AllModern
AllModern is a brand under the Wayfair umbrella, they specialize in contemporary, minimalist home furnishings that cater to the tastes of modern consumers. As part of its identity, AllModern’s physical stores are designed to reflect the brand’s ethos, combining sleek aesthetics with functional design. We wanted to explore the architectural elements, materials, and design principles that shape the exterior of their stores. Particularly how the chosen elements contribute to the brand’s image and customer experience.
Architectural Design and Aesthetic
The exterior of AllModern stores is a direct representation of the brands commitment to modern, minimalist designs. The architecture is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and a neutral color palette. The façade is often composed of a mix of glass, steel, and aluminum, which together create a sleek and sophisticated look. Large glass windows dominate the storefront, allowing natural light to flood the interior while offering a transparent view of the store’s offerings, inviting customers inside.
The design philosophy behind AllModern’s exterior is rooted in the principles of modernism – simplicity, functionality, and lack of ornamentation. The minimalist approach not only aligns with the products sold within the stores but also ensures that the store exterior remains timeless and appealing across different locations and market segments.
Project Details
Products: 6” Single Bevel
Finish: Custom Terracotta, Dark Cherry
Use: Cladding
Architect: MBH Architects
Installers: Bridgeline Exteriors & Optimum Building Systems
Market: Retail
Year: 2023
Material Selection
The choice of materials for the exterior is crucial in achieving the desired aesthetics and durability.
- Glass: Large glass panels are a signature element of AllModern stores. They create a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces, making the store feel open and accessible. The glass is often treated to reduce glare and heat gain, ensuring a comfortable environment for both customers and employees.
- Aluminum and Steel: The use of metals in the façade provides structural support while contributing to the modern aesthetic. Aluminum cladding, such as that provided by Longboard, is particularly favored for its lightweight properties, corrosion resistance, and the ability to be fabricated into precise, clean shapes. A warm, elegant woodgrain finish adds a contemporary edge to the buildings, complementing the sleek, modern design language.
- Neutral Color Palette: The color scheme is intentionally subdued, often featuring shades of grey, white, and black. This neutrality allows the architecture to remain versatile and ensures that the focus stays on the products inside the stores. The choice of colors also enhances the modernist feel, creating a calm and orderly exterior.
Design Process
The AllModern project marked a significant milestone in architectural innovation, beginning with its first location in Lynnfield, MA. This pioneering project, designed by MBH Architects and installed by Bridgeline Exteriors, set the stage for a remarkable collaboration. Bridgeline consulted and partnered with Longboard Architectural Products to design a truly unique custom extrusion. The resulting product was an incredible success, later adopted as a standard product named “Bevel“.
Building on this innovation, the design team incorporated Longboard’s latest textured Single Bevel profile in two subsequent builds. This textured cladding serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, offering a tactile and visually engaging façade while also providing protection against environmental elements. The team not only chose a stunning profile but also took advantage of Longboard’s Design Assist Services.
The second AllModern location in Dedham, MA, also designed by MBH Architects but installed by Optimum Building Systems, utilized the new 6″ Single Bevel extrusion in the custom Terracotta finish. Here, they installed an entire wall of the profile that served as an alluring backdrop for their signage and logo. This implementation showcased the versatility and visual impact of the newly developed product.
Expanding their design palette, another location in Austin, TX used the same 6″ Single Bevel profile but in Longboard’s very popular Dark Cherry finish. They created a beautiful and eye-catching accent feature that exudes sophistication and depth, demonstrating the profile’s adaptability to different color schemes and design concepts.
Longboard is proud to have been chosen as a cladding provider for such a premium brand. Materials for such designs are often sourced from top-tier manufacturers known for their innovation and craftsmanship, which is something Longboard consistently strives for. Premium materials ensure that the façades are as durable as they are beautiful. That attention to detail in material selection helps to elevate the brand, aligning the physical store experience with the high standards associated with its products.
The journey from a custom extrusion for the Lynnfield location to the standardization of the “Bevel” product demonstrates Longboard’s commitment to innovation and responsiveness to client needs. This collaborative approach has not only resulted in stunning architectural solutions but has also contributed to the evolution of Longboard’s product line, benefiting future projects across the industry.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
AllModern stores incorporate sustainable design elements in their exteriors, reflecting the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible businesses.
- Energy-Efficient Glazing: The glass used in the stores façade often includes energy-efficient glazing techniques to reduce heat transfer. This minimizes the need for artificial cooling and lowers the store’s overall energy consumption.
- Recyclable Materials: Both steel and aluminum are highly recyclable materials, aligning with sustainable building practices. The use of these materials not only reduces the environmental impact during construction but also allows for easier recycling at the end of the building’s life cycle.
Branding and Consumer Experience
The exterior design of AllModern stores plays a critical role in reinforcing the brand’s identity. The minimalist, modernist architecture resonates with the brand’s target audience – consumers who value contemporary design and clean aesthetics. The transparent storefront not only showcases the products but also acts as a visual invitation, breaking down barriers between the customer and the store. The consistency in design across different locations helps to establish a strong brand presence. Customers can immediately recognize an AllModern store by its distinctive architectural features, creating a sense of familiarity and trust.
The exterior design of AllModern stores is a key component of the brand’s overall strategy. They are effectively conveying the principals of modernism while prioritizing sustainability and consumer engagement. Through thoughtful material selection, AllModern has created a store exterior that is both visually striking and aligned with the value of its audience. As the brand continues to grow, its commitment to these design principals will undoubtedly remain central to its identity and success.
About Longboard Architectural Products
Longboard Architectural Products is committed to inspiring the design and construction community with innovative architectural solutions that breathe life into their projects. Our diverse range of aluminum products, spanning from cladding systems to architectural screens and beyond, serves both interior and exterior applications.
We prioritize innovation, quality, and sustainability, ensuring that each product is aesthetically pleasing, environmentally responsible, and durable.
