Havelock One Interiors has successfully completed the retail shopfitting and manufacturing of bespoke units for Patchi’s boutique concept outlet at Bahrain City Centre.

Covering 2,530sqft on the first floor of the mall, the store design for the premium chocolate experience resembles an exclusive yet modern jewellery boutique with wall and tabletop glass cases filled with elegantly wrapped chocolate boxes.

“We are proud to have partnered with Patchi and collaborated with their project architect Parisotto + Formenton Architetti of Italy and MEP consultant SYDEN of Lebanon to meet the specifics of this delicacies store,” says Jihad Raad, Division Director, Bespoke Hospitality Manufacturing and Fit-Out at Havelock One.

The design vision of the Patchi brand turned fruitful by extending a collaborative approach between the brand managers and the interior design studio. The primary aim of Parisotto + Formenton Architetti was to create a contemporary retail, design-oriented space that frames and glorifies the excellence that Patchi represents in its field while addressing the expectations of their sophisticated clientele. With this objective in mind, the interior design architect aimed at celebrating the pleasure of tasting chocolates, of sharing and enjoying moments, as they believe sweet delights are a real luxury treat. Hence, the concept of the design includes a striking architectural box, emphasising the excellence that Patchi represents in the world of premium chocolates.

“We had the chance to be part of an evolution of the Patchi stores since 2015 with the addition of their dine-in cafes. This new style of point-of-sale offers Patchi the benefit to carry out the sale of chocolates/gifts. At the same time the concept integrates seating areas to offer the experience of enjoying desserts and chocolate-based drinks to customers for a full Patchi immersion,” says Antigone Acconci, Architect at Parisotto + Formenton.
The store design is enriched by a precise choice of materials that include Travertino Navona and Natural Oak for the flooring. The adaptation of different laying schemes and formats play together to form the design of the surface. The walls feature different treatments, flat or tridimensionality for a more dynamic look, and the space houses different libraries designed to offer a focused display, thus, to highlight the products on show.

“Chocolate is the most important protagonist on the stage of the counters that play the role of a glorifier for the range of Patchi chocolate products. Hence, the other most important element of the design was defining the atmosphere of the space, using light. We worked closely with the Italian lighting company Viabizzuno, mixing commercial products with custom-made fixtures especially designed for Patchi to ensure the right ambience,” adds Ms Acconci.

Havelock One’s joinery and fit-out teams collaborated to meet the specifics of Patchi Chocolate shop fittings amid COVID-19 mall closures. The illuminated brand sign on the black façade with the large glass panels mounted throughout the store invites shoppers to take a break and enjoy a treat. The shop fittings were completed with marble and wooden flooring, furnished with illuminated display tables and wall cabinets, giving the outlet a feel of luxury, elegance, and exclusivity.

Photographer: Jaffar Alhawachi, bMedia