< Previous10 BIG IDEA DECEMBER 2023 commercialinteriordesign.com GOOD MATERIAL D ubai Design Week recorded record numbers in 2023, with visitor attendance up by more than 60 percent and a bigger programme than ever before, including workshops, exhibitors and installations. The emergence of sustainable and innovative materials in design was a key theme, and here we’ve rounded up fi ve of the most exciting materials and methods that were showcased during the week. THE NORTH STAR BY IN5, Part of TECOM Group PJSC, in5 presented the region’s largest 3D printed exhibition stand, The North Star, at Dubai Design Week. NYXO Visionary Design, among the most creative start-ups within in5, designed and built The North Star from recycled polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) material to showcase how recycling can be incorporated into real-world architecture and promote sustainable design that is globally relevant and adaptable. Spanning over 1,000 sq ft, the North Star represents the power of the collective intelligence and shared vision that in5 enables in addressing pressing environmental challenges. The layout of the structure was strategically designed to signify in5’s legacy as start-up incubator. It forms an infi nite loop, generating four spaces with the surfaces joining and folding together to create pockets that are continuously connected THE ALTOSTRATA – THERME PAVILION This installation was an impressive convergence of sustainable design and pioneering technology, designed by Arthur Mamou-Mani and crafted utilising cutting-edge 3D printing technology by Fab.Pub. The architectural pavilion is brought to life using biodegradable, sugar- based PLA, a revolutionary material that has the potential to reshape the way we approach construction. Its panels are built in a manner that minimizes waste, reduces resource consumption and offers a fl exible design that can be effortlessly reconfi gured and transported, allowing for new forms and functionalities. ALU+ BY IDEAL STANDARD Leading bathroom manufacturer Ideal debuted three low-sheen fi nishes – Silk Black, Rosé and Silver – within the new Alu+ collection. While the design of these pieces is sophisticated and timeless, it’s not purely about aesthetics, as the Alu+ range is 100 percent free from chrome, lead and nickel, made instead from high quality, recyclable aluminium. More than 80 percent of that aluminum is recycled content, and the products can be entirely disassembled. THE ALCHEMY SERIES TABLE This stand-out piece by Chinara Darwish is made from 100% locally sourced, marine industry and construction LDPE (low density polyethylene) waste sourced from redundant marine marker buoys, dredging fl oats, road barriers and water tanks. Designed with sustainability as a core driving force, the eight-seater dining table is a bespoke design piece consisting of 193 kg LDPE plastic waste, and was exhibited as part of the Tanween by Tashkeel exhibition at Downtown Design. Discover the latest innovations in sustainability, as showcased throughout Dubai Design Week 202311 BIG IDEA commercialinteriordesign.com DECEMBER 2023 MISHKAH COLLECTION 3D PRINTED LIGHTS BY MARWA ABDELRAHIM Another fi xture at the Tanween by Tashkeel stall, thisset-of-three 3D-printed lighting fi xture was showcased by Marwa Adelrahim, crafted using a mix of locally sourced and imported clay. The product is inspired by traditional mud-brick building techniques, where the clay is mixed with water until it reaches a malleable plastic consistency. The clay is then crafted into moulds and left to sun dry and eventually solidify forming stackable building blocks. The design draws inspiration from the architectural elements of wall niches, and the 3D-printing process dramatically reduces the amount of waste produced in the making. DECEMBER 2023 commercialinteriordesign.com 12 IN THE STUDIO WITH IN THE STUDIO WITH LEALI EZZAT Step inside the workspace of Leali Ezzat, the founder and design director of ELE Interior Design E le Interior Design is a Dubai- based fi rm that specialises in crafting bespoke, luxurious spaces across the residential and commercial sectors. Here, we join founder Leali Ezzat in the studio to learn more about the studio. Design escribe your studio to us… Our studio is a beautifully renovated industrial warehouse, blending high- quality elegance with the original metal elements of the warehouse. We’ve incorporated contemporary luxury design elements, such as micro-cement fl oors, wood panels, greenery, and natural stones.. What is your favorite space in the studio and why? My favorite corner is the pergola, located at the center of the warehouse, as it provides a panoramic view of our studio. Additionally, I love our two larger meeting rooms, where we showcase samples and create a cozy atmosphere for clients to comfortably select or discuss their dream homes. Talk us through a typical day… A typical day for me starts with a cup of coffee and checking emails and updates. Afterward, I create a task list for the day and discuss it with my team. Tell us about your team and what the energy is like in the offi ce? Our studio fosters a vibrant and youthful environment. We share moments and support each other, forming a close-knit work family. Spending most of our day together, good communication and shared experiences contribute to a positive offi ce atmosphere What’s on your desk right now and why are those things important to you and what you do? On my desk, you’ll fi nd a table lamp, a candle, an energy stone, and a bottle of water. Lighting and candles hold a special place in my life, creating a comforting and relaxing atmosphere, even while working. Where do you look to fi