Now complete: Avoman at 245 Hackney Road
Bringing a new fruit and vegetable store to Hackney Road has been a very special project for Artform. When we originally purchased the site and began working on our new designs with Scenesmith, we weren’t sure who would eventually take the commercial space. We considered a number of potential options, including moving our own office to 245 Hackney Road.
In the end, that didn’t feel right. As much as it would’ve been lovely for us, we felt this important corner of East London should be enjoyed by the public too. And that’s where a new Avoman shop came in. These folks are full of heart (and avocados) and it all slotted into place.
Avoman already have a successful store located in Islington, but decided to take a fresh approach to the Hackney designs with Scenesmith. Exposed plaster walls (featuring a mural by local artist Flora Dorian) meet copper pipe shelving and repurposed scaffolding boards. We had already chosen to install the green staircase and glass-block wall before knowing who would take the space, but in true Scenesmith fashion, it all fits seamlessly.
The skylight lantern was an important part of our refurbishments. When we purchased the space, we found a derelict periscope window that brought little light to the back of the commercial unit. The new addition of the lantern draws light all the way down the staircase to the lower-ground level below and illuminates the glass blocks.
We’re very excited for the future of this shop, and we’re so grateful to everyone who came down for the pre-launch party to celebrate as well. You know where to go for all your fresh and healthy veggies.
Thank you to Emily Marshall for the beautiful photos and to everyone involved in the 245 Hackney Road project.