HUMAN HAUS
“In the past, stores under the same brand had uniform signature designs.“ Today, it is essential to integrate each store with the local culture. Minus Plus Design, which once designed the Taipei store for the curated fashion e-commerce brand HUMAN HAUS, understands the client's plan to open stores in different regions. Tainan, as a historic city where history and fashion coexist, is rich in unique cultural and artistic vibes. The Central and Western Districts of southern Taiwan were among the first areas to embrace trendy fashion. Therefore, choosing this location for the second physical store is highly appropriate. Meeting the client’s expectations, the design not only conveys modern lifestyle aesthetics but also tells the brand’s story through the design, preserving the city's memories within the space and establishing a connection with the local culture.
HUMAN HAUS represents a living space for humanity, inviting people to find their own refined and elegant image here. The selected fashion items are meant to resonate with everyone's lifestyle. This inclusive brand breaks away from the typical mindset of setting up stores only in Taipei, breathing new life and purpose into old buildings from the Japanese colonial period. Upon first encountering this modest and charming standalone street house, one might be surprised to find that it is actually a trendy fashion store unless closely examining the sign or peeking inside. After thoroughly understanding the local street layout, the designer decided to focus on the concepts of "flow" and "preservation" in their planning, striking a balance between modern elements and historical traces. This curated store not only offers a diverse range of products but also provides a new consumption mindset, transforming the shopping process into a journey of exploration.
The interplay between the swaying old trees in the front yard and the black-tiled house evokes visual memories of the past. Respecting the original structure of the old house, the designer preserved the layered red brick walls and cypress wood structure from different periods, showcasing the building’s historical charm. Pure white walls were added to extend and unfold within the space, not only defining different functional areas but also providing a pure backdrop for a variety of fashion items. The intentionally sparse half-wall partitions allow the space to breathe, with partial openings continuing the narrative. This design reveals the existing materials, facilitating a dialogue between historical and contemporary elements, telling the story of Tainan’s past, present, and future. As people enter through the narrow entrance, they first encounter a spacious front display area. Walking through the narrow central corridor, they arrive at the open end display area, experiencing the surprise of discovering hidden beauty, reminiscent of wandering through alleys. By drawing the walls inward, the design subtly suggests a slower pace, encouraging individuals to reflect and calm their thoughts while searching for clothing, allowing them to quietly experience the transformation process of becoming more beautiful.
This project marks Minus Plus Design’s first renovation of an old house, presenting a significant challenge in balancing new and old elements. After several iterations of measurements, modern elements were integrated under a white skyline, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a contemporary art museum while also reflecting the cultural charm of past eras. In an era where shopping can be done anytime with a mobile phone, HUMAN HAUS instead considers the value provided by physical stores and the experiences people seek within them. Shopping is understood not only as a way to meet material needs but also as a means to heal the body and mind. The minimally decorated space shifts the focus back to the interaction between people and the environment, allowing a brief stay to leave a lasting impression of the city.