nd inspiration? I seek inspiration from various sources, including online platforms highlighting current trends and market demands. I also draw inspiration from different lifestyles, daily routines, and cultural elements of various countries. Travel and shared discoveries help me infuse fresh ideas into our work. What do you listen to in the offi ce? We always have music playing in the studio, typically jazz or chill music. These genres provide a casual and word-light background ambiance. Finally, what is the last thing you do before you leave the offi ce each day? Before leaving the offi ce, I like to review the design team’s agenda to prepare for the next day and set clear expectations.13 commercialinteriordesign.com DECEMBER 2023 PARTNER CONTENT The bathroom has evolved beyond function to become a place of restoration and connection, and Cosentino is leading the way. WELLNESS RITUAL A t Downtown Design this year, Cosentino teamed up with Kristina Zanic Consultants to prove that bathrooms are so much more than a place of function. The leading surface supplier and award-winning design fi rm collaborated to reveal an installation that reimagines the bathroom as a place of gathering. “When the Cosentino team came to us with their design brief, it immediately caught our interest. The idea behind incorporating water was to showcase their products’ use in bathrooms, instead of their better- known use in the kitchen,” explains Kristina Zanic, designer and founder of Kristina Zanic Consultants. “Wanting to make a splash, we decided to turn the water element into a centerpiece. That’s when the concept of a contemporary Mediterranean bathhouse came about,” she says. “We looked at the architectural nuances and tranquil atmospheres of bathhouses and tried to reimagine these spaces, adopting a deconstructed perspective and distilling them into their fundamental components: pool, step, arch, column, and a cocoon-like ambiance.” Aptly named ‘Balneum’ which means bath in Latin, the installation was an homage to the communal spirit of traditional Mediterranean bathhouses, as well as a refl ection of Cosentino’s core philosophy of bringing people together. “The pool wasn’t meant for bathing of course, but rather serving as a relaxed gathering spot. The steps leading to it were an invitation for visitors to sit, chat, and enjoy the soothing sounds of running water in a tranquil atmosphere,” Zanic says. The KZC design team opted for a restrained material and colour palette to craft a minimalist space with a strong sense of tranquility. “Using fi nishes from the Dekton range such as Marmorio, Sabbia, Ceppo, and Nebbia for the fl oors, steps, and pool, we created a harmonious, neutral backdrop,” says Zanic. The surface selections were chosen from a carbon neutral collection designed for Cosentino by Daniel Germani. The wooden colonnade was painted in a smooth off-white fi nish to complement the palette and offer a contemporary touch. “The random arrangement of columns and broken arches echo the ancient remnants of bathhouses. They also delineated the bathing area, while also retaining an open feel that invites entry,” Zanic explains of the design. With sleek hard fi nishes dominating the installation, the space was softened with the use of raw, tactile elements such as a mature olive tree, wild grasses peeking from the steps, and rustic clay pots. “These natural elements brought an organic quality to the overall scheme, enriching the sensory experience.” Photography: Oculis ProjectDECEMBER 2023 commercialinteriordesign.com 14 OPINION Alpha Nero CEO Simon Hacker shares his insight on the new criteria defi ning luxury retail across the region LUXURY RETAIL: WHAT DOES IT TAKE? T he ever-evolving luxury retail space is an industry where commerce must meet artistry. It’s a fact that a store or outlet’s ambience is as infl uential as the products or any external advertising. The GCC is recognised globally for its dynamic retail landscape and is leading the way in the aesthetics of luxury store offerings. Shaping the way for the ultimate customer experience, the look and feel of these spaces play a pivotal role in the brand’s success, and in creating ambassador customers who both return to the store. THE MATERIAL CHOICE The retail landscape is extremely competitive in 2023 and as we move towards the new year, brands feel the need to stand out more than ever before. The choice of materials is paramount in luxury retail design. A blend of rare and exquisite materials can transform an ordinary space into an extraordinary one. Using Italian marble, mirrored glass, and sustainably sourced wood exudes opulence but also communicates a brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability. The smallest of details create the biggest impact. WHAT DEFINES OPULENCE? There has been a notable evolution in the aesthetics that defi ne opulence in retail. Previously, luxury was often associated with black and gold colour schemes. However, there has been a shift towards headliner logos becoming synonymous with elegance and luxury in the contemporary retail landscape. An example of this is the customised reverse-lit 3D logo headliners created for Piaget, Panerai, Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre to denote each luxury watch brand footprint at the Time Vallee Boutique at Althanfeethi Jeddah Airport, KSA. Brands must understand that every element, from lighting to materials, must harmonise to create an immersive experience that resonates with the clientele. FRESH AND DYNAMIC The research and development process is an important element of future planning for luxury retail. Mall renovations recur every three years, which means brands