Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, Peak Performance's first UK store is more than just a retail space - it's an expression of the brand's philosophy. A seamless fusion of function and form, performance and style - the store embodies the brand's deep-rooted connection to nature and its unwavering commitment to innovation.
Designed by Checkland Kindleysides and realised by Cre8iv Joinery, every detail has been carefully curated, from the technical precision of the apparel to the materials that shape the space itself. Central to this vision is Woodio® - a pioneering wood composite that redefines sustainable design, proving that style and environmental responsibility can and should exist in perfect harmony.
A space inspired by its surroundings
Just as Peak Performance's apparel is designed to withstand the harshest conditions while maintaining effortless style, their Covent Garden store is both visually striking and highly functional. Inside you'll find natural textures alongside modern silhouettes and warm organic tones complementing clean architectural lines.
Beyond the brand's aesthetic, Peak Performance were equally keen for the space to pay homage to the surrounding architecture of Covent Garden. Located on King Street, the store is situated in and amongst a collection of buildings finished with stunning Portland stone - and that's where Woodio comes in.
Checkland Kindleysides opted for our solid sheet material in the Polar colour way due to its striking resemblance with the natural and refreshing tones of Portland stone. From there, the material was fashioned into striking plinths dotted around the store, proudly displaying the brand's products while seamlessly integrating with the wider Covent Garden district.
At the same time, the wood composite material with its minimalist aesthetic and sustainable form creates a subtle yet powerful connection to the brand's Scandinavian heritage. The podium's tactile, matte finish evokes the rugged beauty of Nordic landscapes, grounding the retail environment in a material that is as innovative as it is responsible.
The versatility of Woodio
Peak Perfromance's London store is a defining example of the versatility of Woodio's solid sheet material and the endless possibilities of what it can be used for.
The material's base is made from two simple elements: wood chips and a resin-based adhesive. These elements combine to make a durable, textured and waterproof material that can be manipulated and fabricated in many ways, in this case, freestanding plinths that have the grace and elegant appearance of stone with the lightweight and sustainable form factor of wood.
To create the plinths, Cre8iv Joinery cut, mitred, and joined the innovative material to create a stunningly simple, but forward thinking display for the brand's performance wear. Better yet, these units were crafted from a relatively small amount of the material, emphasising just how far the solid sheets can go.
A marriage of innovation and aesthetics
At its core, Woodio challenges conventions. Unlike traditional ceramics, its wood composite material is lightweight, durable, and boasts a significantly lower carbon footprint. It's a revolutionary approach to design - one that replaces wasteful practices with forward-thinking solutions.
By integrating Woodio into its flagship UK store, Peak Performance makes a statement: sustainability is not an afterthought, it's woven into the fabric of the brand. As Hattie Hayward of Checkland Kindleysides puts it "the materiality was key, and sustainability was front of mind. Woodio's innovative stone-like wood composite offered the perfect combination of aesthetics and environmental responsibility."
Designing a sustainable future
The Covent Garden store with its unique form and function breaks beyond being just a retail space. It's an example that style and sustainability can be two sides of the same coin - that the future of design lies in materials that don't just look good but do good.
By choosing Woodio, Peak Performance demonstrates that sustainability and innovation belong at the heart of bricks and mortar retail design. This is a space built for the modern explorer and their London spot has proven so successful that the brand has decided to roll out the same interior style in their recently opened Munich store.
As brands continue to reimagine their spaces with purpose, Peak Performance's Covent Garden store stands as a testament to what is possible when bold design meets conscious craftsmanship. With Woodio, sustainability is no longer a compromise - it's a statement.
To discover how Woodio® UK could help add an unexpected twist to your next scheme, please get in touch.
