steel interiors ripple like waves in niiiz design lab's korean swimwear store

Lighting as Spatial Strategy in Barrel Swimwear Store

In Barrel Swimwear Store project in Korea by Niiiz Design Lab, lighting is positioned as a central design strategy rather than a supplementary feature. Developed for a swimwear-focused brand, the project required a distinct approach from standard fashion retail environments. Lighting functions as a critical element in spatial composition, with variations in color temperature, intensity, and brightness directly influencing the perception of space.

Instead of adopting typical high ambient lighting to enhance product visibility, the design reduced general illumination to establish a subdued spatial quality. Focused lighting was applied within oversized fitting rooms, where users could evaluate products under conditions tailored for clarity and comfort. This zoning strategy emphasized the role of fitting areas as central to user experience, directing circulation toward them, and encouraging physical interaction with products.

reflective wave-patterned stainless steel panels on the ceiling visually expand the space | all images by Mong Sang

Niiiz Design Lab implements Indirect Light and Reflective Surfaces

To implement a low-light environment without conventional ceiling fixtures, Niiiz Design Lab’s team integrated indirect lighting within a linear sculptural installation extending along one wall. The installation, constructed from semi-translucent blue acrylic, references the concept of an indoor swimming pool. The material filters light softly across the surface, contributing to a cohesive spatial identity.

Ceiling treatment was aligned with the lighting concept and broader spatial narrative. Wave-patterned stainless steel panels were used to introduce reflectivity, which visually expands the compact volume and offsets the low ceiling height. This finish also supports the distribution of indirect light and contributes to the immersive underwater reference.

curved surface with continuous material finish eliminates visible boundaries between the walls and floor

Matte Finishes and Curved Transitions Enhance Spatial Balance

In contrast, flooring was designed to reduce reflectance. Matte mosaic tiles, evoking swimming pool surfaces, were selected to absorb rather than bounce light, ensuring balance in the lighting composition. The junctions between wall and floor surfaces were softened by using continuous materials and curved transitions, eliminating sharp visual boundaries and enhancing spatial coherence.

The resulting environment integrates lighting and material logic to support the brand’s identity and functional needs. The store’s design addresses site-specific constraints, including limited ceiling height and floor area, while delivering a spatial experience aligned with the swimwear category.

indirect lighting is embedded within a sculptural wall installation

the blue acrylic wall and ceiling evoke the sensation of being submerged underwater

large fitting rooms feature enhanced lighting for the best product evaluation

matte-finish mosaic tiles, reminiscent of pool tiles, absorb rather than reflect light from above and around

the semi-translucent blue acrylic wall references the indoor pool concept

mosaic floor tiles reduce glare and evoke pool textures

curved detailing enhances spatial continuity and immersion

project info: 

name: Barrel_Swimwear Store

designer: Niiiz Design Lab | @official_niiizdesignlab

location: Korea

client: The Nature Holdings

construction: JHD Studio | @jhd_official

photographer: Mong Sang | @mongsang._

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom