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Design Talk Human Nature

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OF EMIRATI DESIGN RANGE BY INTERFACE

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SOFITEL LAUNCHES SO SPA IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI

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 CONTENTS

AUGUST 2014
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 8

4 DESIGN UPDATE
A round up of the latest design
news in the MENA region and
abroad, including the launch
of Interfaces latest collection
called Human Nature, Finasis
appointment for a new residential
project, Downtown Designs
focus on ooring as well as the
Hotel Shows sustainability-driven
conference. We also have news
4 14
on Liam King buying out Human
Space from Al Reyami.

14 AHEC
Destined to become a new town
landmark, the new Kunstcluster,
an arts and theatre centre
located in the Dutch city of
Nieuwgein, boasts American
Walnut and Tulipwood and uses
it as the central design aesthetic.

16 INTERVIEW
CID speaks to Emirati interior
design brand, Design Talk,
led by Maryam Alsuwaidi and
Sulaiman Althehli, who tell us
about the birth of the company,
the integration of business and
design, and the companys
appreciation of traditional Islamic
elements. The design team also
talks about the desire to push
Emirati students into learning
about the eld of interior design.

24 CASE STUDY
Sotel Luxury Hotels opens its
new hospitality branch, Sotel
Dubai Downtown by Wilson
Associates that aims to magnify
our ve senses. The interior
design focuses on a concept that
celebrates iconic French design,

16
with a special touch of Op art.
Check out the photos to witness
the combination of bamboo wood
with pops of lime green.

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 1

CONTENTS

34 CASE STUDY
CID investigates the shapes and
colours at Brand Creatives latest
endeavour: a pamper-and-play
centre for both parents and
childeren called Caboodle,
inspired by the quirky world of
lm director Tim Burton, featur-
ing enchanted forests, oversized
birdcages, curling slides and
24 34 sculptural cloud features.

44 FEATURE
Industry experts from the Middle
East reveal the importance
of good quality spa design,
convenient spa solutions,
the growing importance of
bathroom design as well as the
latest products in the market
from Hansgrohe, Flowcrete,
BagnoDesign and Finasi.

54 SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD

KNOW
An in-depth look at the suppliers
you should know in the wall
covering and ooring industry
with a section outlining new
trend developments for this
years products and styles.
Companies include Flowcrete,
Interface, Arabuild, JRD
InternatIonal, Floors and Decks,
and Goodrich.

59 PRODUCTS
The hippest and sleekest items
on the market, ranging from
lighting to furniture, funky book
cases and magazine holders
available on the market.

80 OPINION
Ross Jackson, general manager

59
at Delta Faucet Company speaks
of the dangers of water scarcity
in the region, and how the UAE
is dealing with the issue.

2 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

 COMMENT

Registered at Dubai Media City

PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE
Tel: 00 971 4 444 3000

A voice of reason
Fax: 00 971 4 444 3030
Web: www.itp.com
Offices in Dubai & London

,73%86,1(6638%/,6+,1*
&(2 Walid Akawi
0DQDJLQJ'LUHFWRUNeil Davies

A
0DQDJLQJ'LUHFWRU,73%XVLQHVVKaram Awad
'HSXW\0DQDJLQJ'LUHFWRU Matthew Southwell
Deputy Managing Director, ITP Digital Husni Khuffash few months ago, news of the Expo 2020 win for
Group Editorial Director Greg Wilson
*URXS3XEOLVKLQJ'LUHFWRU Ian Stokes Dubai broke out. It was all the news seemed to
(',725,$/ REPORTONFORASHORTWHILE-YINBOXjLLEDUP
(GLWRU Rima Alsammarae with reports on the effect the Expo would have
Tel: +971 4 444 3130 email: rima.alsammarae@itp.com
5HSRUWHU Aidan Imanova and how great it would be for Dubais economy.
Tel: +971 4 444 3497 email: aidan.imanova@itp.com
But then the news cycle does what it always does and
$'9(57,6,1*
moved on to something else. Designers stopped talking
6DOHV0DQDJHU Teri Clarke
Tel: +971 4 444 3679 email: teri.clarke@itp.com about it and PR agencies stopped sending out news bits centred on the big
%XVLQHVV'HYHORSPHQW0DQDJHU6DXGL$UDELD
Rabih Naderi announcement.
Tel: +966 1 2068697 email: rabih.naderi@itp.com This month, I saw a revival of Expo news. With Downtown Design and the Hotel
21/,1($'9(57,6,1* Show on the horizon, it seems that Expo 2020 is back on the public conscience.
'LUHFWRU Peter Conmy
Digital Publishing Director Ahmad Bashour
Designers, architects and clients alike are constantly being reminded of the pres-
Tel: +971 4 444 3549 email: ahmad.bashour@itp.com sure to stand out and create projects that will create a lot of buzz against the
Sales Manager B2B Digital Michelle Rebello
Tel: +971 4 444 3352 email: michelle.rebello@itp.com increasingly competitive market. But is this good advice?
678',2 Being told to stand out is only going to lead to misguided designs that resort to
+HDGRI'HVLJQ Daniel Prescott kitsch aesthetics. Designers, as hard as it may be, should try to resist any pres-
6HQLRU'HVLJQHU Anjana Jain
sure from Expo 2020 to create crazy designs, and instead continue in maturing
3+272*5$3+<
6HQLRU3KRWRJUDSKHUVIsidora Bojovic, Efraim Evidor
Dubais design landscape. The Expo will be a great chance to show that Dubai,
6WDII3KRWRJUDSKHUV Lester Apuntar, George Dipin, Verko and the Middle East in general, is a mature voice in the international realm of
Ignjatovic, Shruti Jagdeesh, Mosh Lafuente, Ruel Pableo, Rajesh
Raghav, Kate Lewis, Danny Allison design and architecture.
352'8&7,21 ',675,%87,21 Our region's future in the art scene doesnt stop in year 2020, it will persist
*URXS3URGXFWLRQ 'LVWULEXWLRQ'LUHFWRU Kyle Smith long after it. And the buildings that go up today and tomorrow will be standing
Production Manager Basel Al Kassem
3URGXFWLRQ&RRUGLQDWRU Nelly Pereira long after the Expo. The statement were trying to establish should not centre
0DQDJLQJ3LFWXUH(GLWRUPatrick Littlejohn
'LVWULEXWLRQ([HFXWLYH Nada Al Alami on crazy or themed design; instead we should be working to ensure that the
&,5&8/$7,21
Middle East is a growing voice of reason and design philosophy in the interna-
+HDGRI&LUFXODWLRQ 'DWDEDVH Gaurav Gulati tional arts community.
0$5.(7,1*
+HDGRI0DUNHWLQJ Daniel Fewtrell
0DUNHWLQJ0DQDJHU Michelle Meyrick
RIMA ALSAMMAR AE
,73*5283
rima.alsammarae@itp.com
&KDLUPDQ Andrew Neil
0DQDJLQJ'LUHFWRU Robert Serafin
)LQDQFH'LUHFWRU Toby Jay Spencer-Davies
%RDUGRI'LUHFWRUVK M Jamieson, Mike Bayman,
Walid Akawi, Neil Davies, Rob Corder, Mary Serafin

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www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | August 2014 3

DESIGN UPDATE

Interface launches new collection

INTERFACE REVEALS NEW RANGE OF CARPET TILES CEMENTING ITS DEDICATION TO SUSTAINABILITY

UAE: Interface, the worlds leading by David Oakey, a long-time Inter- transition pattern that connects It is a collaboration of human
sustainable carpet manufacturer, face collaborator and world leader two separate textures, a lower pro- design infused with natural ele-
has released a new range of carpet
tiles known as Human Nature.
The recently launched Human
Nature collection is an instinctive
sensory experience inspired by
the diversity of the natural world
to support our physical needs and
stimulate our creative capacity,
says Steven Pratt, regional director
Middle East Interface.
He adds: Interface designed
THECOLLECTIONTOBENEjTTHEHUMAN
body and the way we work, the way
we interact and whats beneath us.
The collection provides a founda-
tion for organisations to curate
beautiful spaces that inspire
beautiful thinking.
The new collection was designed
4 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design
in sustainable design practices.
Human Nature also follows the
principles of biophilia and biomim-
icrythe concept of learning from
and emulating natures designs
and principles. According to Pratt,
the new range also explores how
natures diversity of texture, touch,
feel and even sound affect our
senses in the natural world.
The latest collection consists
OFjVEDIFFERENTTEXTURESINCM8
100cm skinny planks that can be
CHOSENORPAIREDWITHCM8CM
square tiles, making it ideal for
mixing and matching.
The different textures within
the range include a pebble-like
texture, a worn stone texture, a
jLETEXTUREAMONGMANYOTHERS
Pratt explains: The true spark
of the collection is a wild shag-like
texture, which can be used as
accents and borders. All of these
textures help to delineate different
working spaces.
The range also applies a natural
colour palette that boasts rich
hues. Pratt notes: The Human
Nature collection is inspired
from when man and nature come
together to coexist. The colour
and design inspiration of man and
nature coming together consist of
materials designed by the natural
elements: worn, weathered or
distressed as seen everywhere
around the world.
ments, accepting natures beauty
and embracing natures colours.
The new range takes its inspira-
tion from the natural world, not
only in texture and colour but also
in composition. Like earth, the col-
lection allows for varied transitions
within the designs, which ensures
the freedom for ultimate creativity
on part of the designer.
Pratt concludes: We know that
MODULARkOORINGCANTCHANGETHE
world, but it can inspire those who
will. The Human Nature collec-
tion is a beautiful foundation for
beautiful thinking. This collection
HASBEENDESIGNEDTOBENEjTTHE
nature of the human body and the
way we work.
www.designmena.com
Geberit actuator plate Omega60

Smaller is
smarter.

