Umbra, a hip housewares manufacturer, wanted its new concept store in Toronto to reflect the company’s design-driven DNA. To help make that statement, the two-level building was wrapped in 300 translucent pink slats. The panels are spaced 6 inches apart, which provides passersby with tantalizing glimpses into the store’s sleek, white minimalist interior.

Client: Umbra, Toronto – Les Mandelbaum, president

Design: figure3, Toronto – Allan Guinan and Christopher Wright, partners, Ralph Dopping, senior team lead; Steve Tsai, Rob Jarschke, Colin Grant, Marion Juton, project designers

Architect: Kohn Shnier, Toronto – John Shnier, partner

General Contractor: Urbacon, Toronto

Flooring: Maxxon, Hamel, Minn.; Johnsonite, Chagrin Falls, Ohio; InterfaceFLOR, Toronto

Laminates: Wilsonart Intl., Temple, Texas; Nevamar Co., Odenton, Md.; Octopus, Toronto

Paints: Sico Paints, Longueuil, Que.

Stairs: 3form, Salt Lake City

Tile: Stone Tile, Toronto

Photography: Richard Johnson Photography, Toronto