OakStar Bank
Overland Park, KS
Project Type
- Design & Architecture
Services
- Scenic Elements
Location
- St. Joseph, MO
A Warm, Engaging Retail Environment
Paragon Fabrication helped a retailer in St. Joseph, Missouri bring their brand to life through custom fabricated cabinetry, display cases, and a life-like tree that is the centerpiece of the store. The result is a warm retail experience that creates a welcoming environment and highlights the products in a beautiful and simple way.
Paragon Fabrication was engaged in the project through the construction company that was responsible for the infill of the project. After seeing Paragon’s custom-fabricated tree at Cox Health, the project lead at the construction company requested a bid for a tree that would be the centerpiece of the retail store. Upon learning more about Paragon Fabrications capabilities, they were also contracted to build custom specialty display cases and cabinetry for the store, designed to look like they were crafted with reclaimed wood.
Hand-Crafted Elements
A Life-Like Tree that Elevates the Experience
At the heart of the retailer is a focus on sustainability and this focus is a key element of their brand. Their retail store was designed with natural tones and elements that reflect nature. The life-like tree that was designed, fabricated, and installed by Paragon, sits at the center of the retail space. The retail partner had a vision for the tree but it had to be designed for the space. Paragon took the owner’s vision and brought it to life. Throughout the process, Paragon engaged with the client to share the specific plan for each element of the tree including the texture of the bark, the shape and color of the leaves, and the way the tree would fill out and into the mural that would be painted on the ceiling. The size and dimensions of the tree were also key considerations. While it was intended to be the centerpiece of the space, the customer experience also had to be considered. Paragon worked with the retailer to consider how the tree could be integrated into the shopping experience and could be utilized as a product display area by incorporating a round display table around the trunk of the tree.
The entire tree was hand-crafted to resemble a real tree. For each element of the tree, the Paragon team studied the type of tree that it was modeled after to ensure the bark texture and colors were created to be as realistic as possible. The size and shape of the leaves were made through study of organic materials, with each piece being texturized and hand-painted to reflect those materials. When each element is put together, the outcome is a life-like experience. To amplify the brand within the context of the tree, Paragon carved the retailer’s logo into the bark. The entire tree was fabricated off-site at the Paragon Fabrication workshop. To ensure the installation was efficient, a template of the tree branches were made so the muralist could paint the tree on the ceiling before the tree was installed. During installation, the tree branches and leaves were matched to the mural on the ceiling to ensure a seamless work of art.
Rustic Display Cases, Made for Function
The space was designed to have a rustic style through the use of organic materials such as reclaimed wood and natural finishes. After working with a traditional cabinetry mill, the client was challenged to get the style and appearance they envisioned for the cabinetry, display cases and shelving. Furthermore, it is becoming more challenging to source reclaimed materials. Paragon Fabrication provided a beautiful solution for the retailer. They were able to build and finish the cabinetry and display cases with wood that had an aged, reclaimed look but was all done from new materials. The result is finished wood that has authentic variation in color and imperfections and has a rustic, rough texture to the eye but feel smooth on the surface. The finished pieces are durable and can be easily cleaned while also being more functional in a retail environment.
The display cases were also designed with acrylic tops for secure display. The Paragon team designed the cases to be easily accessible to add new products or rearrange the display in the case through a side panel door that is also secured by a lock.
"It was such a pleasure to work with Paragon Fabrication.
They take challenges and find innovative solutions that result in beautiful spaces. Their work is just phenomenal."
- Chris McHugh, President & CEO
Custom Branded Experience
Paragon Fabrication elevated the branded experience through custom branded signage that tied the space together. Working with the retailer’s logo and colors, Paragon was able to integrate these brand-touches to create a more custom environment and carry the brand through every touchpoint.
More Like This
