Imagine getting a haircut, or a razor shave, seated in a sleek, modern salon, adjacent to a beach, with the sea and the Dubai sun embracing you lightly – the salon brand Akin realises this refreshing vision, with its latest addition at The Beach development in Dubai’s Marina district, UAE. Designed by architectural practice Anarchitect, based in London and Dubai, this salon captures Dubai’s soul of permeating luxury and novelty, with its space effective interiors.
A key feature of the design is the ash timber module, which was originally designed by the firm for its first Akin Barber & Shop on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. The latest installment of the Akin salon, at The Beach, displays a similar ash timber structure as its major interior element, and is now recognised as a signature of the Akin brand. Inspired by lightweight beach structures, this solid ash frame fits cleverly into the small space of the salon, hugging its walls and corners, conveying a sense of height and lightness. An engineered method of design results in a space-cutting, self-supporting modular frame, which can house a barber station, as well as a retail display, an entrance door, shelving, waiting bench and a panelled wall system. This structure is intended to adapt to new locations, as an inlet for each new Akin to be reconfigured to achieve the same craft, detail and material.
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The timber module against the dark background provides modish, compartmentalised areas within the barbershop Image Credit: Marc Goodwin -
The interiors present a refined material palette of solid ash and precise metal finishes Image Credit: Marc Goodwin
Akin at The Beach indulges in vintage-style, heavy duty barber shop chairs along with neutral mosaic tiling and parquet floors. A contrast is provided with a refined material palette populating its interiors, which includes solid ash, precise metal finishes and custom resin sinks. It occupies a compact area of 38 sqm, and the backbone of this design is both spatial and programme centric. The compact space packs in a functional layout with four barber stations, and full height slot windows, which fill the salon with natural daylight, taking advantage of the year round Dubai sun and its proximity to the beach.
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Full height slot windows at the salon let in sunlight Image Credit: Marc Goodwin -
Heavy duty chairs at the barber shop Image Credit: Marc Goodwin -
The latest Akin Barber & Shop at The Beach, designed by Anarchitect Image Credit: Marc Goodwin -
Akin Barber & Shop at the Beach, Dubai Marina, UAE, by Anarchitect Image Credit: Marc Goodwin
Anarchitect delivers stunning interiors at the latest Akin Barber & Shop, at The Beach, showcasing the craftsmanship and detailing associated with their salon expertise. Working with limited space and proportions, the bright, energising and crisp design produces a luxury experience, and designates a set narrative for each Akin Barber & Shop outlet.
Project Details
Name of the project: Akin at the BeachLocation: The Warehouse Gym, The Beach – JBR, Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE
Area: 38 sqm
Year of completion: 2019
Architecture and Interiors: Anarchitect
Client: Akin Barber & Shop
Materials: American ash timber, brushed black metal, custom Corian sinks, white Oak chevron flooring, and satin hexagonal mosaic floor tiles
Lighting: PSLAB
Contractor: Aati Interiors
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