A Model of Sustainable Design: Nudie Jeans Brisbane Repair Store

Photography: Andew Porfyri

K5 speaks to Rebecca Vulic (Director, X+O) on how design can be sustainable, circular and embody the brand ethos for their client, Nudie Jeans.

 Nudie Jeans, a brand deeply rooted in sustainability, transformed their 33m² Brisbane repair store, showcasing how sustainable design can be both functional and inspiring. This refurbishment aimed to maximise storage, retain existing elements, and integrate circular design solutions, ensuring the store remains a true reflection of the brand ethos.

Located in the verdant Fortitude Valley, the store's design draws from its natural surroundings. The facade, covered in climbers, creates an inherent connection to nature. This inspired the design team to bring nature indoors using sustainable materials with low embodied carbon, sourced locally, and promoting health and wellbeing.

The store features a centralised denim bar and cubby wall, incorporating green ceramic tiles made from recycled Nudie Jeans and construction waste. This signature tile, developed with Kandui Technologies and Noveco Surfaces, exemplifies circular design. Key elements like flooring, ceiling, light tracks, signage, and hang rails were retained. The existing sewing machine, now wrapped in FSC-certified hoop pine, stands at the shopfront, offering customers "forever repairs," a hallmark of Nudie Jeans globally.

"The tile made from traded-in Nudie jeans and construction waste makes a real difference to the outcome of the project as it is a truly circular product," says Rebecca Vulic from X+O.

The project was a collaborative effort with Nudie Jeans and partners like Kandui Technologies. From space planning to developing custom tiles, the process was iterative and collaborative. The result is a store that not only embodies Nudie Jeans' sustainability values but also serves as a model for future projects.

"Nudie Jeans are a highly collaborative client. They are leaders in the way that they develop product, educate customers, and how they approach circularity," notes Vulic. This strong partnership was crucial to the project's success.

The store achieves numerous sustainability goals by creating circular materials, selecting low embodied carbon materials, and sourcing locally. It promotes health and wellbeing through natural light and a connection to nature. The project aims to inspire cultural awareness around sustainable design principles and offer practical ideas for those embarking on their sustainability journey.

Nudie Jeans Brisbane Repair Store is a testament to how sustainable design can influence communities and industry practices. By focusing on circularity, local sourcing, and innovative material use, it sets a new standard for sustainable retail design and underscores the importance of thoughtful, design choices.

"Overall, repurposing will lead to a reduction in emissions, and reduced landfill. Both in buildings and clothing. We hope that this project is a step forward to influencing a change in mindset."

K5 is the proud sponsor of the INDE Influencer category in the 2024 programme. The shortlisted projects, such as Nudie Jeans, embody our company ethos; create only when necessary and always consider the impacts on the future.