The Geberit actuator plate Omega60 shows its true greatness precisely because it is smaller than any
actuator plate of its kind. With its minimalistic, surface-even design, the tiny giant is an eye catcher in
any bathroom. $vailable in two versions with front or top ush actuation.

www.geberit.aeomega60
DESIGN UPDATE

Finasi awarded new villa project

SILVER SPONSOR FOR CID AWARDS FINASI AWARDED THE CONTRACT FOR A VILLA PROJECT

UAE: Finasi is currently looking ANDjNISHESFOREACHANDEVERY OFSTATE
OF
THE
ARTTHEATRE
SEATING Home, Preciosa, Al Futtaim, Ameri

forward to a residential project component of the villa, offering a sourced from the United States, can Hardwood Export Council,
located in Dubai. Known for its COMPLETEFACE
LIFTANDRE
DESIGNING and specialised Skema acoustic Delta Faucet, Human Space, Roca,
LUXURYDESIGNANDjT
OUTWORKFOR the entire elevation, increasing the WALL
CLADDING/UTSIDEABISAZZA Laufen, Vitra, Alec Fitout, Gray

COMMERCIALOFjCEANDRESIDENTIAL window dimensions and creating a tiled swimming pool glimmers SCALE)NTERIORSAND)NTERFACE
projects, Finasi was an ideal M8MGLASSWINDOWONTHEjRST in the summer sun while Gandia Sultan explains about sponsor

choice and can now begin work on kOORFORENHANCEDVIEWOFTHE;SUR
Blasco outdoor furniture com
INGTHEAWARDSf;&INASI=DECIDED
the new private villa. rounding] golf course. pletes the patio. TOSPONSORTHE#)$!WARDSASITIS
4HEjT
OUTPROVIDERWASAP
The villa demanded the design )NADDITIONTO&INASISLATEST one of the most prestigious events
pointed by a client to manage the of two large master bedrooms, PROJECTSTHEjT
OUTPROVIDERHAS for our industry in the region.
complete turnkey refurbishment of another three bedrooms and one also signed on to being a silver Also, we have partnered with Com

a private residential villa in Emir
PRIVATEOFjCEALONGWITHOTHER SPONSORAT#OMMERCIAL)NTERIOR MERCIAL)NTERIOR$ESIGN;MAGAZINE=
ates Hills, R3. rooms. Finasi delivered Molteni&C Design Awards 2014. and its team in the past and have
Our brief was to redesign, WALK
INCLOSETSINTRICATEWOODEN 3ETFOR3EPTEMBERAT$UBAIS ENJOYEDTHEBENEjTSt
MANAGETHEjT
OUTCREATEBUILT
IN kOORINGAND)TALIANMARBLE *7-ARRIOT-ARQUISTHE#)$ He concludes: All of the key
FURNITURE&&%jNALDRESSING
landscaping and home automa
displayed on the walls.
tion, says Ahmed Sultan, partner
this year, as well as industry lead
pany some good exposure in the
and general manager, Finasi.
He adds: Our interior design
communicate about our services
team selected all materials
6 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design
bathrooms with mosaic designs !WARDSWILLREWARDTHEREGIONS industry leaders are present at
most inspiring projects completed the event and it gives our com
Other spaces within the inte
rior include the kitchen, which ers from around the Middle East. market, acting as a platform to
is armed with new Armani Home Currently, the list of other spon
furnishing; a cinema consisting sors for the event includes Marina and design expertise.
www.designmena.com
DESIGN UPDATE

Downtown Design
plans flooring show
DOWNTOWN DESIGN IS LOOKING FORWARD TO ITS
FIRST EVER FLOORING EXHIBITION
UAE: With Dubai looking to more CARPETWEAVINGWITHCONTEMPORARY
than double the existing number designs. This allows hotels and
of hotel rooms in the region to ac- HOSPITALITYDESTINATIONSTOUSE
count for the expected rise in tour- common designs in unexpected
ISMkOORINGOPTIONSFORHOSPITALITY
PROJECTSARECURRENTLYEXPANDING
to offer designers and architects
optimum solutions.
Downtown Design, one of the
regions top design fairs is looking
forward to its second annual edi-
tion which will focus on an original
DESIGNTHEMEANDSEEANEWkOOR-
ing exhibition.
4HEkOORINGSHOWWILLFURTHER
LIKE
CEMENTTHETHEMEOFTHISYEARS
Downtown Design and showcase a
number of exhibitors from around
the world.
Cristina Romelli Gervasoni, fair
WAYS!T$OWNTOWN$ESIGNSUCH
pioneers in this trend like Golran
will be exhibiting and showcasing
ITSABILITYTOFUSETRADITIONWITH
CONTEMPORARYDESIGN
Non-carpet related trends
include the Mosaic Renaissance
and the Old-new Wood. The former
refers to the global revival of mo-
saic tiling. The Mosaic Renaissance
SEESjNISHESINVIBRANTJEWEL
colours fused with intricate geo-
metric patterns. The delicate lat-
ticework is popular among Middle
East clients as it relates to the
regions Islamic aesthetics.
DIRECTOR$OWNTOWN$ESIGNSAYS
The theme of Downtown Design
2014 is Original Design; and
ORIGINALITYREFERSTOTHEQUALITYOF
materials, attention to detail, supe-
rior craftsmanship and thoughtful
Visitors will be able to network
with those pioneering mosaic
designs such as Sicis, while those
looking for wooden designs can
explore the hardwood options
PROVIDEDBY5+
BASED3ILVAN
design that are combined to ulti-
MATELYENHANCEOURQUALITYOFLIFEt
Some of the trends that visitors
at the design fair will be able to
witness include concepts focused
on carpets, mosaic tiling and wood.
Back to Nature carpeting is
a rising trend with its carpets
INSPIREDBYTHENATURALWORLD#OM-
panies like Tai Ping will make their
-IDDLE%ASTDEBUTTHISYEARWITH
designs such as Tree Trunk and
Reservoir Rug. Made of wools, silks
among others. According to Down-
town Design, trends in hardwood
are leaning toward longer and
wider planks.
'ERVASONINOTESf)NVESTINGIN
HIGHQUALITYkOORINGISESSENTIAL
NOTONLYFORTHEOBVIOUSPRACTICAL
reasons, but also because [the]
kOORISWHATSETSTHETONEFORA
rooms ambience and can be an
ideal backdrop to highlight the fur-
niture, accessories and decorative
DETAILSTHATWILLDEjNE;YOUR=SPACE
ANDCASHMEREjBERS4AI0INGS This is a message we are eager
DESIGNSAREKNOWNINTERNATIONALLY TOCONVEYSOTHISYEARWEWILLBE
Another trend in the carpet HOSTINGTHEjNESTBRANDSANDGLOB-
INDUSTRYISTHE!DAPTIVE4ROMPE ALTRENDSETTERSINkOORINGGIVING
LOeil, which refers to the art of OURVISITORSANOPPORTUNITYTOMEET
combining traditional Persian THEPEOPLEBEHINDTHEBRANDSt

8 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

SENSOWASH SHOWER TOILET
FOR THAT FRESHLY-WASHED FEELING

Design by Philippe Starck

SensoWash - gentle cleansing with water. The SensoWash shower toilet seat cleanses you with water after using the
toilet - it is gentle, clean and safe. SensoWash offers more than just toilet hygiene, it also greatly enhances quality of
life. More information? Duravit Middle East S.A.L. (Off-Shore), Elias Hraoui Avenue - Nohra Building - Furn El Shebbak,
Second floor, Beirut, Lebanon, Phone +961 1 283429, Fax +961 1 283431, info@lb.duravit.com. DURAVIT Middle East - SAL
Off Shore - Rep. Off., Aspect Tower - Office #2406 Business Bay, P.O.Box 390865 - Dubai, UAE, Phone +971 4 4274080,
Fax +971 4 4274081, info@ae.duravit.com. Duravit Saudi Arabia LLC, Al Hamra district, Aarafat street, Shahwan commer-
cial center, 3rd floor Office number 4, P.O. Box 9135, 21413 Jeddah, Phone +966 2 66 580 54
and +966 2 66 176 94, Fax +966 2 66 410 38, info@sa.duravit.com, www.duravit.com
DESIGN UPDATE
Hotel Show looks to
Vision Conference
DUBAIS HOTEL SHOW LOOKS FORWARD TO VISION
CONFERENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE KNOWLEDGE
UAE: The Hotel Show, which is set
for September 28- September 30
at the Dubai World Trade Centre,
looks to host more that 16,700
attendees for the 2014 edition.
The exhibition will provide a full
end-to-end offering from invest-
ment to design and build, through
Director of PT Project
Studio, Chiara Cantono, explains:
Sustainability projects are not
just a passing trend, but they
[also] represent a real opportunity
to improve building performance
and [the] quality of life of the
[buildings] residents.
TOREFURBISHMENTjT
OUTAND Materials and technologies of
operations.
And with Expo 2020 on the hori-
zon, Dubai will need to be able to
account for an excess of 25 million
visitors, a peak in tourism which
will demand nearly 45,000 new
hotel rooms.
This year will see the start of
International Village, which will
exhibit country pavilions for inter-
national brands, Vision 2014 as
well as other features like a Career
& Training, The Sustainable Build
and Architectural Design.
The Vision Conference will
provide a platform to discuss next-
generation technologies that meet
sustainability needs, a growing
concern across the globe.
By partnering with the Italian
architecture studio, WT Project, the
Hotel Show will exhibit the Future
Hotel, a sustainable design feature
to be located in Hall 8. It will
display internationally renowned
EFj-
brands, products, design concepts
and trend predictions for the com-
ing year in building design.
There will also be videos and
exhibited creations that display
newer solutions for climate protec-
tion and geothermic systems, and
demonstrate the applications of
new technology used in architec-
tural and design processes.
10 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design
latest generations are intelligent,
interactive and above all, are low
environmental impact materials
paired to organic forms and
natural iconography of the veg-
etable world.
PT Project Studio will also ex-
hibit the OASI Skyscraper, a design
concept thats taken its inspiration
from cactus plants.
OASIs most impressive property
is its ability to collect rainwater
and store it for energy, creating a
low environmental impact.
Cantono explains: The materi-
als used are thought to produce
the lowest environmental impact
ANDAREFULLYENERGYEFjCIENT!D-
ditional features include natural
ventilation for self-cleaning win-
dows, a photo-catalytic facade to
purify the air and a building shell
treated with photovoltaic paint to
provide energy.
f4HEFUTUREISINNEEDOFSELF
cient energy solutions and at OASI,
we are now able to demonstrate
that it is possible to use almost
everything you take from nature
and turn it into another source.
The Vision Conference 2014 will
also feature speakers and ses-
sions that centre on environmental
issues prevalent within hotel and
hospitality sectors.
www.designmena.com
 The Worlds Finest Water Features

Architects: KOKAISTUDIOS Photo: Charlie Xia

Custom Designed Precision Crafted in the USA Available Worldwide

Exclusively from Harmonic Environments
DESIGN UPDATE
Human Space bought from Al Reyami
LIAM KING CONFIRMS WORKSPACE LLC BUYS HUMAN SPACE FROM AL REYAMI GROUP
UAE: The Dubai-based procure-
MENTSPECIALISTOFOFjCEFURNISH-
ing, Human Space, has been
acquired by Workspace LLC from
the Al Reyami Group. However, its
leadership has since remained un-
der managing director, Liam King.
that they were open to the idea.
So we had a few rounds of meet-
ings and discussions, and reached
a mutual point of agreement.
Workspace, a well-funded hold-
ing company, expects its recent
business endeavours to result
guaranteeing a smooth transition
for the company and clients.
The effect of the acquisition
was felt immediately, says King.
Since we are now an indepen-
dent company, this allows us to
react faster to the demands of our
pipeline, those based in the MENA
region can expect more interna-
tional companies to set up shop
in the UAE. He also notes that the
UAE has been steadily rising as
a business hub in the region, al-
lowing for endless entrepreneurial
King explains: I have been INGREATEREFjCIENCYALLOWINGFOR clients and partners. possibilities.
WORKINGINOFjCEFURNISHINGFOR smoother operations in the com- The team is young and driven, King notes: I believe this is a
years, so the thought of starting ing months. so the change in management has POSITIVEREkECTIONOFTHECURRENT
something of my own was a natu- According to King, due to Hu- allowed them more freedom and market. Dubai, as well as the UAE,
ral progression. man Spaces already known name, CONjDENCE)BELIEVENOWTHATWE has been growing steadily since
Since I have spent the last two the acquisition allows the team are an independent entity and this the recovery from the recession.
and a half years building the Hu- to move forward with the internal will help us forge new connections )F)DIDNTHAVECONjDENCEINTHE
man Space brand name and team, reforms. We hope to better serve with the architecture and design market, I would not have taken the
I thought it would be best if I could our customers and be the one stop jRMSv!PARTFROMTHATWEARE bold move to invest in it.
buy it out from Al Reyami Group, SOLUTIONFORALLOFjCEFURNISHING also looking into expanding our
which was the mother company requirements as we have always SERVICESTOkOORINGANDHOSPITALITY *Below are images of work by
that owned Human Space prior aimed to be, he says. furnishing solutions. (UMAN3PACEASWELLASAPROjLE
to the acquisition. Luckily, upon Additionally, Workspace will According to King, now is the image of Liam King, managing
broaching the topic to the manag- maintain the same operational best time to engage with the UAE director, Human Space and
ing director of Reyami, I found out and sales team at Human Space, market. With many projects in the Workspace.

