With 22 stores in Europe and plans for further ambitious growth, Urban Outfitters is recognised as one of the fastest growing global retailers. Since 2007, the Philadelphian clothing company has recruited McCue Interiors Fit-out Solutions as its main contractors for five UK stores and a distribution centre. Tracy Tran looks at McCue’s work with the brand
Having been contracted for fit-outs and refurbishments totalling over £10 million for Urban Outfitters since 2007, it is clear McCue FIT has developed a strong partnership with the brand. The Northern Ireland based contractor can take credit for Urban Outfitters stores in Belfast, Liverpool, Bath, London and Cardiff, as well as the Northamptonshire Distribution Centre. This year, it is set to complete seven more Urban Outfitters developments. In January, at the Urban Outfitters’ General Contractor Summit, McCue were named “European Contractor of the Year”, achieving the highest KPI’s of any contractor. Its work on the Cardiff store was also recognised and won Fit-Out Project of the Year (Europe). And what might seem surprising to some, is that this is a relationship that started from McCue’s “cold-call” and has blossomed into one of trust…
McCue’s award winning fit-out
It is rare for a store design to be based on the building that it will occupy, however for Urban Outfitters’ Cardiff Store (pictured), this was very much the case.
When McCue took on the project, elements of the listed building’s historic fabric were evident during the previous occupations, however, upon strip out and removal of the modern shop fit, more original features were revealed together with a clear evolution of the space over time.
McCue’s approach transcends a convention – allowing freedom to evolve the design and adapt to individual space as the project progressed, while still maintaining the tight deadline –13 weeks to complete.
McCue had to incorporate the historic architecture into the design – the original brickwork was exposed in order to bring to life the buildings past and also signify typical design elements associated with an Urban Outfitters store – however this process was not as simple as completing a sandblasting operation to the various areas, until the brick was exposed. According to McCue’s Operations manager, Gary Purdy, “The design required us to understand the client and be intuitive about ‘when to stop sandblasting’ each particular area in order to achieve the aspired vision, which included differing amounts of brick being exposed throughout the building.”
To complement the original architecture, the designers chose to work with materials in their raw form including timber, concrete and steel. The staircase, which is a typical Urban Outfitter feature on most store fit-outs, was constructed using a steel frame, completely encased in solid oak boxes, which were designed to look like steps from the front but alternative small and large boxes from the side.
The backdrop of the platform and stairs respects the simplicity of traditional construction, with a free floating stair flight rising from a plinth – all with a view to lead the customer above and beyond the ground floor, to a space which opens out extensively at first floor level.
The design around the platform and stair area incorporates a polished black concrete floor constructed as a mid-landing, with a specification floor flatness of ‘SR1’ Special. The client’s vision was for the floor/stairs to be monolithic, and for the edge of the floor to be increased in depth to give the appearance of sharp, clean lines.
For the store’s fitting rooms, modest detailing allowed the surrounding historic fabric to be in full view without distraction. Detailing includes Elm Wood doors with steel framing, inside plywood panels, oversized tulip wood mirror frames set at different angles and concrete panelling.
An uncluttered and coordinated ceiling was an essential part of the design to minimise bulk and to maximise the visibility and permeability of the historic features previously concealed. As a result, exposed lighting was chosen. However due to the building’s unique curves and shape, the lighting had to be bespoke, but this was not uncommon for many of the features within the store were unique.
Bespoke manufacturing
McCue manufactured many elements within the store, including the cash desk and the feature walls. Timber was used for the front of the cash desk and to add character in the timber grain, diamond shapes were engraved providing a 3D effect. The cash desk top was made out of concrete and symmetrically lined up with steel framing on the counter front.
Sitting behind the cash desk, is a striking bespoke feature wall. A steel frame surrounds various sizes of steel beams protruding at different angles and heights, from a mosaic of tulip wood diamonds, each individually cut and set-in by hand, around the beams. Random protruding beams also have lights hanging from them, which are lit through an electrical system behind the feature wall.
McCue’s production team manufactured this feature wall in their workshop, highlighting their skill and craftsmanship, but also their knowledge and solutions to how the actual design could be made, considering the technical, weight and design issues. The results prove to Urban Outfitters, McCue’s ability to deliver the designers vision, no matter how complex, into a reality.
Working in tandem
Speaking of their success in making the clients designs a reality, Gary said, “McCue have developed a team specifically for Urban Outfitter projects, ensuring that each member both internally and externally, is fully aware of the Urban Outfitter philosophy with regards to the quality of work and the way work is to be carried out.
“Unlike most projects, Urban Outfitters are complex in nature due to its ever-evolving designs in each fit-out. No two stores are the same and the changing nature of the projects means we must continuously collaborate and communicate with various stakeholders both internally and externally and from across a variety of fields.
Gary adds, “This high level of collaboration from the project conception allows all stakeholders’ skills and expertise to be fully utilised and eliminates the chances of unrealistic designs being created, as design elements are discussed in tandem with all of those who will bring them to life.”
Urban Outfitters, Cardiff, Wales
Contractor: McCue FIT
Designer: Urban Outfitters