Tiffany & Co Adorns Store With 3D-Printed Façade Woven Out Of Fishing Nets

Dutch design firm MVRDV recently completed a retail store for Tiffany & Co within Singapore’s busy Changi Airport. This establishment stands out for its eco-conscious design and oceanic-inspired aesthetics.

During the design phase, MVRDV’s creative team drew inspiration from the local environment, particularly Singapore’s vibrant coral reefs, to establish a thematic direction for the store.

By examining the intricate patterns found in various coral species, the studio employed these natural blueprints as a reference point. Leveraging insights derived from the research, the design team then landed on a screen intended to envelop the store’s exterior with an organic, coral-inspired pattern.

Crafted from recycled plastic, including repurposed fishing nets, this exterior offers a nod to the underwater world. The 3D-printed plastic presents a captivating blue cell-like pattern, integrating with screen-printed glass, transitioning from Tiffany’s signature robin egg blue to deeper shades, creating a gradient effect.

The project was a collaborative effort between the 3D printing company Aectual and the architectural firm BuroMilan. Aectual played a key role in developing a method for creating the façade using recycled plastic, particularly from fishing nets. The outcome is a substantial 50-mm-thick screen that merges aesthetics with sustainability.

The interior of the store, covering 142 square meters, continues the oceanic theme with displays and tables inspired by coral reefs. It provides a seamless extension of the external façade, maintaining a cohesive design throughout.

In order to keep up with fire safety regulations, BuroMilan noted that seawater was added to a chemical mixture during construction to protect the façade.

If you’re traveling to the country or stopping over in the airport for a layover, you can check the store out for yourself. It is located in the Piazza Garden near the Moshe-Safdie-designed Jewel Changi.

[via New Atlas and World Architecture, images via MVRDV]