Umbra Retail and Concept Store

The new Umbra Concept Store creates an iconic approach to urban retail architecture through an adaptive reuse of an existing steel frame building. Fitted out with a new, more environmentally efficient envelope, the building has also been restructured to provide a retail environment filled with natural light. Extruded pink polycarbonate panels envelop the building and ensure that the store catches the attention of nearby pedestrians along Queen Street West. The interior is opened to a two storey volume by reconfiguring the floor plates. The two floors of retail are linked together through an open volume of space with a set of ramping platforms. Simultaneously circulation and display space, this element gives visitors time to adapt to a retail experience shaped by light. At night, the alluring daytime view is transformed by ambient interior lighting and individual LED fixtures.