12 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

I NEED A LOW-MAINTENANCE,
HIGHLY DECORATIVE, QUIET, AND
SEAMLESS FLOORING SYSTEM.

The innovative MasterTop 1327 flooring system combines functionality and

individual design in a unique way. It is the first polyurethane resin-based design
floor with a liquid-applied elastic layer, to reduce footfall noise and ensure high
walking comfort. Application is fast and easy, and allows the most complex
room shape to be covered seamlessly. MasterTop 1327 also offers the greatest
design flexibility, creating functional, long-lasting, and decorative floors, which
are easy to clean and have low maintenance costs. Make your projects more
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For more information, go to www.master-builders-solutions.basf.ae

AMERICAN HARDWOOD EXPORT COUNCIL
The new Kunstcluster
AMERICAN WALNUT AND TULIPWOOD GO CENTRE STAGE IN THE CITY OF NIEUWEGEINS
NEW THEATRE AND ARTS CENTRE
K
unstcluster (Art Cluster) by
Frits van Dongen and Patrick
Koschuch, is situated in the
Dutch city of Nieuwegein.
Destined to become a town landmark,
the Kunstcluster is made up of two
blocks - the theatre and arts centre and
a multi-storey car park, which includes a
RETAILOUTLETONTHEGROUNDkOOR4HENEW
theatre includes an auditorium and a
studio theatre. The main auditorium can
seat up to 700 people, with a podium
and ample stage space for all types of
production. The studio theatre is consid-
erably smaller with the capacity to seat
200 people but has a foldaway stage so
it can be used for various events, includ-
ing pop and rock music concerts. The
future arts centre will be located above
the theatre, a multifunctional venue for
music, dance and acting classes.
The ceiling and balcony in the main
14 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design
auditorium are entirely clad in acoustic
MDF panelling with a natural veneer
facing in American walnut. Frits van
Dongen, who is currently chief state
architect alongside his work at his own
practice says: We chose walnut to
enhance the overall cocoon type feeling
within the building - a warm atmosphere
and community feeling, which the
curves of the wood also reinforce.
Over 3,000 MDF walnut panels were
manufactured by the bespoke joinery
contractor, Keijsers Lundiform. The pan-
els were veneered by hand at the con-
tractors Polish plant and, before being
shipped to the Netherlands, were care-
fully selected and assembled in order
to obtain consistent tone and grain pat-
tern. Twan Derks, the project coordinator
explains: Using a 3D modeling system
and CNC machine, each panel was cut to
size and numbered. Some of the more
complex sections had to be assembled
at our warehouse before being installed
on site. The ceiling panels, for example
ARECURVEDANDHADTOBEBENTjRSTTOjT
exactly the right shape. To obtain a high
quality of acoustics, the panels are not
kUSHBUTSLIGHTLYSTAGGEREDONDIFFERENT
levels to absorb sound. The curved rim
sections of certain balconies are made
in solid American walnut.
Completing the complex are three
spectacular foyers and a theatre caf,
which look on to the towns central
square, the Stadsplein. Frits van Dongen
AND0ATRICK+OSCHUCHSPECIjED!MERI-
can tulipwood cladding for the curved
walls in the foyer because they were
attracted to tulipwoods varied natural
tones with cream white and pale olive
green in the sapwood contrasting with
dark purple, brown and olive streaks
in the heartwood. This wood specie
www.designmena.com
 AMERICAN HARDWOOD EXPORT COUNCIL

was the perfect choice to symbolise the also had to take into consideration the audience inside. Theatergoers, in turn,
variety of spaces within the building and wall lights, which are embedded in the overlook the town centre from the three
the interaction between the foyer, the
hall and the audience, says Koschuch.
4OMEETTHEARCHITECTSSPECIjCATIONS
Derako International, the cladding
system suppliers, engineered the
solid tulipwood slats in three different
dimensions (45x70mm, 30x98mm and
15x126mm), which were then randomly
jXEDONTHEIRMETALCARRIERSYSTEM
The variety of tones is enhanced by
the deliberate random assembly of the
SLATS4HETULIPWOODSLATSAREALSOjXED
on slightly different levels to increase
sound absorption.
Sita Veer from Derako International
notes: The tulipwood cladding wraps
around several curved walls and
therefore our production plant had to
shape the metal carriers to 7 different
types of radii using precision tools. We
www.designmena.com
wooden wall cladding. We based the
plans on the buildings CAD drawing to
DESIGNOURCARRIERSYSTEMt4HEjNISHED
wall cladding successfully highlights the
natural colour variations in tulipwood
and this is enhanced by the random
placement of the cladding slats.
The external glazing of the foyer
AREAISCOATEDWITHAPRINTjNISHON
the inside, creating an illusion of stage
curtains. This is also functional and
reduces the level of light penetration
from the south and east facing faades,
preventing overheating in the grand
staircase and foyer area on warm days.
The level of pigmentation of the print
ISSUFjCIENTLYTRANSPARENTTOBESEEN
through. A shop window enables
passers-by walking across the central
square to get a glimpse of the foyer and
FOYERSRESPECTIVELYjVEAND
metres above ground level. The faade
ISkOODLITAFTERDARKWITH,%$LIGHTING
In the town centre nearly all the cars
will be parked underground with the ex-
ception of the multi-storey car park next
to the Kunstcluster. This block is literally
a green lung in the stone-built urban
environment. The design intent was
to make the parking structure carbon-
neutral both to build and to operate. The
garage facade on the Stadsplein side
is four metres thick and contains a cas-
cade stairway that wends its way up and
down through a bamboo plantation six
metres high. Prints on the balustrades
and other glazed surfaces graphically
REkECTTHEBAMBOOIMAGE4HEGROUND
kOORACCOMMODATESARETAILOUTLETTO
create a vibrant city streetscape.
Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 15
INTERVIEW

16 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

 INTERVIEW

The
Design
Team
RIM A A L SA MM A R A E MEE T S M A RYA M A L SU WA IDI
A ND SUL A IM A N A LT HEHLI, WHO FOR M NE W
LE A DING FACE S OF EMIR AT I DE SIGN WIT H T HEIR
YOUNG COMPA N Y DE SIGN TA LK

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 17

INTERVIEW
H
aving met at the American
University of Sharjah,
Emirati citizens Maryam
Alsuwaidi and Sulaiman
Althehlis tale of career and compan-
ionship is an inspiring story.
Althehli comes from a family heav-
ily involved in business and knew
1 that he always wanted to start his
Maryam Alsuwaidi own company. With his entrepreneur-
and Sulaiman ial spirit boldly intact, it wouldnt be
Althehli. long before he knew what that compa-
ny would be. Alsuwaidi, on the other
2 hand, was quickly filtering through
Product design by subjects in school before realising
Design Talk. her passion laid in design.
18 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design
For me, since I was small, I would
draw a lot. I used to work a lot during
the summers, so once I worked at
an interior design department and I
learned about [the field]. I didnt ma-
jor directly in it, though, I went first to
business, and then media, and then I
thought, You know what? I want inte-
rior design, and thats when I went to
the American University of Sharjah,
explains Alsuwaidi.
Althehli adds: Im not an interior
designer Im a business man. I take
care of the business side of it...When
I graduated high school and went to
college, I always knew I wanted to do
a business. I didnt know what it was
going to be at that time until I met
[Alsuwaidi] and then I knew it was
going to be interior design. Since we
were doing our Bachelors degrees,
we knew what we wanted to do: finish
our studies, move back home and
open an interior design firm.
After they met, the two halves
seemed to work out a five year plan
that seemed to be not only a result
of their relationship, but empowered
by it.
After a year or so of meeting,
Alsuwaidi and Althehli married and
decided to pack their bags and head
www.designmena.com
INTERVIEW
4 5
for the United States, where they
would continue their studies at Utah
3 State University.
Reception design by We knew that this is what we were
Design Talk. going to do, says Alsuwaidi. And
Sulaiman travels a lot, so he knows
4 a lot about art, which is why he was
Alsuwaidi likes to interested in doing this also...Even
add a touch of Islamic when I am doing my work, he always
design to her work. has some input [to offer for] the de-
signs and technicalities. In the busi-
5 ness itself, Im the lead designer so I
Colourful retail design design the projects [while] he does all
by Design Talk. the other aspects, such as following
20 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design
up with the work and visiting sites.
After completing their respective
graduate programs at Utah State Uni-
versity, the couple moved back to the
UAE and began taking freelance work.
Alsuwaidi and Althehlis portfolio
began with small boutiques, espe-
cially in Abu Dhabi; however, today
their work spans across the UAE and
includes other GCC countries.
When we started work at the
beginning, we noticed there were a lot
of people asking about the designs,
so we saw that the market especially
in Abu Dhabi is looking for interior
designers, explains Alsuwaidi. We
have clients from Dubai as well, but
I think in Abu Dhabi we lack having
those creative studios. So our office
is not [traditional]; its a very relax-
ing atmosphere. Its like going into
a home so its more of a creative
place. Thats what we dont have in
Abu Dhabi and thats what we are try-
ing to create.
Alsuwaidi and Althehli attribute
the lack of Emirati designers to the
educational system. According to
www.designmena.com
 INTERVIEW

them, interior design is a relatively

new study and career path for UAE
citizens, as it had only recently been
introduced as a study within the uni-
versity programs.
Althehli explains: I think because
for the universitiesespecially gov-
ernment universitiesinterior design
was only recently introduced, like to
the Higher Colleges of Technology
(HCT), where a lot of people study...
They still choose, though, media and
graphic design [over interior design].
Alsuwaidi adds: [Graphic design
and media] are more comfortable for
them because theyre more known.
Many people ask me, Do you just
decorate homes? and I have to ex-
plain that I studied architecture first,
so we consider ourselves interior
architects because we do everything
that has to do with interiors. Many 6
people dont really know what we do Alsuwaidi and Althehli
or what designers do, so thats why co-founded
6
they dont choose it as a career path. Design Talk.

