3 commercialinteriordesign.comContentsFebruary 2025 52 SPECIAL REPORT: SURFACES Innovations, supply-chains and the push to net zero IN THIS ISSUE 12 THE BEST OF MAISON & OBJET Laura Bielecki shows CID her highlights from Paris 24 COVER FEATURE An interview with Häcker Kitchens CEO Samir Ranavaya 42 PROJECT SPOTLIGHT Tour African Queen in Dubai’s J1 with Humbert & Poyet 2025 February4 commercialinteriordesign.comContentsFebruary 2025 74 68 DESIGN ICON An ode to the New York Trunk by Laerre WORLD VIEW Behind the design of Madrid’s Siroko REGULARS 06 NEWS The latest updates from the industry 16 IN THE STUDIO Spend a day at 4SPACE’s Dubai workspace 28 OPINION Tony Naqvi asks if design is destroying the world 64 RESIDENTIAL The Blue Copper Loft by Anarchitect5 commercialinteriordesign.comEditor’s Letter A BEAUTIFUL SURFACE is often dismissed as a luxury, an aesthetic indulgence to be added when budgets allow or priorities permit. We think of marble countertops, limestone fl oors, bamboo room dividers, or date- palm cabinetry as aspirational rather than essential. But the truth is that surfaces, and the materials we choose for them, are so much more than a fi nishing touch. They tell a story, solve problems and connect us to our environment and culture. A limestone fl oor cools, naturally combating the desert heat without reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning. Date-palm wood, one of the region’s most abundant regenerative resources, brings not only sustainability but a profound connection to the heritage of the region. And bamboo, fast-growing and versatile, reminds us of the innovation that comes when global ideas meet local sensibilities. In this issue, we delve beneath the surface, examining how materiality shapes the way we experience space. We explore the intersection of functionality and beauty, tradition and modernity and sustainability and luxury. At a time when architecture is being challenged to respond to climate crises, cultural preservation and evolving lifestyles, surfaces matter more than ever. They have the power to infl uence how we live, adapt to our environment and engage with the world around us. As you explore this issue, I invite you to consider the deeper stories embedded in the surfaces that surround us every day. SURFACE Published by and © 2025 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 444 3000 www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Geneva, London, Mumbai & Riyadh ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO Ali Akawi MANAGING DIRECTOR Martin Chambers CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Holly Sands EDITORIAL GROUP EDITOR Paul Clifford EDITOR Zen Bahar EDITOR AT LARGE Holly Byrne ASSOCIATE EDITOR Misbaah Mansuri EDITOR, HOSPITALITY & DESIGN SAUDI Safa Hassan ADVERTISING CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Sally Whittam Tel: +971 4 444 3348 Email: sally.whittam@itp.com COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Richard Mobbs Tel: +971 52 393 2862 Email: richard.mobbs@itp.com SENIOR COMMERCIAL MANAGER Tripura Patel Tel: +971 52 393 2862 Email: tripura.patel@itp.com COMMERCIAL ADMIN EXECUTIVE Janet Comia Email: janet.comia@itp.com ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Siti Sumarsono Email: siti.sumarsono@itp.com ART HEAD OF DESIGN Rita Ghantous GROUP VIDEO EDITOR Bharat Tahiliani VIDEO EDITOR Farah Roshdy VIDEOGRAPHER Karan Sumadari COVER IMAGE Natalee Cocks MARKETING HEAD OF EVENTS Eleanor Ashton EVENTS & MARKETING MANAGER Kate Galaktionova ASSOCIATE EVENTS MANAGER Vrinali Nazareth ASSOCIATE EVENTS MANAGER Maria Trishina EVENTS SALES EXECUTIVE Jan Mokoala EVENTS ADMINISTR ATIVE ASSISTANT Aronn Pureza EVENTS ADMINISTR ATIVE ASSISTANT Bobbie Rosario EVENTS SALES ASSISTANT Joyce Salonga PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER Anand Sundaram DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Avinash Pereira CIRCULATION EXECUTIVE Rajesh Pillai ITP GROUP CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies Subscribe at www.commercialinteriordesign.com The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader's particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. Zen Bahar Editor deep6 commercialinteriordesign.comNewsFebruary 2025 THEATRE ARCHITECTURE COMPETITION OPENS FOR ENTRIES The Theatre Architecture Competition, one of three competitions being held during World Stage Design, is now open for entry for all student and emerging archi- tects worldwide. For this issue of Theatre Architecture Competition, the motto is “Theatre of Possibilities”. For this edition the site is the courtyard of Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, a merchant’s home built in 1845, located in Sharjah, UAE. The competition challenges the architects to create innovative ideas for a performance space that can maximize the use and value of a cultural site. The contestants will be evaluated