New Space Highlights Raw Architecture and Sustainable Design
On December 18, 2024, Balenciaga will open its inaugural standalone store in Austin, Texas, located within the mixed-use urban hub The Domain. Spanning 570 square meters (6,137 square feet), the store will feature the brand’s latest men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, footwear, bags, accessories, eyewear, and jewelry collections.
Designed under Balenciaga’s Raw Architecture concept, the store challenges traditional spatial luxury elements while emphasizing sustainability. The construction incorporates existing architectural features and uses environmentally mindful materials.
The exterior of the store responds to its Southwestern setting with a façade made of glass, porcelain, and quartz. Backlit concrete-clad columns, visible through glass, merge with metropolitan and desert-inspired surroundings.
Inside, neutral grey tones and materials influenced by sand and stone define the space. Walls feature patinated concrete panels, smoked glass, and hot rolled steel bearing processing marks. The floor alternates between brushed concrete, poured concrete, and embedded carpet sections, while an open ceiling exposes technical systems.
Furnishings include aged steel tables, industrial pipe racks, and HD screens, creating a warehouse-like atmosphere. Moments of warmth are introduced through focused lighting, softened leather seating, and a street-facing lightbox.
The Austin store reflects Balenciaga’s commitment to blending industrial design with sustainable practices, offering a distinctive shopping experience that integrates local environmental elements.