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 21

INTERVIEW
I like to use geometric design
and calligraphy just to add a touch
of uniqueness to modern design.
And I think many people are inter-
ested in that sort of thing because
you dont see it a lot. You see a lot
of different styles, but having [an
Islamic touch] is special.
Alsuwaidi and Althehli launched
Design Talk in 2012, a local design
firm based in Abu Dhabi that takes on
commercial and residential projects.
The team consists of a handful of
other designers and technicians with
various backgrounds. From Iraq to
India, the team at Design Talk is inter-
national and eclectic.
Althehli says: Its good to have
a diverse team because you want
different cultures and they bring their
own ideas and their own designs from
their backgrounds.
7
Design Talk can
deliver an array
of styles, from
traditional to more
7
industrial.
22 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design
According to Althehli, Design Talks
creativity is what sets it apart from
competitors that are currently avail-
able in the region.
Alsuwaidi adds: Were beginning
to be known for modern with a touch
of Islamic design. I like to add a touch
of Islamic design, but not in all our
projects, of course...I think having the
background of being a Muslim, and
especially with my thesis, which was
about shaping Islamic design into
the modern century [is why] I got very
involved with this.
I like to use geometric design and
calligraphy just to add a touch of
uniqueness to modern design. And I
think many people are interested in
that sort of thing...You see a lot of dif-
ferent styles, but having [an Islamic
touch] is special.
Currently, Design Talks wide
portfolio includes a number of resi-
dential properties, boutiques, cafes,
exhibition stands and spas. And
Alsuwaidi and Althehli are persistent
about having and continuing positive
relationships with their clients.
Althehli says: We like to [continue
our relationships with our clients] and
they like to do that too, because after
we design their shop, they will want
the exhibition stand to have some re-
lation to that design, so we can keep
to the same brand and they like that
they dont have to think about itthe
brand stays consistent.
Currently, Design Talk is offering
summer jobs and internships for
those living in the UAE to offer the
chance to explore the sector. In do-
ing so, the team is working towards
creating a platform for students to
experience interior design. Alsuwaidi
and Althehli, are in effect, bridging
the gap between locals and new
forms of craft.
Alsuwaidi concludes: I went also
to the Higher Colleges of Technology
to talk about interior design so I could
educate the students there about
what it is like to have your own busi-
ness or work as a freelancer. I would
like to get locals involved.
www.designmena.com
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CASE STUDY

24 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

 CASE STUDY

3OjTEL
CONTINUES
EXPANSION
SOF IT EL LUXURY HOT EL S
OPENS SOF IT EL DUBA I
DOWNTOWN WIT H A N
INT ERIOR T H AT HONOUR S
T HE OP A RT MOV EMENT.

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 25

CASE STUDY

S
OjTEL,UXURY(OTELSISA !SSOCIATESAND!,%#&)4/54 5PONENTERINGTHEHOTELONEISIM-
MULTINATIONALOPERATORWITH f7HENWEWEREAWARDEDTHEPROJECT MEDIATELYWELCOMEDBYTHECRISPLOBBY
BRANCHESALLOVERTHEWORLD THECLIENTHADALSOSELECTED3OjTEL COMPLETEWITHABSTRACTkOORINGDESIGNS
*USTIN$UBAITHEREISALREADY ASTHEOPERATORATTHESAME;TIME=t WHILETHEFEATURECHANDELIERWHICHWAS
AHANDFULWITHTHE3OjTEL$UBAI$OWN- EXPLAINS-AY0OONDESIGNDIRECTOR DELIVEREDBY,ASVISTANDCONTAINSOVER
TOWNBEINGTHELATESTTOOPEN 7ILSON!SSOCIATESf4HEYWERECHOSEN MILLIONPIECESOFCRYSTALCREATESAN
"ETWEENTHECLIENTANDCONSULTANT BECAUSETHECLIENTWANTEDALUXURYPROD- ENVELOPINGDESIGNTHATAPPEARSTOKEEP
TEAMTHEREWASADESIRETOCREATEA UCT7ETHENWORKEDCLOSELYWITHTHE FOLDINGINTOITSELF4HELOBBYISMARVEL-
LUXURYHOTELTHATMAINTAINEDASTRONG
DESIGNIDENTITY4HEVISIONBEHINDTHE
HOTELWASTOMAGNIFYTHEjVESENSES
INDUCING
STARTINGWITHTHELOBBYANDREACHINGUP
3OjTELDESIGNMANAGER)SABELLE-AFFRE LOUSINITSCONTEMPORARYAPPROACHWHILE
TODEVELOPTHECONCEPTt THESHEERLUXURYOFjNEMATERIALSIS
0OONFURTHERADDSf4HEOVERALL AWE
CONCEPTWASTOBEANICONICCONTEM- 7HILETHEMATERIALSUSEDTHROUGHOUT
1 TOTHESPA4HEINTERIORSPACEMEASURES PORARY&RENCHDESIGNWITHUNIQUEAND AREUNIQUETOEACHSECTIONBAMBOO
!LOOKINSIDETHE OVERM2ANDINCLUDESGUEST MEMORABLECOLOURSCHEMES)TWASTOBE TIMBERWASABASEMATERIALACCORDING
3OjTEL$UBAI ROOMSINCLUDINGSUITESTHREERESTAU- INSPIREDBY&RENCHARTANDINPARTICULAR TO$AMIEN+ELLYTHEDESIGNMANAGERAT
$OWNTOWN RANTSTHREEBARSONECAFEMEETING THEWORKBYTHEFATHEROF/PART6ICTOR !,%#&)4/54
ROOMSANDONECONFERENCEHALLASWELL 6ASARELY(ISWORKWASACATALYSTTO !S+ELLYNOTESTHEBAMBOOTIMBERIN
2 ASASPAANDGYM OURAPPROACHNOTONLYTOGRAPHICS;AND= THEGUESTROOMSHELPSTOCREATEABREEZY
3O30!FEATURESCRISP 7ORKINGONTHE3OjTELWASASUPREME COLOURSBUTALSOTOSPATIALANDTHREE
ANDLIGHTAMBIANCEWHILETHETOUCHOF
WHITEDESIGNS TEAMCONSISTINGOF3OjTEL(OTELS7ILSON DIMENSIONALDESIGNt LIMEGREENOFFERSAFRESHCONTRAST)N

26 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

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CASE STUDY
the guestrooms especially, pops of
colour were applied through textiles and
abstract carpet designs.
Kelly says: The bamboo offers a light
[and] airy feel while presenting a more
natural effect through the grain of the
The wide material palette offered vari-
ous challenges to the design team. Ac-
cording to Kelly, due to bamboos inher-
ent properties, matching grains and the
colour of panels needed to be closely
monitored and managed. Additionally,
bilities. These demonstrations provided
an insight to assist in decision making.
The feature chandelier in the lobby area,
which is encompassed in an elliptical
leather ceiling, contains over 1.4 million
PIECESOFCRYSTALt
wood. Other materials include acrylics
and crystal white stone offering a very
MINIMALANDCLEANjNISHING
Crystal chandeliers have added a
sense of sophistication to the circulation
areas and the ambitious carpet designs
ALEC FITOUT maintained a hawks eye
on the manufacturing of the carpets,
chandeliers and acrylic screens.
Kelly says: ALEC FITOUT participated
in the coordination and development of
the carpet schemes closely with Wilson
$URINGALLTHESTAGESOFTHEPROJECT
ALEC FITOUT worked closely with
Wilson Associates and together, they
determined the best end-product for the
CLIENT4HEjTOUTCONTRACTORPROPOSED
ALTERNATIVELOCALjNISHINGWHILEENSURING
HAVEADDEDATOUCHOFMODERNkAIRt Associates to ensure the desired end- THEMAINTENANCEOFQUALITYSPECIjCA-
3OjTEL$UBAI$OWNTOWNBOASTSA product was achieved. This was a timely tion and aesthetic.
number of outstanding design features process, but worthwhile when achieving 4HEMAJORSUPPLIERSTHATHELPED
including contemporary sculptural THEjNALPRODUCT BRINGTHE3OjTEL$UBAI$OWNTOWNCOME
LIGHTjXTURESTHATCANBEADMIREDINTHE [We also] arranged and coordinated TOGETHERINCLUDE!L!IN-ARBLE$ARAL
public spaces, three-dimensional archi- chandelier mock ups to demonstrate to Zakrafa and Ulster Carpets, while the
3 tectural wall panels in the guestrooms the client the appearance on crystal and chandeliers and feature lighting was
The reception area at and the graphics that are incorporated ,%$SELECTIONTOENABLETHECLIENTTO supplied by Lasvit.
So SPA. INTOTHESTONEkOORSANDCARPETING understand the products and the possi- As previously mentioned, the guest-

28 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

 CASE STUDY

4
Guest rooms feature
abstract carpet
designs, pops of lime
green and bamboo
4
timber.

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 29

CASE STUDY

5
Acrylic wall panels
line the hallways.

6
5
La Patisserie.

30 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

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CASE STUDY

7
The boardrooms
continue the design
7
concept.

rooms contain a mix of bamboo timber design concept and it is a conscious are pleased with the outcome and the
and lime green hues, while the bath- DECISIONFROM3OjTELTHATITWANTSITS OVERALLQUALITYOFjNISHINTHEHOTEL
rooms maintain a slightly more open guests to have a different experience Expo 2020 expectations did not have a
design that can allow for transparency.
The carpets throughout the hotel feature
looping aesthetics, and compliment the
design on the acrylic wall panels in the
bedrooms and hallways.
when they visit each of its property,
says Poon.
She adds: The common threads
BETWEENALLOF;3OjTELS=PROPERTIESARE
the level of luxury, the French touch and
MAJORINkUENCEONTHEPROJECTHOWEVER
THE3OjTEL$UBAI$OWNTOWNISWELL
positioned to take advantage of any ad-
ditional business and leisure travellers
to Dubai between now and 2020.
!SWITHALLLUXURYHOTELS3OjTEL
Dubai Downtown also offers a number
of break-out public spaces such as La
Patisserie and So SPA. La Patisserie
follows a strict brown, white and orange
colour palette and alludes to the decors
the memorable designs.
While Wilson Associates was respon-
sible for the conceptual art package, all
the hung art that can be found through-
out the hotel was completed by Bob
Pour from Al Quozs Cornellian Gallery.
Klaus Assmann the general manager
AT3OjTEL$UBAI$OWNTOWNFURTHER
cemented Kellys notions by adding that
the principal of the brand is to offer top
of the line services, gourmet experi-
ences and exceed guests expectations.
homage to French culture. So SPA, on
the other hand, is minimal and clean in
its aesthetics while exposing its natural
material range.
f4HEREISNOTANOTHER3OjTELWITHTHIS
32 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design
Kelly adds: The client wanted to
develop a world class luxury hotel, so
there was pressure to ensure their vision
and the design intent was realised.
To date, all the project stakeholders
(EADDSf!LSOTHECONCEPTOF3OjTELIS
to create a link with the country where
the hotels are located. In this spirit we
ARENODIFFERENTTHANANY3OjTELAROUND
the world.
www.designmena.com
CASE STUDY

Dubai sees new

fantasy world
1

34 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

 CASE STUDY

C A BOODLE , KNOWN F ROM IT S DUBA I M A LL BR A NCH A S BEING

A PA MPER- A ND - PL AY CENT RE , H A S L AUNCHED A NE W LOC AT ION
IN CIT Y WA LK , WIT H IT S T IM BURTON INSPIRED INT ERIOR
DEL I V ERED BY BR A ND CRE AT I V E .

