The new Patchi boutique concept outlet at City Centre Bahrain is an architectural box of chocolate jewels that are enticingly showcased in glass cases, inviting mall visitors to stop by for a premium chocolate experience.

Designed by Parisotto + Formenton Architetti of Italy and fitted out by Bahrain-based Havelock One Interiors, the store spreads over a 2,530-sq-ft area on the first floor of the mall located in Seef District and resembles an exclusive yet modern jewellery boutique with wall and tabletop glass cases filled with elegantly wrapped chocolate boxes.

Havelock One Interiors, a leading turnkey fit-out contractor and interior manufacturer in the Middle East, completed and handed over the project last October, with its scope of works having covered the retail shop fitting and manufacturing of bespoke units for the boutique concept outlet.

The concept integrates seating areas to offer the experience of enjoying desserts and chocolate-based drinks to customers.

Patchi’s new outlet realises a balance between brand, function, luxury and art, says the fit-out expert.

“We are proud to have partnered with Patchi and collaborated with their project architect Parisotto + Formenton Architetti of Italy and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) consultant Syden of Lebanon to meet the specifics of this delicacies store,” says Jihad Raad, Division Director, Bespoke Hospitality Manufacturing and Fit-Out at Havelock One.

The design vision of the Patchi brand was successfully realised through a collaborative approach between the brand managers and the interior design studio.

The primary aim of the designer was to create a contemporary retail, design-oriented space that frames and glorifies the Lebanese luxury chocolate brand, while addressing the expectations of its sophisticated clientele, explains Raad.

With this objective in mind, the interior design architect aimed at celebrating the pleasure of tasting chocolates, of sharing and enjoying moments, as it believes sweet delights are a real luxury treat.

Hence, the concept of the design includes a striking architectural box, emphasising the excellence that Patchi represents in the world of premium chocolates.

“We had the chance to be part of an evolution of the Patchi stores since 2015 with the addition of their dine-in cafes,” Antigone Acconci, Architect at Parisotto + Formenton, remarks. “This new style of point-of-sale offers Patchi the benefit to carry out the sale of chocolates/gifts. At the same time, the concept integrates seating areas to offer the experience of enjoying desserts and chocolate-based drinks to customers for a full Patchi immersion.”

The walls feature different treatments, flat or tridimensional for a more dynamic look.

A variety of layouts and formats are combined together to create the outlet’s overall chic and modern ambiance. The walls feature different treatments, flat or tridimensional for a more dynamic look, and the space houses different libraries designed to offer a focused display, and thus, to highlight the products on show.

“Chocolate is the most important protagonist on the stage of the counters that play the role of a glorifier for the range of Patchi chocolate products. Hence, the other most important element of the design was defining the atmosphere of the space, using light,” Acconci points out.

“We worked closely with the Italian lighting company Viabizzuno, mixing commercial products with custom-made fixtures especially designed for Patchi to ensure the right ambience,” she adds.

Havelock One’s joinery and fit-out teams collaborated to meet the specifics of Patchi shop fittings amid Covid-19 mall closures. The illuminated brand sign on the black façade with the large glass panels mounted throughout the store invites shoppers to take a break and enjoy a treat.

The store design is enriched by a precise choice of materials with Travertino Navona marble and natural oak for the flooring, and furnished with illuminated display tables and wall cabinets, giving the outlet a feel of luxury, elegance and exclusivity.

An important element of the design was defining the atmosphere of the space, using light.

“Our teams procured all finishes, including the back-of-house (BOH) kitchen with equipment, assessed site MEP provisions and coordinated joinery production for this project, despite mall closures and shipment delays,” Raad explains.

“From a fit-out perspective, another major highlight of this project is the much-adored wall panelling, using fabric finishes and bespoke display units that are fully illuminated.” he adds.

Havelock One is now equally thrilled about having been appointed as the turnkey fit-out contractor for a much bigger Patchi outlet at The Avenues, Bahrain, Raad concludes.