have to keep things dynamic and must continue to showcase fresh concepts. Department Stores specifi cally need look to go beyond merchandising – customers today want an immersive retail experience, a brand story, or ‘vibe’ and this is what differentiates the online experience from traditional brick and mortar, where the store itself is almost a form of media. KEEPING IT INTIMATE Contrary to the conventional wisdom of spacious layouts, luxury retail spaces in the region are focusing on creating intimate environments. We cannot stress enough the signifi cance of well-defi ned zones within a store, each telling a unique narrative. Intimate spaces allow for personalised interactions between the staff and customers, enhancing the overall shopping experience. The custom shop-in- shop we manufactured, assembled and installed forChloéat Level Shoes, Dubai Mall includes white surroundings illuminated by dome LED lighting, glass displays, fabric wall panels and fl oor-length mirrors which created the perfect intimate setting for modern, refi ned design. The iconic Chloe logo is seen in an aluminium fi nish with concealed LED strips, tailor-made furniture, terracotta vases and oak veneer counter tops that defi ne quiet luxury. CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY The integration of advanced technology is transforming luxury retail. After almost a decade of experience in crafting retail aesthetics, since our establishment in 2014 in the GCC, we possess deep insights into the retail ecosystem. Leveraging a decade of expertise in shop fi tting and store building, we understand how brands can seamlessly incorporate technology to meet consumer demands. Our Alpha Data division is set to launch retail data analysis solutions that anticipate customer buying patterns, enabling tailored communication from retailers.15 commercialinteriordesign.com DECEMBER 2023 PARTNER CONTENT Charting the growth of luxury hotel bathroom design with world leading manufacturer Hansgrohe BATHROOM BRILLIANCE T he Middle East has a global reputation for setting the standard in luxury hospitality and the bathroom is emerging as a sanctuary of indulgence and innovation. Commercial Interior Design sat down with industry leaders including Pooja Shah-Mulani, partner and design director at LW, Kristina Zanic, founder of Kristina Zanic Consultants, Nadine Atta, vice president of design at The First Group, Leila Abdul Rahim director of design at Hilton and Martial Gil, vice president sales MEA, CIS & LATAM for Hansgrohe at the Hansgrohe AXOR showroom in Dubai to navigate how the hotel bathroom is evolving to keep up with the modern concept of luxury. Updating and upgrading Hotel bathroom renovations mean big business for designers and suppliers. “What we do as a manufacturer is that we bring you all the tools and all the product to create the perfect bathroom,” Martial Gil says of Hansgrohe’s role in the process. For Pooja Shah-Mulani, dated bathrooms are leading the way for wider hotel updates. “There’s been a massive shift in how hotel bathrooms are being perceived and being used,” says. “We’re getting a lot of refurbishment projects, and it starts from having to change the bathroom that then bleeds into the room and the rest of the hotel,” she explains. A departure from traditional star-rating regulations may be the instigator for many of these interior updates, as bathtubs are no longer a necessity. Where space doesn’t permit a luxury bathtub, it’s better used creating a spa-like shower experience instead of compromising on size and standards. “Showers are becoming bigger and more experiential, I think suppliers are really coming up with great products to be able to create those moments of sanctuary that we get,” said designer Kristina Zanic. Suite simplicity “Designing bathroom for longevity is defi nitely at the forefront of what we do. It’s not like picking the cushion or the curtains, which you can change around in two or three years to upgrade,” says Shah-Mulani. “And designing for the future I think also comes down to the fi xtures.” Quality is non-negotiable, but ease of use is also essential. “It has to be intuitive,” insists Zanic. “The biggest complaint you get from guests is that they don’t know how to work the shower,” she adds. Designers and operators are tasked with fi nding a balance between the most state-of- the-art products and fi ttings that can be easily understood and operated by guests of all demographics. Martial Gil says that is where the Hansgrohe can help. “The fi rst thing about hotel business, people come for one night only, so they have to be able to use the product easily.” Bathrooms of the future “I’d like to see bathrooms that evolve through the day,” says Shah-Mulani of hotel bathrooms of the future. “You use bathrooms differently in the morning as you do in the evening. And yes, with lighting it can be achieved, but is there a way to have a turndown service for the bathroom?” For Nadine Atta of the First Group, smart showers are the way forward. “In the future I picture a smart rain shower has a sensor to just stop itself as you move, rather than to keep running,” she explains. Zanid adds: “I would really like to see a lot more space-driven design and products that allow us to use that space better.”DECEMBER 2023 commercialinteriordesign.com 16 CASE STUDY: TEXTILES This French Patisserie in Dubai Hills is a testimony to the transformative power of fabrics in shaping the soul of a space MATERIAL WORLD T here’s an endless list of tools at a designer’s disposal when it comes to creating interiors that stand out. From artwork and furniture to paint colours, statement stone and more, there are many ways sculpt