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 35

CASE STUDY
P
arents based in the United
Arab Emirates are sure
to have experienced the
countrys endless supply
of family-oriented fun, especially with
themed spaces like Caboodle, which
offers playful distractions and fun pass-
1 times for children, while also providing a
Inside Caboodle by relaxing salon and cafe for parents.
Brand Creative. The pamper-and-play centre, known
among regional customers due to
2 its Dubai Mall branch, has recently
The kitchen contains launched a new location in Dubais City
original Eames chairs. Walk, the new and quickly-growing com-
36 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design
munity situated on Safa Road.
The family behind the new play centre
is also the one responsible for Sisters
Beauty Lounge and Candella. With
plenty of experience, the clients behind
Caboodle maintain a plethora of pre-
existing knowledge of the needs and
tastes of Dubais high-end mothers and
fathers. Hence, Caboodles managing
director Hind Abdulrazak envisioned
a place where stressed parents could
take their children to be entertained
while they themselves received quality
pampering treatment.
Brand Creative, UAE-based design
and branding agency, was asked to cre-
ate the second branch of Caboodle and
deliver a space that was unlike other
play centres in the area.
Carla Conte, creative director, Brand
Creative explains: The design was
inspired by an ambitious brief. We
were asked to create a child-friendly
version of something that would come
out of Tim Burtons mind. Those words
exactly. Its a very contemporary, clean
and colourful version of an enchanted
forest with oversized birdcages, curling
www.designmena.com
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CASE STUDY
slides by the trees and sculptural cloud
features suspended from the cieling.
Carefully selected brand colours dic-
tated the palette and were used in bold
3 scale along with sweet brand messaging
Detail image of and graphics.
the salon. While the colour palette maintains
38 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design
strong hues like greens, whites, pinks
and yellows, Brand Creative's design
allows each hue to pop on its own.
The concept behind Caboodle centres
on the space being a safe and relaxing
haven for mothers and children alike.
Part the space entails a cafe and salon
where mothers can receive their ultimate
pampering and catch up with friends,
while the other part is dedicated to
enabling the imagination of Caboodle's
youngest customers.
Moms can actually take care of their
own beauty needs in the full service
www.designmena.com
 CASE STUDY

4
Bright colours aid
4
young imaginations.

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 39

CASE STUDY
beauty lounge area offering nail, hair
and body care, while their children play
in a private and secure section adjacent
to the salon, says Conte.
She adds: The play area is conducive
to imaginary play, which is the inten-
tional way of keeping children active and
moving. Dress up clothes, a trampoline,
6
A reading nook offers
privacy to more
advanced children.
Brand Creative stuck to materials that
are safe for children due to the inten-
tion of the space. Conte explains: The
materials are very child friendly and
boast low maintenance properties. The
fabrics are anti-microbial, waterproof
and stainproof.
Safety was also a concern which is
a cone shaped climbing tree house, two
slides, a supermarket and kitchen, and
a mechanic area by the built-in automo-
bile wall are all very key to the idea of a
healthy play atmosphere.
Brand Creative also aimed to intro-
duce new play technology that had
yet to be widely seen throughout the
region. Such technology included the
INSTALLATIONOFjVETOUCH
SCREENSTATIONS centre via a reception area that provides
where educational and motor develop-
ing games can be easily explored by
children. Additionally, there is a motion
sensor placed on the mezzanine level
that tracks the childrens physical move-
5 ment and incorporates those motions
The colour palette into a projected LED display. Thus, when
resumes inside the a child waves his arms, splashes of
salon. colour appear on the wall.
40 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design
WHYALOW6/#VINYLSAFETYkOORING
product was used throughout. Any
sharp edges or corners on locally made
wooden items were rounded and sealed
with a low VOC paint and topcoat.
Caboodle contains two distinct
spaces within the entire unit. These in-
clude the play area and a beauty lounge.
The main spaces are separated in the
the staff a view of the entire play zone.
The play area is further divided into
various spaces including a computer
section, a two-level playhouse, a slide
and ball-pool zone, a reading nook, an
infant-dedicated area and a kitchen for
the parents.
Conte says that the City Walk branch
6
is quite different from the Dubai Mall
www.designmena.com

one. She explains: The Dubai Mall
BRANCHWASTHEBRANDSjRSTLOCATION
and was designed by a different team.
I believe their brief was quite different
[from ours].
IN Speaking of the challenges, Conte
The cafe and food offering up front
ISMEANTTOATTRACTPASSINGFOOTTRAFjC
[in Dubai Mall]. The salon component is
a more child-oriented experience and
the play area is a bit simpler, concentrat-
ing on imaginative play only. The only
Some of the new designs main fea-
tures include a custom made slide that
twirls about the exterior of the ice-cream
cone-shaped treehouse, a mezzanine
kOORWHEREACHALKBOARDANDBUILT
imaginary car area and mechanic shop is
located, a trampoline area, a projection
wall and touchscreen area that boasts
pink, life-sized push-pull pins, and a
sculptural cloud installation.
The sculptural clouds appear to be
CASE STUDY
Caboodles new design boasts a
number of technological-forward in-
novations which brought on a number of
obstacles for the design team.
notes: The design process itself was
QUITEDIFjCULTASTHEENGINEERSINMY
studio worked on the technical pack-
age for the slide and mezzanine areas
requiring precise calculations for slopes
and safety codes. Besides that, once the
feature we were asked to maintain was magical, as theyre suspended from PROJECTWASjNISHEDWEWENTTHROUGH
the cartoon-like tree which is now a the ceiling above the custom-made and one or two rounds of slight revisions
signature icon for the brand. moulded slides. to areas we felt required more safety

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 41

CASE STUDY

PRECAUTIONS)TWASDEjNITELYALEARNING TWIRLINGSLIDEWHICHWASSOURCEDFROM are chic moms and dads for whom time
EXPERIENCEFORALLINVOLVEDt 4AIWAN4HECAFEITSELFSPORTSORIGINAL ISPRECIOUS#HILDRENDONTWANTTOBE
3OMEOFTHEMAINSUPPLIERSFOR#A- %AMESCHAIRSAND"ONGOSTOOLS TAKENAROUNDTHESHOPSTHEYWANTTO
BOODLES#ITY7ALKBRANCHINCLUDE!30 !CCORDINGTO#ONTE#ABOODLEISAN BEHAVINGFUNANDUSINGUPTHEIRENERGY
!CCESS&LOORSAND.ORA&LOORINGFORTHE IDEALATTRACTIONFOR$UBAIS6)0FAMILY !T#ABOODLEPARENTSCANLEAVETHEIR
kOORS4OUCH-AGIXFORTHEPROJECTSAND CROWDf7EVEHEARDAFEWIMPRESSIVE CHILDRENTOPLAYWHILETHEYTAKECAREOF
TOUCHSCREENS!NATEXFORTHEINTERACTIVE NAMESASVISITORStSHESAYSf7E CHORESORCATCHUPWITHFRIENDSAND
PLAYWALLSYSTEMS-AHARAM&ARBRICS ALSOKNOWTHATTHEPLACEISABSOLUTELY THEPAPERSOVERACOFFEE4OGETHERWITH
AND$UPONTFORTHE#ORIANSOLIDSURFAC- JAMMEDONTHEWEEKENDSt "RAND#REATIVEWEFEELWEHAVECREATED
ING!LLOTHERMATERIALSWERECOMPLETELY 0LEASEDWITHTHEEND PRODUCT THEIDEALBALANCEOFFUNPLAYANDCASUAL
CUSTOMBUILTIN$UBAIASIDEFROMTHE !BDULRAZAKCONCLUDESf/URPATRONS SOPHISTICATIONt

7
#OLOURFULPOLESSCREEN
the staircase.

8
#RISPWHITEDETAILSARE
PLACEDTHROUGHOUTTHE
7 8
interior.

42 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

SPA DESIGN

44 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

 SPA DESIGN

Creating
a haven
for relaxation
INDUS T RY E X PERT S F ROM T HE MIDDLE E A S T T ELL CID T HE
IMP ORTA NCE A BOUT GOOD QUA LIT Y SPA DE SIGN A ND NE W
PRODUC T S ON T HE M A RKE T TODAY
1

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 45

SPA DESIGN

W
ITH%XPOONTHEHO OUTAGAINSTCOMPETITION1UALITYSPA @PRIVATESPAINTHEIROWNFOURWALLSA
RIZON$UBAIISEXPECTING DESIGNANDBATHROOMDESIGNAREJUST PLACEWHERETHEYCANRELAXANDREGENER
1 ABIGINkUXINTOURISMTO TWOWAYSTOIMPROVEAHOTELSSTANDING ATEINPRIVATE
So SPA by Flowcrete, THEEMIRATE!CCORDINGTO INTHEMARKET f)NLINEWITHTHISDEMANDFUNCTION
3OjTEL$UBAI $UBAIS4HE(OTEL3HOW%XPOIS 4ONI%LKADIAREAMANAGER5!% ANDDESIGNAREMERGINGANDQUALITYHAS
$OWNTOWN EXPECTEDTOATTRACTANEXCESSOFMIL 1ATARAND/MAN$URAVITSAYSf4HE ALSOTAKENONINCREASINGSIGNIjCANCE
LIONPEOPLECREATINGADEMANDOFHUN IMPORTANCEOFABATHROOMASAFEEL 4HEREASONFORTHISISTHATTHEFUNC
2 DREDSOFNEWHOTELS(OTELSTHROUGHOUT GOODEXPERIENCEHASSTEADILYINCREASED TIONSANDTECHNICALPOSSIBILITIESINTHE
3HOWERDESIGNBY THEREGIONWILLNEEDTOHAVEMASSIVE INTHELASTFEWYEARS!NDTHEREISANEW BATHROOMAREMUCHGREATERTHANTHEY
$URAVIT APPEALTOTHETOURISTSSOASTOSTAND DEVELOPMENT-ANYPEOPLEDREAMOFA USEDTOBE1UALITYISNOTJUSTABOUTTHE

46 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

 "Region's rst concept showroom - villa dedicated for Woodoors,
Outdoor Decking & Other related unique products"

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SPA DESIGN
product, but also about the after-sales
service in high-tech bathrooms.
According to Elkadi, bathrooms now
have to be adaptable. They must also
respond to the different requirements
3 for users of different ages. He lists walk
Shower design by in showers and easy to use lighting as
Duravit. also one of the examples.
48 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design
Elkadi says: Walk-in showers for
example, are becoming increasingly
popular. They are convenient and user-
friendly while also being elegant, safe
and hygienic. Convenience themes such
as shower-toilets, or places to relax
and sit down, and effective easy-to-use
lighting are of increasing interest to
customers as well. Architects and [de-
signers] are called on more than ever to
think in terms of all-round comfort and
relaxation.
Hansgrohe, another leader in
bathroom and spa innovation, agrees
with Duravit. Noting that convenience
and sleek design are of paramount
www.designmena.com
 PRESENTED BY

CELEBRATE WITH THE

MIDDLE EASTS
INTERIOR DESIGN COMMUNITY
Monday 15th September 2014
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, UAE

Now in their 8th year, the Commercial Interior Design Awards will once again see the regions
large and small interior design firms battling for a sought after CID Award in project,
company and individual categories.

