Raúl Sánchez Architects Unveils Coastal-inspired Fitout in Ibiza

Barcelona-based Raúl Sánchez Architects has revealed its latest project, the Polonio flagship store in the heart of Ibiza. This new space perfectly captures the brand’s connection to the coastal village of Cadaqués and its beach-inspired identity, offering a unique design narrative that brings the essence of the sea to life.

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Occupying a compact 60-square-metre area, the store’s design immerses visitors in an environment reminiscent of a secluded cove. Longitudinal racks, treated with rough, sprayed mortar to resemble coastal rocks, line the perimeter of the store. These rocky formations are complemented by a continuous blue, long-pile carpet that stretches across the floor, shifting in colour like the waves of the sea. Above, volumetric ceiling panels echo the tones of the carpet and merchandise, symbolising the sky, creating an immersive, beachside atmosphere.

Polonio, a brand closely tied to summer and beachwear, hails from Cadaqués on the Catalan Costa Brava, where Salvador Dalí once made his home. Seeking to extend their presence to Ibiza, the brand enlisted Raúl Sánchez Architects to design their flagship store in a bustling pedestrian area. The three-level space features a street-facing ground floor with a double-height area, a lower rear section accessed by a few steps, and a mezzanine connected via a spiral staircase.

A standout feature of the store is the sculptural stainless steel counter, centrally located like a fisherman’s boat in a cove. This multifunctional piece serves as both a functional counter and a display area, encouraging a seamless flow of movement around the store. The design cleverly conceals structural elements while maintaining balance, with the racks and ceiling working in harmony to create a sense of cohesion throughout the space.

With its grid-like metallic ceiling reminiscent of the American Bar by Adolf Loos, Raúl Sánchez Architects seamlessly blends classic design influences with Polonio’s modern coastal-inspired vision. The store’s fitting rooms, finished in turquoise stucco, further enhance the immersive experience, resembling caves in the sea, where each surface brings a new layer of texture and discovery.

Images by Luis Asín via Designboom

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