spaces with hues, textures, and patterns that tell captivating stories. Textiles, however, are an often under-appreciated character in the narrative. At Yvonne French Patisserie nestled in the heart of Dubai Hills Mall, the strategic integration of textiles, encompassing wallpaper, fabric upholstery, and lighting fi xtures paint a masterpiece of maximalist design. “Critical touch points within the interior design of a venue play a pivotal role in guest engagement, offering visual and tactile experiences,” explains Govind Shepley, founder of TwentyOne06 and the designer behind Yvonne. “The journey of a venue experience begins not just at entry but gradually unfolds from a distance. The vibrant hues chosen for Yvonne serve as the initial visual embrace, capturing attention and inviting exploration.” Tactile impact “Luxurious textiles create a secondary interaction for patrons that unfolds with sensory richness,” says Shepley of the bold and varied use of textiles throughout the space. “The interplay of visual allure and tangible comfort orchestrates an immersive experience, making every moment at Yvonne’s an exploration of both the seen and the felt, a symphony of colours and textures that enriches the overall ambiance.” To the max The recent ascendance of the maximalist aesthetic is the antidote to a decade of pared-back palettes and barely-there visuals, but it takes a detailed execution plan. “Pulling off the maximalist style requires careful curation of colours and patterns,” DECEMBER 2023 commercialinteriordesign.com 18 CASE STUDY: TEXTILES Shepley explains. “Each element is thoughtfully selected, creating layers of visual interest while maintaining colour consistency. When working with heavy patterns, framing or layering them with solid colours allows for balance.” However, there is still a place for neutrals in the most colourful of venues. “Natural tones are utilized to let patterns and materials express themselves, treating the location as a canvas where maximalist style becomes the artwork that sits atop it.” Function and form Bold colour and clashing patterns can be easily applied across furniture upholstery, light fi ttings and wallpaper to inject a space with vibrancy, but considerations extend far beyond the surface. “In F&B spaces, functionality takes precedence over form. Material choices prioritize longevity, the right rub count, fi re resistance, and ease of cleaning without compromising the fabrics,” explains Shepley. “The focus is on ensuring textiles not only contribute to the aesthetic but also align with the practical demands of a dynamic F&B environment.” Source book Knowing exactly where the textiles came from is an important step in the process. “Understanding the manufacturing process and origin of materials is integral to responsible design,” Shepley says. “Beyond delivering the right product, we will also delve into the economic and human impact of our decision making. This involves visiting fabrication locations, participating in lunch and learns, and evaluating the sustainability of materials.” “A symphony of colours and textures enriches the overall ambiance within the space” 19 commercialinteriordesign.com DECEMBER 2023 PARTNER CONTENT The global bathroom manufacturer had much to celebrate at Dubai Design Week 2023 MAKING A SPLASH C ommercial Interior Design teamed up with global bathroom manufacturer Kohler at Dubai Design Week to celebrate excellence in design across the Middle East with an event, CID3 After Hours, to host the region’s leading designers in Dubai Design District after a day at Downtown Design. The event also recognised Kohler’s 150-year milestone, which is a year-long celebration for the company, honouring the theme “Come All Creators,” which serves as an invitation to partners, artists, designers, and innovators around the world to celebrate the collective impact made within the industry. The Versatility of Water at Downtown Design At Downtown Design, Kohler worked with global designer Nada Debs to create an immersive design and sensory experience. The installation was called “The Versatility of Water” and explored the intricacies of humans’ interaction with water. “The way we experience water impacts our daily lives, and this experience is core to how we design, innovate, and create, refl ecting in 150 years of rich legacy at Kohler,” says Olivier Lefebvre, President of Kohler Co. K&B EMEA. “Nada has helped bring this to the forefront of our presence in Downtown Dubai through this beautiful journey of discovery.” The space itself was a series of wooden structures to create visual screens, symbolic of Debs’ Japanese and Arab roots. The undulating wooden louvres subtly revealed the design solutions Kohler presented to visitors. The skewed louvres, both functional and aesthetic, were designed to pique curiosity and create an immersive journey. Designing for the region “Kohler has smartly used its global infl uence and strength to build stories and products that cater to this region’s unique demands – from celebrating local rituals such as WUDU to colours and fi nishes that fi t into the region’s unique palette. Dubai Downtown Design is the perfect place to bring all these local and global inspirations together,” says Nada Debs. Products showcased at Downtown have been designed to serve varied communities of the Middle East from global to regional rituals. The Rivlet Wudu Station is designed for the spiritual ritual of the Islamic tradition, being the fi rst-of-its-kind cabinet with an integrated foot washer, while the digital and performance showering innovations signify a global need to reimagine showering as a chance to rejuvenate and focus on self-care.Next >