Aesop Pavilion Damansara

Luminous abstraction

Though situated in one of Kuala Lumpur’s contemporary skyscrapers, our abode harks back to the traditional Malay home known as Rumah Panggung. Built on stilts with partitioned rooms and a gabled roof, these houses relied on a central pillar that carried symbolic significance as well as structural weight. In the context of Pavilion Damansara Heights, this support is abstracted as a lightwell around which the store is organised, translating its vertical presence into something less tangible that nonetheless focuses the space.

Directly underneath, a communal basin invites customers to immerse themselves in our formulations and aromas for the skin, hair, body and home—knowledgeable consultants are on hand to offer advice about products best suited to individual needs. Two smaller niches designed for our staff echo the floor plan of the typical Rumah Panggung, where bedrooms open directly onto the main living area. Recycled wood was added to the render on the walls, contributing texture and soundproofing qualities, while carpet underfoot provides domestic comfort.