Architect / Designer – David Hicks Interior Design
Sohoprojects completed this high-end retail fit-out for Alannah Hill’s flagship store in Sydney’s Strand Arcade as well as several other stores in the retail chain. Working closely with David Hicks Interior Design, our team demonstrates our attention to detail and dedication to sourcing the highest quality materials to represent the luxury of the brand. In only three weeks, we sourced Australian and European materials, including bespoke chandeliers, plush carpets and a highly advanced lighting system to ensure a sense of glamour.
Architectural Fit-Out & Key Features
1. Engineered Floating Bamboo Ceiling
To anchor the traditional Japanese architecture inside a modern glass skyscraper, Sohoprojects constructed a complex, floating bamboo canopy. This feature required strict geometric alignment and precise structural suspension to give the massive natural material a weightless, floating appearance beneath the building’s infrastructure.
2. High-Volume Spatial Lighting Integration
The gallery occupies a commanding volume featuring 10-metre-high ceilings. To make this scale functional for elite fine art curation, Sohoprojects sourced and integrated specialized, micro-adjustable light fittings. The lighting design ensures architectural clarity across the vast vertical space while providing precise, museum-grade illumination for sensitive artifacts and masterpieces.
3. Global Material Procurement & Budget Management
Delivering an authentic aesthetic required sourcing an array of specialized, highly specific materials across both international and local supply chains. Working within a challenging, non-extendable timeframe and a strict commercial budget, Sohoprojects managed the entire procurement, logistics, and quality control pipeline to ensure no compromise on material integrity.
Delivery Methodology & Challenges
- Premium Public Interfaces: Operating within the active lobby of 101 Collins Street required flawless asset management, zero disruption to building tenants, and immaculate site containment.
- Aesthetic Synergy: Translating complex architectural drawings into physical joinery that honors centuries-old Japanese design principles alongside strict Australian building codes.
- Fast-Track Timeline: Coordinating overlapping trades within a condensed construction schedule to guarantee an on-time handover ahead of the gallery’s highly publicized opening exhibition.
Outcome
The completed Lesley Kehoe Gallery stands as a masterclass in high-end retail fit-outs. By merging disciplined project sequencing with architectural precision, Sohoprojects delivered a serene, museum-quality environment that balances raw natural materials with world-class commercial engineering.
