Sunglass Hut's Eye-X concept targets affluent customers who want stylish, contemporary prescription eyewear. Design called for a 670-square-foot loft-type space with natural materials, including weathered metal and a wood floor, for comfort. The "X" logo is echoed throughout the store, beginning with the storefront window and continuing to small vitrines attached to "X"-shaped braces and cross-legged occasional tables. Shelf-style wall fixturing of plywood and reconstituted wood veneer, backlit with fluorescent lighting fixtures, is crowned with a decorative wood treatment that also incorporates the logo. Wood flooring and ceiling treatments pick up the metal detailing, with metal-clad ceiling beams and copper-tone metal plates in the center of the floor.
Photography by Elliot Kaufman, New York City
DESIGN: Michel Dubuc Concept Inc., Montreal -- Michel Dubuc, principal in charge; Fabien Nadeau, senior project designer; Marie-Claude Demers, project manager SUNGALSS HUT TEAM: Fran Anderson, project manager; Susan Yost, vice president of merchandising ARCHITECT: Dennis Mitchell, AIA, Arlington, Texas GENERAL CONTRACTOR: James Barb Construction, Albuquerque, N.M. FIXTURING: National Store Fxitures and Display, Pompano Beach, Fla. FLOORING: RJ Pitcher, Liverpool, N.Y. (wood); Associated Carpets, New York City (limestone) Lighting: FCA Electric, Weehawken, N.J. Storefront: D&R Glass Inc., Ontario, Calif. SIGNAGE: Triangle Signs, Baltimore