LAST CHANCE TO SUBMIT ENTRIES

NOMINATION DEADLINE: MONDAY 21ST JULY

WWW.DESIGNMENA.COM/CID-AWARDS
For nomination enquiries, please contact: For sponsorship enquiries, please contact: To book your table, please contact:
Rima Alsammarae Teri Clarke Michelle Meyrick
Editor Sales Manager Events Manager, ITP Business
rima.alsammarae@itp.com teri.clarke@itp.com michelle.meyrick@itp.com
Direct: +971 4 444 3130 Direct: +971 4 444 3679 Direct: +971 4 444 3328
GSM: +971 50 451 2932
SPA DESIGN
importance when it comes to spa
technology.
Dirk Schilmoeller, sales director,
Hansgrohe listed a number of new
products from the international manu-
facturer as proof of reactionary design.
Due to the emerging demands of spa
4 and bathroom users, Hansgrohe has
Shower design by released a number of new products.
BagnoDesign. Schilmoeller notes: Designers of
50 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design
luxury hotels and spa retreats are in-
creasingly looking for solutions that en-
hance the feeling of wellness in a hotel
through the simple pleasure of shower-
ing and ease of use. To help meet this
demand, Hansgrohe has introduced a
variety of spray modes over the years to
enhance relaxation and recovery.
He continues: For example, the new
Raindance Select hand shower range
combines three shower options in one:
a gentle RainAir spray, a forceful Rain
spray, and an invigorating massage
jet and this all at the touch of a simple
Select button. Along with this, there is
a strong demand for sleek, alternative
designs. For example, Axor's recently
launched shower products by Nendo
and Front merge traditional living and
bathing spaces to creatively redesign
www.designmena.com
 SPA DESIGN

5
Shower design by
Hansgrohe.

6
Shower products by
5
Hansgrohe.

the bathroom in a new [as well as] and hotels to restaurants and bars. 6
interesting way. These systems ensure a high quality
Architects and designers in Dubai jNISHTHATCANRETAINITSATTRACTIVEAP-
are well aware of the pressure to cre- pearance over an extended period of
ate aesthetically beautiful buildings TIMEDESPITEHEAVYFOOTTRAFjCFREQUENT
and spaces that combine convenient cleaning and spillages.
functionality with quality materials According to Vithlani, developers and
and ingenious design. According to our designers across the Middle East are
insiders like Duravit, Hansgrohe, Flow- TURNINGTORESINkOORINGDUETOADVAN-
crete and BagnoDesign, this pressure tages it holds over alternative options
is only increasing as Dubai grows into
a bigger international hub for business
and culture.
Vik Vithlani, sales director, Flowcrete
Middle East, notes: The designers and
architects of commercial spaces know
that the buildings they create need to
combine the functional considerations
of a busy environment with eye-
catching aesthetics that enhance the
customer experience.
To help meet these requirements,
THERESINkOORINGSPECIALISTSAT&LOW-
crete Middle East have developed a
RANGEOFkOORINGSOLUTIONSTHATAREIDEAL
for any commercial venue, from spas
www.designmena.com
LIKETILES2ESINkOORINGSAYS6ITHLANI
offers a wider choice of aesthetic possi-
bilities as well as a durable surface that
is hygienic, easy to clean and minimises
the need for repairs.
Alluding to traditional spa design
while maintaining modern twists
BagnoDesign has released a number of
steam products into the market, such
as a range of steam, whirlpool and well-
ness solutions.
Dan Parker, technical consultant,
BagnoDesign, says: In terms of spa de-
sign, it is important now more than ever
to be mindful of the issues surrounding
sustainability and environmental
Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 51
SPA DESIGN

awareness. BagnoDesign aims to create TONS)TALLOWSTHESWITCHINGBETWEEN TECHNOLOGYSUCHASANDROIDMOBILES

a serene sanctuary to relax and rejuve- SPRAYSTOBEINSTANTANDSIMPLE 4HEPRODUCTSRECENTLYLAUNCHEDONTO
nate while ensuring to maximise energy 3CHILMOELLEREXPLAINSf3PADESIGN THEMARKETALLHELPTOENSURETHATTHE
EFjCIENCYANDCOSTSAVINGPOTENTIALFOR CANBEVERYCOMPLEX)NORDERTOCREATE SPA USERSEXPERIENCEISASRELAXING
the future. THERIGHTLEVELOF:ENANDTRANQUILLITY ANDEASYASPOSSIBLE
In addition to BagnoDesigns whirl- ITISIMPORTANTTHATDESIGNERSTAKEINTO %LKADISAYSf!SPADESIGNBATHROOM
POOLSANDSTEAMPRODUCTSTHEBRAND CONSIDERATIONTHEQUALITYOFTHEPROD- SHOULDBEASPA STYLERETREATWHERE
HASALSORELEASEDANUMBEROFSPA UCTSBEINGUSEDSOTOENSUREOPTIMUM YOUCANRELAXUNWINDANDFORGETABOUT
TELEVISIONSTHATCANjTINANYWETROOM PLEASURERATHERTHANSIMPLYLOOKING the everyday stresses of life. Many
environment and feature the latest in where to cut costsand activity which PEOPLEDREAMOFA@PRIVATESPAINTHEIR
MULTIMEDIAFROMSOUNDTOLIGHTING CANBEMORECOSTLYINTHELONGRUNIF OWNFOURWALLSAPLACEWHERETHEY
technology. POORPRODUCTSARE;SELECTED=t CANREGENERATEINPRIVATE)NLINEWITH
&URTHERMORETHENEWLINEOF(ANS- !CCORDINGTO0ARKER"AGNO$ESIGNS THISDEMANDFUNCTIONANDDESIGNARE
GROHE3ELECTPRODUCTSARECONSIDEREDA BESTSELLINGPRODUCTATTHEMOMENTIS MERGINGANDQUALITYHASALSOTAKENON
MILESTONEWHENITCOMESTOINNOVATIVE THEAUDIOOPTIONTHATCOMESWITHTHE INCREASINGSIGNIjCANCE4HEREASONFOR
7 USER FRIENDLYSANITARYjTTINGS4HE3E- STEAMROOM4HEAUDIOSYSTEMWORKS this is that the functions and technical
!VIEWOF3O3PABY LECTRANGEMOVESAWAYFROMNOBSTHAT THROUGH"LUETOOTHANDCANBECON- POSSIBILITIESINTHEBATHROOMAREMUCH
Flowcrete. CANBETWISTEDANDTOWARDTOUCHBUT- TROLLEDTHROUGHSMARTPHONE GREATERTHANTHEYUSEDTOBEt

52 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

 &OEPSTFE
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Woodworking Machinery and Material Fair
2014 Dongguan Home Accents Fair(Autumn)

2014.9.3-7
Houjie, Dongguan China

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BATHROOM SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
WALL AND FLOORING
SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
A
ccording to a report
issued by Downtown
Design, Dubai is
expecting an estimated
US$7.2bn investment to double
the number of hotel rooms in
the region. This increase in hotel
accommodation is expected to
reach more than 160,000 rooms.
With the expected jump in
laminate, carpet and porcelain
tile. Designers and clients can
also choose from a wide selection
of area rugs, granite, marble,
mosaic and concrete.
One of the leading trends at the
MOMENTISkOORINGINSPIREDBY
the natural world. This includes,
but is not limited to, carpeting
designs that apply natural
and rings. Interface, too, has
launched a new collection of
carpet tiles inspired by earth.
Known as Human Nature the
new line continues Interfaces
commitment to sustainable
design and materials.
Designed by David Oakey, the
new range from Interface includes
kOORCOVERINGSTHATEVOKEFOREST
what architects and interior
designers can create with it and
what beautiful thinking those
creations can inspire in the
workplace.
As for wallcoverings, wallpaper
is increasing in popularity among
clients. According to James
Prathap, general manager, NGC
Nafees Wallpaper Co., wallpaper
hotel rooms, architects, hoteliers aesthetics like rubble displays kOORSGRASSYjELDSANDPEBBLED is an ideal choice for residential
and designers are looking for and grassy patches. garden paths. and commercial projects.
MORECREATIVEOPTIONSFORkOORING International carpeting Interface executive creative He says: A better alternative
designs. Choosing the right company, Tai Ping recently director, Chip DeGrace, says: to paint, wallcoverings are easy
COLOURMATERIALANDkOORCOVERING released Tree Trunk which is a This collection has both brains to install, maintain and remove.
is key to standing out. cylinder of carpet that is made and beauty, and wed like to Advances in printing technology
#URRENTLYkOORINGTREATMENT to look like a fallen stump of a believe Mother Nature would be allow for easy installation and
options are nearly endless and tree as multiple layers of carpet BOTHkATTEREDANDIMPRESSEDWITH ensure that paper will adhere to
include options like hardwood, and cut-outs mimic the knots what Interface has produced, wall for a long period of time.

54 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

 SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

&LOWCRETE
Tell us about your company?
&LOWCRETEISASPECIALISTRESIN
kOORINGCOMPANYTHATBOASTSA
WIDERANGEOFPRODUCTSTHATARE
SUITABLEFORALMOSTANYCOMMER
CIALANDINDUSTRIALENVIRONMENT
&LOWCRETE'ROUPWASFOUNDEDIN
THE5+OVERYEARSAGOANDNOW
INCLUDESOFjCESANDMANU
FACTURINGPLANTSGLOBALLY&ORMING
PARTOFTHEINTERNATIONALBUSINESS
&LOWCRETE-IDDLE%ASTISBASEDIN
$UBAIANDCOVERSTHEENTIRE-%.!
REGIONWITHMANUFACTURINGFACILI
TIESBOTHINTHE5!%AND+3! ITYCHEMICALRESISTANCEAND PARK$UBAI)NTERNATIONAL!IRPORT RESENTATIVESWHOCANHELPCLIENTS
EXTENSIVEDESIGNVERSATILITY AND4IMES3QUARE-ALL$UBAI CONSIDERLONG TERMCOST SAVING
What are your best selling EFjCIENCIESATSPECIjCATIONSTAGE
products? What projects have you been What sets you apart?
7EHAVEAHOSTOFVERYPOPULAR involved in? 4YPICALLYTHROUGHOUTTHELIFETIME 8IFSFEPXFkOEZPV
SYSTEMSFORCOMMERCIALUSE)N 7EHAVERECENTLYCOMPLETED OFACOMMERCIALBUILDINGTHETOTAL !LLCONTACTINFORMATIONISAVAIL
PARTICULAROUR-ONDCO4ERRAZZO PROJECTSINTHENEW3OjTEL(OTEL kOORINGCOSTCANBEUPTOTIMES ABLEONOURWEBSITE
SYSTEMWHICHISALUXURIOUS $OWNTOWN$UBAI:UMA!BU THATOFTHEINITIALINSTALLATIONPRICE WWWkOWCRETEAE
ALTERNATIVETOGRANITEANDMARBLE $HABIAND+ING!BDULLAH3PORTS DUETOCLEANINGMAINTENANCEAND !LTERNATIVELYYOUCANEMAIL
LOOKSGREATBUTALSOPROVIDESA #ITY3TADIUM+3!7ITHLEGACY POTENTIALREPAIRS&LOWCRETEHAS UAE kOWCRETECOMORCALLUSON
RANGEOFBENEjTSSUCHASDURABIL PROJECTSINCLUDING$UBAI-ALLCAR REGIONALTECHNICALANDSALESREP 

*2$)NTERNATIONAL Whats new?

