tight budget. As an odd corner space with tall windows on most of the perimeter, few walls were available for organizing stations. Instead of typical rows of styling stations, two towers were built floating in the space to create spacious and uniquely oriented stations for each stylist. This radial arrangement results in 23 percent less floor area needed per station, interesting sight lines, and balanced daylighting.
Project Duration
The project is located in downtown Pasadena, California and was designed in Los Angeles, California starting in August 2017. Construction was completed in May 2018 .
Operation Flow
Between the sculptural elements a dynamic visual is created. The users perception evolves into changing sight lines and a variety of angled reflections as they move throughout. Linear lighting floats as hexagonal halos around the station towers, providing diffuse, neutral, and true color lighting necessary for shadow-free styling and accurate rendering of hair coloring, a salon forte. Cabinets at each station conceal the stylist's tools, supplies, and a shelf. A lack of doors eases movement.
Research
The designer tested various planning options for styling station configurations to determine that a radial organization was spatially very efficient. Two hexagonal shapes accommodated the required 12 stations, resulting in a design that is 23 percent more space efficient than a typical straight row of stations while providing more room for each stylist, circulation, and more privacy for the clients. Material options at high-use areas were tested for stain resistance to hair coloring pigments.
Inspiration
Colors, shapes, and artwork abstract the local environment, with the dark blue greens of the sea and vegetation, and terracotta oranges and semicircular arches prolific in Pasadena architecture. The main space remains naturally bright and open, revealing the urban nature of the raw concrete building shell. A minimal simplicity is amplified with rich colors, textures, and materials to evoke a subtle mix of Japanese and Scandinavian design sensibilities but while remaining specific to its place.
Image Credits
Image #1: Photographer Laure Joliet, Salon Xia, 2018. Image #2: Photographer Laure Joliet, Salon Xia, 2018. Image #3: Photographer Laure Joliet, Salon Xia, 2018. Image #4: Illustrator Clay Holden, Salon Xia, 2018. Image #5: Photographer Laure Joliet, Salon Xia, 2018
Project Overview
Salon Xia Salon has been a Iron winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2019 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.
Iron Recognition
Clay Holden Architects was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2020, a testament to excellence of their work Salon Xia Salon.
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Clay Holden Architects Unveils Innovative Salon Design "Salon Xia" in Downtown Pasadena
Clay Holden Architects introduces "Salon Xia," a modern and innovative salon design located in downtown Pasadena, California. The design, completed in May 2018, offers a unique approach to organizing a modern salon while subtly referencing its Southern Californian and urban context.
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