TL;DR
Dualsonic @ JEM transforms a compact 460 sqft retail unit into an immersive brand sanctuary for Korean home beauty technology. The design bridges clinical sophistication with luxury spa aesthetics through sweeping curved walls, champagne-gold aluminum cladding, and burnt-orange reflective panels.
The store features a central demonstration island where customers experience handheld devices first-hand, flanked by private consultation bays with integrated LED-rimmed mirrors for real-time skin analysis. Every material choice and lighting detail reinforces Dualsonic's positioning at the intersection of medical-grade efficacy and luxury self-care.
Design Philosophy
We approached this project with a singular vision: to create a retail environment that feels less like a store and more like stepping into the future of beauty technology. The Korean aesthetic medicine market has matured significantly, and discerning customers now expect retail experiences that match the sophistication of the products themselves.
The curved architectural language was intentional - echoing the organic contours of the face and the brand's focus on non-invasive lifting technology. Rather than sharp corners and traditional retail fixtures, we designed sweeping walls that guide customers through a journey of discovery. The champagne-gold aluminum cladding catches light at varying angles as visitors move through the space, creating a dynamic, shifting inner glow.
We eliminated harsh transitions between zones, instead using material changes and lighting gradients to delineate spaces. The result is a seamless flow from entrance to consultation to purchase, where customers feel guided rather than directed.
The Challenge
The 460 sqft footprint presented significant spatial constraints. We needed to accommodate product display, live demonstrations, private consultations, and retail checkout - all while maintaining the premium atmosphere expected of a luxury beauty brand.
JEM's high foot traffic also meant the store needed to capture attention from passersby while creating an intimate, clinical environment inside. The contrast between the bustling mall corridor and the serene interior required careful acoustic and visual planning.
Additionally, Dualsonic's products require hands-on demonstration to communicate their value. Customers need to physically experience the devices on their skin to understand the technology. This meant designing consultation zones where staff could conduct extended demonstrations without disrupting the retail flow or compromising customer privacy.
3D Visualization
Before any construction began, our team developed comprehensive 3D visualizations to explore how materials would interact under different lighting conditions. The champagne-gold aluminum presented particular challenges - its reflective properties meant that cove lighting placement would dramatically affect the perceived warmth of the space.
We simulated morning, afternoon, and evening mall lighting to ensure the store maintained consistent visual impact throughout operating hours. The burnt-orange glass panels required careful positioning to add warmth without overwhelming the clinical aesthetic.
These visualizations also helped the client understand spatial relationships. The curved walls that looked elegant in plan view needed testing to ensure they didn't create awkward dead zones. We iterated through multiple configurations before arriving at the final organic flow that maximizes both display capacity and movement efficiency.
Material Palette
The material selection process was driven by our clinical-chic design brief. Brushed champagne-gold aluminum became the primary architectural finish, chosen for its ability to convey luxury while maintaining a cool, professional edge. The brushed texture prevents fingerprints and adds visual depth compared to polished alternatives.
Burnt-orange reflective glass panels punctuate the metallic curves, adding warmth and futuristic depth. These inserts reference the warm LED light therapy common in aesthetic treatments, creating subtle brand alignment.
White speckled solid-surface countertops provide hygienic, non-porous surfaces for product demonstration - essential for a brand focused on skincare devices. The material echoes the pristine environments of aesthetic clinics while remaining warm and inviting.
Large-format grey stone floor tiles anchor the space, balancing the warm metallic tones above with a neutral, expansive foundation. The pattern was selected to minimize visual noise while withstanding high-traffic wear.
Implementation Details
Construction within an active mall environment required meticulous coordination. JEM operates under strict noise restrictions during trading hours, limiting our heavy work to pre-opening windows. We phased the project to complete structural modifications first, then interior fit-out, minimizing disruption to neighbouring tenants.
The cold-formed aluminum cladding required specialized fabrication to achieve the sweeping radii specified in our design. Each panel was custom-cut and pre-finished before installation, reducing on-site modification and maintaining quality control.
Integrating the LED cove lighting into the curved bulkheads demanded precise carpentry. The recessed channels needed to follow complex radii perfectly to achieve the seamless inner glow effect. Our contractors developed custom jigs to ensure consistent depth and alignment throughout.
The central demonstration island features a waterfall-edged solid surface that required careful substrate preparation to support the weight while maintaining the floating aesthetic.
Client Collaboration
Dualsonic's team brought deep understanding of their customer journey to the design process. Their insights into consultation duration, product demonstration sequences, and customer comfort requirements directly shaped our spatial planning.
They identified that customers often visit with companions who need somewhere comfortable to wait during extended demonstrations. This led to the plush cream velvet seating around the central island - creating a hospitality moment within the retail experience.
The brand team also provided guidance on product hierarchy and storytelling sequence. Hero devices are positioned on the cylindrical gold plinths at the store threshold, while the full range is accessible at the side consultation bays. This staging creates natural discovery moments throughout the customer journey.
Regular design reviews ensured alignment between our architectural vision and the brand's marketing objectives. The result is a space that feels authentically Dualsonic while pushing the boundaries of beauty retail design.
Results
Since opening, Dualsonic @ JEM has exceeded performance expectations. The distinctive curved gold entrance has become a landmark within the mall, significantly improving brand awareness among JEM's demographic.
Customer dwell time has increased substantially compared to their previous retail format. The comfortable consultation zones and immersive environment encourage extended engagement with products and staff.
The design has attracted attention from industry publications and has been featured in several retail design showcases. More importantly, it has successfully communicated Dualsonic's position as a premium technology brand rather than a typical beauty retailer.
The store now serves as the brand's flagship Singapore location and has influenced the design direction for future retail rollouts across the region.