7ERECENTLYLAUNCHEDOUR@'REEN
-ARBLE4HISISONEOFOUR
THESEREASONSTHISPRODUCTHAS
PICKEDUPVERYWELLINTHEMARKET
ANDISINDEMANDESPECIALLYIN
PRODUCTSINTHEWALLCOVERINGS THEHOSPITALITYSECTOR
SEGMENTTHATHASTHEAPPEAR

ANCEOFMARBLE!NECO
FRIENDLY What projects have you been
ENGINEEREDMATERIALLOADEDWITH involved in?
FEATURESTHEMARBLELOOK
ALIKE (ILTON,E-ERIDIENAND2AMADA
HASALLTHEAESTHETICBEAUTYAND
VERSATILITYOFREALMARBLEWITHOUT
ANYOFITSDRAWBACKS4HE'REEN
MARBLEIS@GREENINTHEECOLOGICAL
SENSEASITISRECYCLABLE
%XTREMELYLIGHTINWEIGHTWHEN
ARESOMEOFTHERECENTPROJECTS
WEHAVEBEENINVOLVEDIN/UR
PRODUCTSHAVEALSOBEENUSED
BY+HANSAHEB#IVIL%NGINEERING
AND2OSTAMANI'ROUP(OWARD
*OHNSONISPLANNINGTOUSEOUR
COMPAREDTONATURALMARBLES PRODUCTSHORTLY,4AND#HIRAAG
THESEBOARDSWEIGHLESSTHAN 'ROUPOF)NDIAARECONDUCTINGTRI

KGPERCUBICMETRECOMPARED ALSONOURPRODUCTSWHILE%MAAR
TONATURALMARBLESTHATTYPICALLY 0ROPERTIES$AMAC0ROPERTIES
WEIGHABOUTKGPERCUBIC !LEC#ORAL(OTELS!L3ALAM
Tell us about your company? What are your best selling METRE (OTELS+HATIB!LAMI!L-OOSA
2-$"OARDISTHEkAGSHIPVENTURE products? 4HISTRANSLATESNOTONLYTOEASE #ONTRACTINGAND%4!!SCONARE
OF*2$)NTERNATIONALA$UBAI
4HESEAREOURWALLPANELSAND INTERMSOFLESSERNUMBEROFWORK
CONSIDERINGTHEM
BASEDCONGLOMERATETHATPROVIDES WALLCOVERINGSWHICHCOMEIN ERSINVOLVEDINTHETRANSPORTATION
SOLUTIONSTOAWIDERANGEOFINDUS
WOODMARBLEGRANITELEATHER MOVINGANDCUTTINGOFTHE2-$ 8IFSFEPXFkOEZPV
TRYSECTORSINCLUDINGDAIRYBEVER
TEXTILEkORALANDABSTRACT "OARDBUTALSOINTHEINSTALLATION 7EARELOCATEDIN*EBEL!LIANDCAN
AGEANDPOULTRYPRODUCTS2-$ jNISHES/UROTHERPRODUCTSLIKE PROCESSASITCANBEAPPLIEDDI
BEREACHEDAT
"OARDWHICHISMADEINTHE5!% ANTI
SKIDkOORINGFALSECEILINGS RECTLYONTORAWWALLS4HISMEANS /REMAILCONTACT RMDBOARDCOM
PROVIDESTOTALSOLUTIONSTHROUGH SHUTTERINGPANELSANDSITEFENC
ENORMOUSSAVINGSINTERMSOF ORYOUCANLOGONTO
ONEPRODUCT INGAREALSOPOPULAR LABORMATERIALANDTIME$UETO WWWRMDBOARDCOM

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 55

SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Arabuild !L+IFAF2ITZ#ARLTON*"2ANDTHE

!TLANTIS(OTEL0ALM*UMEIRAH

What sets you apart?

Tell us about your company? Our high quality products, com-
!RABUILD,,# ISAWELLESTAB- mitment to customers and our
lished company based in Dubai ability to deliver on-time service
with over eighteen years of experi- are traits that set us apart from
ence in marketing and selling ar- our competitors.
chitectural products. We render all
types of services to the construc- 8IFSFEPXFkOEZPV
tion industry including architects, #USTOMERSCANjNDUSBYVISITING
landscape architects, contractors our Showroom No. 3, located in
and interior designers. We have !72OSTAMANI"USINESS#ENTRE
successfully carried out multiple The address is:
prestigious jobs in Dubai, Abu Al Safa 2, Sheikh Zayed Road
Dhabi, Qatar and Bahrain which 0/"OX
include hotels, villas, residential
complexes, shopping malls and
many more.
We are dealing in top range
quality products from some of
the worlds most prestigious and
jNESTCOMPANIESTHATSPECIALISEIN
What are your best selling
products?
Amongst others, our best selling
products include the porcelain
$UBAI5!%
We can also be contacted by
phone, fax and email:
What projects have you been 4%,
involved in? &!8
We have been involved in an array %MAIL3HOWROOM ARABUILDAE
of projects, including: Dubai Festi-
ceramic, porcelain, terracotta, roof TILESBY&LORIM'ROUP&LOORGRES VAL#ITYALLTHEkOORTILES)KEAALL Showroom Opening Times:
tiles, glass, ceramics and marble #ERIM 0ANARIAGROUP0ANARIA THEkOORTILES2ANGE2OVER3HOW- Sunday to Thursday: 9am-8pm
mosaics, swimming pool tiles, #OTTO$%STE-ARGRES 6OGUE ROOMSALLTHEkOORTILES7Aj#ITY 3ATURDAYEVENINGPM
PM
as well as cultured stones for all #ERAMICSANDOURjNEBRONZE 'RAND#INEPLEX&AIRMONT3HEIKH &RIDAY#LOSED
types of applications. HARDWAREBY2OCKY-OUNTAIN :AYED2OADTHE%TISALATBUILDING www.arabuild.ae

Goodrich Sentosa in Singapore have been

furnished with our wallcoverings
and carpets.

Global What sets you apart?

We provide a one stop solution for
Tell us about your company? all interior furnishing needs and
Since 1983 the Goodrich brand with a promise of supreme quality.
has grown to become synony- Our main focus is customer satis-
mous with trend-setting interior faction. Whatever style, design or
furnishings. Goodrich has been theme that a customer requires,
PROVIDINGTHEPERFECTjNISHING we have it. If a customer requires
touch to every interior. It offers something over the top and exqui-
an extensive collection of interior site, we offer a range of designer
wallcoverings, carpets, fabrics series, handpainted masterpieces
ANDkOORINGSLAMINATEOUTDOOR as well as customisation options
DECKINGSPORTSkOORINGVINYL
and engineered timber) for you to
create a completely personalised
ambience.
STARHOTELSANDCOVETED
What are your best selling
products?
Our wallcoverings are extremely
popular amongst customers and
come into a space. Wallcoverings
come in a variety of styles, pat-
whatever it is they want right here
terns, textures and themes and
as such, they have the ability to
relate to customers from different
walks of life.
across Asia. From corporate of-
jCESTO
residential projects, we have done
it all. World renowned hotels like
THE*7-ARRIOTAND#ONRADIN!BU
Dhabi and Dubai respectively
have been furnished with Go-
for all our products. This helps
us provide superior service, and
customers like that they can get
at Goodrich Global.
8IFSFEPXFkOEZPV 
We have over 30 galleries region
wide including Singapore, Thai-
interior designers. Wallcoverings What projects have you been odrich products. Besides these LAND)NDIAAND#HINA6ISITOUR
change the look and feel of the involved in? PRESTIGIOUSPROJECTSINTHE5!% website at www.goodrichglobal.
ROOMINSTANTLY4HEYARETHEjRST To date, our products have two of the renowned integrated com and locate us for the nearest
thing that people notice when they dressed many signatures projects resorts- Sands and Resorts World Goodrich Gallery.

56 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

 SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

)NTERFACE -ALTAAND0AKISTAN)NWE
OPENEDOURREGIONALHEADOFjCE
ANDSHOWROOMIN$UBAI

Tell us about your company? What are your best selling

)NTERFACEISAGLOBALLEADERINTHE products?
DESIGNANDPRODUCTIONOFCARPET 2IGHTNOWWERESEEINGALOTOF
TILESWITHEMPLOYEESWORLD DEMANDFOROURHIGH ENDDESIGN
WIDEINCLUDINGATEAMOFINTHE PRODUCTSLIKETHE3TRAIGHTFORWARD
-IDDLE%AST)TSPRODUCTSCOMBINE AND5RBAN2ETREATCOLLECTIONS
BEAUTYANDINNOVATIONWITHFUNC )NTERIORDESIGNERSWANTTOUSETHE
TIONALITYANDENVIRONMENTALCRE LATESTPRODUCTSATTHEFOREFRONTOF
DENTIALSTOHELPCUSTOMERSBRING INNOVATIONANDTECHNOLOGYWHICH
THEIRDESIGNVISIONTOLIFE)NTERFACE ISEXACTLYWHATWEREDELIVERING
WASONEOFTHEjRSTCOMPANIESTO FORTHE#ENTRAL"ANKOF+UWAIT BUSINESSORFASHIONNEEDSDICTATE
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and
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!LOTOFTHOUGHTTIMEANDHARD What are your recent projects? ANEWRANGEOFPRODUCTSTOOUR "EACH2OAD$UBAI
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www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 57

 PRODUCTS

New on the market

DOLLOP
Inspired by a dollop of cream, designer Ash Allen wanted to create a
sensual and organic pendant light. The design is asymmetric while
maintaining perfect harmony and balance. Matt on the outer frame
while glossy on the interior, Dollop smoothly transitions between a
voluminous bottom and narrow top. Made from earthenware ceramic
clip casting, Dollop can be used singularly or paired up.

ASH ALLEN
TEL: +64 419 107 746
www.ashallen.com

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 59

PRODUCTS

BEAR TABLE
Designed by Daniel Lewis Garcia,
the Bear Table is an enjoyable
play on table and shelf design.
Garcias concept behind the
table was to accentuate the
material that is often hidden in
the construction. To this end, the
end grain of the plywood is left
exposed, creating a memorable
visual that compliments the undu-
lating form. According to Garcia,
THISTECHNIQUESIMPLIjESTHECON-
struction process while ultimately
making the object stronger.

DANIEL LEWIS GARCIA

E: daniellewisgarcia@gmail.com
www.daniellewisgarcia.wix.com

WOODSPOT
Designed by Allessandro
Zambelli, Woodspot is a
character-driven light source
ideal for spaces that boast
Scandinavian design. Woodspots
style is also a comment on the
power of light, shadows and
REkECTIONSWITHITSMOUTHA
dramatic opening for light to
stream through. Woodspot is
Zambellis latest work and is
assembled and varnished entirely
by hand. Attached to the moulded
support is a base as well as a
light diffuser that comes in ivory
WHITEkESHPINKORPASTELGREEN
Woodspot itself is available in
PINEWITHANATURALjNISH

ALLESSANDRO ZAMBELLI
TEL: +019 230 20208
www.alessandrozambelli.it

60 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

 PRODUCTS

METR A
Designed by Luca De Bona and
Dario De Meo, Metra is a light
that takes its inspiration from the
shape of measuring tapes used
by carpenters. Taking the design
forward, the light displays cuts
into its facade which symbolise
centimetres. The custom-cut
lighting piece was made for Kar-
man and can be adjusted to suit
the tastes of the user. Metra can
be positioned against a wall or
suspended from a ceiling, as well
as extended in various customis-
able forms.

KARMAN
TEL: +39 0721 715042
www.karmanitalia.it

SET TE NANI
The collection by Matteo Ugolini
for Karman is a modern design
swept up in a gothic fantasy.
When Ugolini wanted to work
on a smaller scale and deliver
more intimate and emotional
solutions, he created the Sette
Nani collection, which takes its
inspiration from Snow White and
the Seven Dwarves, as the lamps
miniature size reminded Ugolini
of the famed Disney cartoon. And
like the cartoon, each design
has its own features. All the
lights come in concrete, are matt
and highly tactile. Some can be
printed with a fabric pattern,
which shows the products true
care for detail.

