LA VIE PRALINÉ AKARETLER
Interior Architect(s): Hakan İmert
Project Type: Handmade Chocolate Store
Status: Built
Project Area: 75 sqm
Project Year: 2019
Location: Süleyman Seba Street, Akaretler, İstanbul
ABOUT
Our handmade chocolate store project is on the ground floor of a six-story building spanning an area of 75 sqm and located on Süleyman Seba St. between Maçka Democracy Park and Akaretler Sıraevler. La Vie Praliné Akaretler is the second branch of La Vie Praliné Brand. The first branch is located on Hattat Tahsin St in Beşiktaş.
Photo Credits: La Vie Praliné
LOCATION
La Vie Praliné Akaretler branch is on Süleyman Seba Street, which is selected as one of the coolest 33 streets in the world by Time Out. Much of the impressive architecture here is home to some lovely eating and drinking places and plenty of cool events.
The store is on the ground floor of an old building, thus much of the neighborhood is designated as a cultural property like Akaretler Row Houses (constructed by Sarkis Balyan in 1875), ITU Faculty of Management Building (built as an administration office of Maçka Artillery, constructed by Simon and Sarkis Balyan between 1861-1862) and Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan Fountain (built in 1839, Sultan Abdülmecid Period).
Existing conditions before the transformation of the interior and façade
CONSTRUCTION
At the beginning of the project, we are obligated to convert the two existing stores into one to get 75 sqm of space for the store interior. In this way, we have maximized the space by demolishing some walls and adding the required spaces into those areas. All areas required for plumbing and ventilation are organized behind plasterboard walls and ceilings.
BEFORE and AFTER | The transformation of the façade
INTERIOR DESIGN CONCEPT
Oak is the main material for this project which requires authentic craftsmanship and carefully selected as a massive part of colour scheme. Wooden surfaces are combined with bronze metal, stone claddings and decorative paint on walls. Black marble is used to serve as a counter top for the chocolate bar allowed for an aesthetically driven decision to serve a functional purpose for the customers.
