Valise
Valise
Valise is a retail space nestled in the lower levels of Union Station, Toronto’s historic train station and transit hub. Dating back to the 19th century, Union Station is a Beaux-Arts railway station and expresses resilient materials that were used to hold up to the fast paced and heavy traffic of the time.
Valise takes inspiration from the station’s brass details, and from the design of turn-of-the-century suitcases. These suitcases were often lined with fabric and secured with brass hardware. The shop also brings to mind the curved interior coves of historic train cars.
The shop’s interior is wrapped with a custom curved walnut and cane panelling system. Each curve is then emphasised using an up-lit lighting system.
Speaking to the robust, but elegant design of the station, the original terracotta wall was left exposed, and brass was used for the countertops, retail display shelves and accenting details.
The historic reconstruction of the storefront features brass door hardware, and an interior façade that is covered in brass panelling.
Location / Union Station, Toronto
Status / Completed
Design Team / Kfir Gluzberg, James Swain, Caleb McGinn
Millwork / Barlow Cabinetworks
Brass Fabricator / Harnisch Lamps
Caning / Maple Leaf Furniture
General Contractor / Bootstrap Design
Photographer / Scott Norsworthy