KARMAN
Tel: +39 0721 715042
www.karmanitalia.it

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 61

THE BIG 5 KUWAIT
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION EXHIBITION
CONSTRUCTION BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE

22 - 24 September 2014
Kuwait International Fair
www.big5kuwait.com

How visiting The Big 5 Kuwait benefits you?

Source the largest number of innovative products in one venue
Discover globally recognised brands from 20+ countries

40%
See products tested rst hand at the Live Demonstrations
Theatre
HAN
BIGGER T
Select interiors and t-out products in the new Interiors Zone
R
LAST YEA Gain knowledge at the free to attend Project Management
Workshop
Network and share ideas at dedicated networking zones

Headline supporter Ofcial newspaper

REGISTER FOR FREE ENTRY AT

www.big5kuwait.com/cid1
 PRODUCTS

CAIRO STAR CUT

CLOCK

Inspired by the tradition of dia-

mond cutting, the Cairo Star Cut
Clock exhibits dynamic geometry.
Designed by the National Design
Collective (NDC), the clock is
made from concrete. Each clock is
hand-case in the NDC studio us-
ing its own specially-formulated
material solution. The product,
while made from concrete, is sur-
prisingly light with its thickness
measuring at 10mm. Powered by
a Seiko quartz clock mechanism,
the Cairo Star Cut Clock is an
ideal clock design that provides a
conceptual approach to the art of
telling time.

THE NATIONAL DESIGN COLLECTIVE

E: scott@thenationaldesigncollective.ca
www.thenationaldesigncollective.ca

LET S SIT AND TALK

Designed by Marie Khouri, a
Vancouver-based designer, the
Lets Sit and Talk series is her
latest creation. Based on the
designers Lebanese heritage,
the 77 foot letter bench series
spells out Lets Sit and Talk in
Arabic lettering. Appearing to be
bold shapes in sinuous forms, the
seats show their true intentions
when viewed from above.
Currently on exhibition at the
Equinox Gallery in Vancouver, the
series of seats is exhibitionary,
abstract and cultural.

MARIE KHOURI
E: Marie@khouri.net
www.khouri.net

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 63

PRODUCTS

MIK A 350
Designed by A\Studio, Mika 350 is
a masculine lamp made of granite
and wood. According to the de-
SIGNERSTHELAMPISREkECTIVEOF
the Galician architectural tradition
and inspired by the Pallozas, the
houses of the ancient Celtic forts
that were built in Galicia during
the 6th century BC. By a turning
technique, we get a thin wall of
stone that generates two opposite
FEELINGSRIGIDANDHEAVYSTONE
look and the fragility of the glass
due to the thin wall thickness,
says a statement from A\Studio.

A\STUDIO
TEL: +34 886 163 355
www.andresimon.es

TIVOLI
Designed by Michele Cazzaniga,
Simone Mandelli and Antonio
0AGLIARULOTHE4IVOLICHAIRISPART
of the Wood Collection 2014 for
Pedrali. Refrencing the traditional
wooden chairs while maintaining
COMFORT4IVOLIISAMINIMAL
design that applies a natural
aesthetic. Its soft shapes and
clean design ensure the ultimate
quality in furniture making. Made
of ash wood, the chair boasts a
MULTITUDEOFCURVESANDGENEROUS
proportions.

PEDRALI
TEL: +39 035 83588
www.pedrali.it

64 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

 PRODUCTS

FOLDER
Designed by Farg & Blanche, Folder is a magazine holder ideal
FORJUSTABOUTANYSPACEFROMOFjCETORESIDENTIALDESIGNEDWITH
any style gothic to minimal. The structure evokes the imagery of a
zig-zagging building that appears to fold into itself before taking
off in another direction. Within each crease and atop each fold is
the space to stack many magazines, books and notebooks. Part of
AWIDERSERIESOFFURNITUREPIECESTHATAPPROACHFURNITUREDESIGNIN
EXPERIMENTALWAYS&OLDERISASTAND OUTPIECETHATREALLYMAKESA
statement.
30. 8 2. 9. 2014
Frankfurt am Main, Germany

FARG & BLANCHE

TEL: +46 0 705509181
www.fargblanche.com // The most important industry forum in
the second half of the year. Indispensa-
ble order platform for the winter and
Christmas seasons. Trend outlooks for
the coming spring. International product
diversity for the home and gift sectors.
Perfect date // Perfect time //
Tel. +971 4 389 45 00
mary.ann.romano@uae.messefrankfurt.com
tendence.messefrankfurt.com

Decide what
makes Tendence
your favourite:

myfavourite-
tendence.com

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 65

 SETTING THE
BENCHMARK
FOR THE
MIDDLE EAST
ARCHITECTURE
SECTOR
WEDNESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2014
JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL

THE 7TH ANNUAL MIDDLE EAST

ARCHITECT AWARDS
CELEBRATING INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE
THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST
PLATINUM SPONSOR SILVER SPONSORS CATEGORY SPONSOR

NOMINATION DEADLINE WEDNESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM/MEAA
FOR NOMINATION ENQUIRIES FOR SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES
PLEASE CONTACT: PLEASE CONTACT:
Nick Ames Simon Collingwood
T: +971 4 444 32 55 T: +971 4 444 33 93
E: nick.ames@itp.com E: simon.collingwood@itp.com
FOR TABLE BOOKINGS & OTHER
ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
Michelle Meyrick
T: +971 4 444 3328
E: michelle.meyrick@itp.com
 02/$5#43

L AKO
Designed by Studio Macura, Lako
is a light and airy book holder
IDEALFORINDIVIDUALOFjCES-ADE
from a bent-steel wire rack, Lako
is compact in its design and can
be placed near a sofa, along a
SEATINGAREAORNEARADESK4HE
handle at the apex makes Lako
easy to transport, providing the
USERAMOBILELIBRARY!DDITION-
ally, Lako isnt a linear concept,
the straight lines and angles
offer various methods for creative
STORAGE

STUDIO MACURA
TEL: +31 06 132 00139
www.studiomacura.com

CAR AMBOL A
Designed by the Spanish designer
Oskar Cerezo for LZF, Carambola
is a series of handcrafted
suspension lamps and table
lamps that are available in four
VARIOUSSIZES4HEDESIGNALLOWS
soft, diffused light to emit from
the wooden panels and create
ASOFTINTIMATEENVIRONMENT
While its maker is Spanish, we
jNDTHEDESIGNTOBEIDEALFORA
more Oriental inspired interior
LIKEA#HINESERESTAURANT4HE
lampshades for Carambola are
available in 11 different wood
VENEERjNISHESFROMRUBYREDTO
SKYBLUE

LZF LAMPS
TEL: +34 962 524 780
www.lzf-lamps.com

www.designmena.com Commercial Interior Design | AUGUST 2014 67

PRODUCTS

FR AME
Manufactured by the Swedish
group Materia, Frame was de-
signed by Ola Giertz and displays
an open rectangular volume that
boasts an almost animated char-
acter. The vibrant colours of the
product also partners with the de-
sign quite well and compliments
the designs overall aesthetic. It is
IDEALFORANOPENOFjCELAYOUTOR
a quirky hotel lobby. As its name
suggests, Frame creates a picture
anywhere its placed, emitting a
welcoming and playful persona.
Frame is made from a moulded
wooden frame covered with foam
and fabric.

OLA GIERTZ
TEL: +46 0 70 489 5373
www.olagiertz.se

WOOLYCHAIR
Created by Aske Foersom for
KADK, Woolychair is meant to
REkECTANEWWAYOFMAKING
furniture. The design is made
by wool and PVC that have been
woven together to create a stiff
textile that is then heated and
softened. The wool textile is
THENCOOLEDDOWNTOBECOMEjRM
and draped over a wooden chair
frame. According to Foersom, In
this piece, the contrast between
wool and PVC has an exciting
aesthetic value concerning collar
and tactility.

ASKE FOERSOM
TEL: +45 228 08153
www.asfoe.com

68 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

 COMMERCIAL IN TERIOR DE SIGN APP

Now available

Free
FOR A
LIMITED
PERIOD

D R O I D O R K I N D L E
Y O N Y O U R I P A D , AN
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PRODUCTS

SWITHY
A smooth wooden sculpture that can be used as a stool
or side table, Swithy follows the sensual and feminine
shape of an hourglass. Made of solid wood, each piece
is handmade making one different from the other. The
TEXTILEFOLDSFOUNDONTHETOPAREREMINISCENTOFkOWER
petals and are available in grey, marigold and red.

TWO.SIX
TEL: +351 253 220 583
www.twosix.pt

70 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

OPINION

When every
drop counts
BY ROSS JACKSON, GENER AL M ANAGER,
DELTA FAUCE T COMPAN Y

W
ater is a basic human necessity.
Yet, it is one of our scarcest
resources, particularly here in
the Middle East. Never has the
value of this precious commodity been as
apparent as in the UAEs scorching summer
heat, reinforced by the timely arrival of
the Holy Month of Ramadan. With the vast
majority of the regions population forgoing
water from dawn till dusk during what is said
to be one of the longest and hottest summers
we have experienced, this was undoubtedly
a sentiment that resonated amongst the
community. The saying rings true, you really
dont know what youve got until its gone.
Worryingly, we are well on our way to this
becoming a more permanent reality. With
water scarcity in the region predicted to reach
alarming levels in the next ten years, the onus
is on each of us as individuals to contribute
WHEREWECANTOjNDINGNEWANDINNOVATIVE
solutions for conservation.
Sustainable architecture and interior
DESIGNHASGAINEDSIGNIjCANTREGIONAL
traction in recent years, especially in the UAE,
leading to the formation of organisations
such as Estidama, the Abu Dhabi
Sustainability Group and the Emirates Green
Building Council. Somewhat unsurprising,
GIVENTHATSUSTAINABILITYHASBEENIDENTIjED
as one of the key themes of the widely One example of this is the World Wildlife Whether on a governmental level, with the
anticipated Expo 2020, with Dubai aiming to Foundations Heroes of the UAE campaign introduction of water conservation laws, or
become one of the top ten sustainable cities that encourages water saving in everyday through the initiatives of private companies,
in the world by the time the big event is set to situations. Another is the establishment one thing remains certain - it is essential that
take place. of Fujairah Wadi Wurayah National Park in an element of sustainability is at the forefront
In addition, reputable organisations are THEREGIONSjRSTWATERRESEARCHCENTRE of all agendas. And while we have come leaps
doing their part to demonstrate tangible where volunteers are able to take part in and bounds in this regard, statistics show that
solutions for water conservation in the region. environmental and conservation activities. there is still a long way to go.

72 AUGUST 2014 | Commercial Interior Design www.designmena.com

 Hilton Hotel and Convention Centre | Warsaw, Poland

W H E R E T H E S T Y L I S H , I N N O VAT I V E D E S I G N
IS BORN OUT OF THE CRAFTSMANSHIP
O F W H O L E G E N E R AT I O N S O F G L A S S M A K E R S

PRECIOSA GULF FZCO

JAFZA View LB 19, Office 2407
Jebel Ali Free Zone, P. O. Box 18185
Dubai, United Arab Emirates www.preciosalighting.com
P + 971 4 884 8234
F + 971 4 884 8235
E sales@gulf.preciosa.com