Eyescan Toorak

Location

In the heart of Melbourne’s well-known blue-ribbon suburb, Toorak is the only practice in Australia that provides Ophthalmology, Optometry as well as Optical dispensing expertise and services in one location.  Eyescan is the home of a bespoke retail design by Studio Edwards, and retail interior install by Yarra Valley Commercial. Offering an immersive store space for customers, the challenging fit-out delivered raw yet refined, boasting a seamless blend of form and function..

Design

Given the age and history of the site combined with the limitation of just one front door access point, demolition proved to be the most significant task to tackle, demanding five times the estimated bins before the fit-out could even begin.

The space needed to reflect attention to detail and aesthetic sensibility as an extension of the business brand values.  Materials overlap and contrast.  A frame unfolds to become a cabinet. An island display morphs into a seat. The dispensing desk wrapped in steel appears as if it floats above the Tardio Grigo porcelain tiled flooring.   The inside perimeter showcases exposed brickwork using the original bricks, a combination of a hollow 1950’s style and a 1960’s solid brick.  While this feature presents as a highlight, it was also one of the biggest challenges.  A sandblasting specialist was engaged to remove the decades of paintwork affixed to the concrete and hollow brick surfaces.  Every brick was then fully restored and re-painted. 

In contrast to the exposed brick feature, blackened raw steel, and American walnut timber cabinetry successfully highlights specific zones within the store. The lighting is purposefully subdued to create intimacy with product displays providing illumination.

From the Project Team

For Project Manager John Choureemootoo, his highlight came from witnessing the paintwork bringing the space to life, noting, “The colour palette contrasted beautifully with the timber, steel, and brickwork, connecting and complementing the elements and features of the install.” John comments,  “Elegant and sophisticated yet chic and contemporary, the space is well suited to its location and Eyescan’s discerning clientele.”

The Yarra Valley Commercial team deliverables included the CAD programming and inhouse production of all bespoke joinery items.

Photo Credit: Mike Baker