{"id":1144,"date":"2025-09-04T06:00:32","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T06:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.scientificmediagroup.com\/?p=1144"},"modified":"2025-10-02T16:20:22","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T16:20:22","slug":"unknown-works-transforms-borough-market-storehouse-into-futuristic-hair-salon-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.scientificmediagroup.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/04\/unknown-works-transforms-borough-market-storehouse-into-futuristic-hair-salon-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Unknown Works transforms Borough Market storehouse into futuristic hair salon"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Metal<\/div>\n

London-based Unknown Works<\/a> designed a sound wall made from repurposed galvanised steel<\/a> and added sheet-metal furniture and fittings to create Salt Salon, a “bold yet refined salon<\/a>” in Borough Market.<\/span><\/p>\n

Located in a former storehouse in London’s busy Borough Market area, the hairdressing salon was designed to feel like a haven away from the streets below.<\/p>\n

Unknown Works<\/a> focused on both the practical and the social aspects of the space, which will function as an events venue and listening space as well as a hair salon.<\/p>\n

Much of the building’s original structure was retained, and the studio worked with recycled materials wherever possible.<\/p>\n

\"Interior
The Listening Space is located on the first floor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“We set out to create a bold yet refined salon that doubles as a dynamic cultural hub,” Unknown Works director Ben Hayes told Dezeen.<\/p>\n

“Sound became our primary tool for spatial transformation, expanding how diverse audiences engage with the space whilst making it more accessible and deeply rooted in Salt Salon’s community.”<\/p>\n

“The design encourages people to move fluidly between these different atmospheres, transitioning between intimate treatments, cultural programming and sonic experiences,” he continued.<\/p>\n

\"Metal
Unknown Works decorated the whole salon with metal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Salt Salon<\/a> is spread over three floors, each of which has a different function and distinctive design. On the first floor, visitors are met by a statement installation \u2013 a custom-made sound wall developed together with hi-fi start-up Friendly Pressure<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The galvanised-steel wall was made from salvaged metal and shelves from the Victoria & Albert Museum’s Blythe House storage facility.<\/p>\n

\"Reception
Salt Salon was designed as a calm space in a busy area<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“We work with many cultural institutions and have previously worked with The Science Museum on the new Energy Revolution Gallery,” Hayes explained.<\/p>\n

“During that project, we began salvaging materials from the Blythe House archive facility \u2013 which serves both The Science Museum and the V&A \u2013 and experimenting with robotic forming,” he added.<\/p>\n

“This research and development enabled us to repurpose galvanised steel for the sound wall and furniture. Using these reclaimed materials gave us durable, high-quality components with a story that ties the project to a wider cultural network.”<\/p>\n

\"Steel
Hi-fi company Friendly Pressure helped create a bespoke sound wall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Aptly called The Listening Floor, this first floor holds the reception as well as hairdressing stations, but can also be used for events and as a bar.<\/p>\n

The next floor up, The Cutting Floor, has more hairdressing stations and also features plenty of metal, including mirrors that were made from polished steel.<\/p>\n

\"Second
The Cutting Floor has an opening in the floor that connects it with The Listening Floor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unknown Works was conscious of the acoustic challenges that can come with working with steel and took steps to ensure the salon would also be suitable for a listening space.<\/p>\n

“Metal was central for durability, but we managed its acoustic challenges carefully: the building’s angled plan and non-parallel walls reduce echoes, and foam-based modular furniture softens sound reflections,” Hayes said.<\/p>\n

“The exposed timber ceiling also helps scatter sound naturally.”<\/p>\n