The Oculist
Overview
This retail showroom project explores the full potential of Corian® as a design material, transforming it into a sculptural, functional, and enduring solution for a high-end eyewear environment. Cabinet Connections carried the project through from design to fabrication and installation, working with Ely Projects to bring the space together.
Every element in the space was crafted to showcase Corian®’s versatility, from its seamless integration into custom furniture to its refined finish and durability. The result is a cohesive interior that elevates both the product and the customer experience, reflecting the elegance the material brings to contemporary retail design.
The Brief
A key design requirement for this showroom was to display delicate eyewear without risking damage to the frames, while giving the space a sculptural, high-end retail presence. This called for display surfaces with seamless, moulded cutouts that could cradle each pair of glasses securely, a curved reception desk that would form a welcoming first impression, and display counters with concealed storage — all without compromising on a clean, uninterrupted finish.
Material Specification
Corian® in Carrara Lino was specified across the showroom fit-out:
- Sculpted display tables — seamless moulded cutouts presenting eyewear on a sleek, uninterrupted surface
- Suspended and curved reception desk — a custom-built centrepiece merging ergonomic design with sculptural form
- Display counters — hand-sanded Corian® cutouts with concealed felt-lined drawers
Corian®’s ability to be thermoformed into seamless, sculptural shapes made it possible to deliver display tables and a curved reception desk that feel both modern and considered, while its non-porous surface supports the hygiene and longevity a high-traffic retail environment demands.
Design Outcome
Corian® Carrara Lino brought a refined, marble-inspired elegance to the space, its soft veining and subtle tonal variation adding visual depth without overpowering the clean, modern aesthetic. The smooth, non-porous surface allowed for moulded cutouts that cradle each pair of glasses without pressure points or abrasive contact, protecting the product while enhancing its presentation.
Crafted templates for the Corian® cutouts delivered a high level of uniformity across all display surfaces, ensuring consistency in presentation and product protection, while also streamlining fabrication time without compromising quality.
Why It Works for Similar Projects
Retail environments built around delicate or high-value products need display surfaces that do more than look good — they need to protect the product while reinforcing the brand experience. Corian®’s thermoformability allows sculptural forms like curved desks and moulded display cutouts to be fabricated from a single, consistent material, while its non-porous, easy-maintenance surface suits the demands of a high-touch retail setting. The same approach — precision-templated cutouts, integrated storage, and a seamless material story from display to reception — translates readily to other retail, hospitality, and showroom fit-outs.
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