Within vibrant Mongkok, Hong Kong, Aesop Langham Place embodies lightheartedness. During the design process, the brand’s in-house architects settled on plywood as the primary material for its warmth, versatility and minimal embodied carbon emissions. Often seen as a banal element of construction, the planks of plywood were assembled here into a provocative, poetic composition. The team also worked with a Hong Kong-based carpenter and wall painter to incorporate locally sourced wood chips—which would otherwise be considered waste—into a textural wall and ceiling application that provides acoustic comfort to overwhelmed ears. In this amiable ambiance, weary visitors can regain a sense of levity, explore Aesop’s range of invigorating formulations, and be refreshed by products kept cool in a bespoke fridge display.

The façade appears as a patchwork of plywood panels—a sprightly invitation to curious passers-by. Inside, the store is divided into two zones. The first accommodates a trio of ceramic basins set into a timber structure. Here, gently running water facilitates the lathering—and removal—of formulations, the washing of hands, an understanding of Aesop’s approach to skin, hair and body care. The second evokes the comfort of home, with an angled ceiling height that establishes a more intimate spatial quality. A solitary basin is the site for in-depth consultations with staff who can tailor recommendations to individual needs; a comfortable sofa offers respite and contemplation; a dedicated fragrance area allows for olfactory escapades. Verdant plants mediate the boundaries between the interior and exterior, creating an abundance of tranquility.