The design prioritises dematerialisation and responsible material sourcing as fundamental strategies. By adopting experimental approaches to resource reduction, the project illustrates how “working with less” can enhance spatial quality and improve the customer experience rather than compromise it.

The store layout emphasises adaptability through modular design systems that accommodate various functional requirements and display configurations with minimal intervention. This systematic approach ensures that elements can be easily disassembled and materials reused, thereby supporting long-term sustainability goals and operational flexibility.

The suspended paper lantern, measuring 23m by 3.4m, anchors the retail space and exemplifies circular design principles through material reuse. Fabricated from recycled paper sourced from misprinted books unsuitable for retail distribution, this installation transforms publishing waste into a feature that showcases the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

Developed through collaboration between KTA, Edward Linacre Studio, and Ambience, the lantern involved an innovative reconstitution process conducted in ELS’s local workshop. This approach not only diverts waste from pulping facilities but also creates an educational opportunity for visitors, highlighting circular economy principles and the scale of material waste in publishing.

This project marks the third collaboration between KTA and Readings, building upon an established relationship that enables critical examination of previous store designs and identification of opportunities for enhanced material responsibility. Early client conversations revealed significant waste challenges within the book industry – specifically the volume of misprinted books typically sent for pulping – inspiring an evolution of Readings’ signature integration of local artwork into retail environments.