on how they encapsulate the heritage of the site and the culture of the region, incorporating sustainability, accessi- bility and inclusion, and its overall practicality. The deadline for applicant’s entries is 14th April 2025. DESIGN NEWS / FEBRUARY ROAR DESIGNS NEW DIFC TECH HUB Roar, the design house led by Pallavi Dean, has breathed new life into the CP05 building and AI Campus at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). A space that was once a blank canvas now pulsates with energy and modernity. Roar has crafted an interior that is not only cutting-edge but adaptable, making it the perfect backdrop for innovation and collaboration in the tech industry. The design is a true celebration of sensory engagement, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the acoustic design. Throughout the space, ribbed panels and 3D acoustic features serve as both functional elements and striking visual statements. Circular motifs contribute to the space’s fl uid, organic feel and the acoustic quality is enhanced without sacrifi cing the bold, forward-thinking design ethos.7 commercialinteriordesign.comNewsFebruary 2025 MOSQUE-INSPIRED DOME MEETS JAPANESE MINIMALISM AT ZUMA RIYADH Zuma Riyadh has opened its doors in the King Abdullah Financial District, marking a step forward in the Kingdom’s evolving hospitality sector. The venue spans two levels, linked by a spiral staircase that connects different areas, including three distinct kitchens: the main kitchen, the robata grill, and the sushi counter, providing guests with a view of various culi- nary techniques and refl ecting a commit- ment to open interaction between chefs and TWENTYONE06 APPOINTS NEW SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER CID award-winning interior design studio TwentyOne06 has announced the appointment of Nervan Helmy as its new senior design manager. Helmy brings almost a decade of experience in interior design, particularly in corporate spaces, and her arrival signals a strategic move to bolster both the creative and oper- ational facets of the business, says the design fi rm. As senior interior designer at Say Studio, she has conceptualised and executed big projects across global giants PwC, McKinsey & Co, PepsiCo, and LinkedIn. Her portfolio spans corpo- rate, hospitality, residential, and F&B design. At TwentyOne06, Helmy will oversee concept development, project management, and quality control while cultivating a collaborative design envi- ronment. By bridging client visions with forward-thinking design, she will play a pivotal role in ensuring the studio continues to produce functional, story- driven spaces that resonate deeply with guests. diners. Meticulously designed by architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu, the setting balances modern elements with an emphasis on natural harmony. Subtle details are inspired by the city, aligning modern elegance with respect for tradition. The interior design incorporates features that draw on local and international infl uences. A copper-clad dome ceiling in the reception area sets the tone for the rest of the venue. This dome references mosque architecture and nods to the roofs of tradi- tional Japanese buildings.8 commercialinteriordesign.comNewsFebruary 2025 KRISTINA ZANIC REVAMPS IHG HOTELS & RESORTS IN DUBAI The Dubai offi ce for IHG Hotels & Resorts has undergone a contemporary transformation, revealing a more open and adaptable new layout. The new design, crafted by interior design fi rm Kristina Zanic Consultants, has redefi ned the workplace, fostering collaboration and enhancing employee wellbeing. The revamped space removes barriers, eliminates cubicles, and infuses warm tones and ample natural light, creating a harmonious fl ow within. Located in a commercial tower within the Dubai Festival City waterfront development, the offi ce accommodates close to 110 team members within its 1,200 square metres. The offi ce space effectively balances personal, collaborative, and social zones with purposeful use of space. NEW PROJECT MANAGER APPOINTED AT DWP DUBAI dwp | design worldwide partnership has announced architect and interior designer Luisa Bresolin as project director for its Dubai studio. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous high-pro- fi le roles across the globe. Bresolin has been shaping spaces and experiences throughout her career internationally and has worked between Italy and Australia over the last few years. She has eight years of experience in UAE acting as lead designer and senior project director posi- tions, contributing to some of the most prestigious projects across Dubai, the broader Middle East and internationally. Her extensive background includes major successes in residential and hospitality projects that not only refl ect her impec- cable design fl air but also her ability to manage complex, fast-paced projects effectively.Next >