Aesop Hainan by Other Matter and Aesop

Aēsop’s Hainan store features bespoke interior elements, commissioned from Other Matter, using regenerative architectural surfaces made from a patent-pending, algae-based material. Over 2.000 hand-coated aluminum panels form suspended twin ceiling oculi that cast shifting, underwater-like shadows, alongside a four-meter sculptural column and translucent entrance façade.

Developed to withstand tropical humidity, the project includes a biodegradable, organic sealant created in consultation with conservation scientists at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All components were hand-cast in Melbourne using low-energy methods, colored with mineral pigments, then flat-packed or rolled for installation in China. The non-toxic, petrochemical-free material is reusable and recyclable, demonstrating how circular systems can deliver atmospheric depth and material richness.

The project proposes a new material language for sustainable luxury in high-end retail interiors.