The concept was to create a Maharaja’s Palace with multiple layers of decoration within this well-known London dining room, dating back from 1874 and now Grade II listed. The Clients had a clear vision to create visual interest at the lower levels, with just incidental light brushing on to the neo-Byzantine mosaic ceiling. Using light to break up the linear space into a series of smaller areas of unique character whilst retaining aesthetic continuity was also an important part of the brief.
The artistry of the lighting was designed to illuminate the numerous decorative layers and decorative lighting fixtures to give them individual identity, whilst carefully balancing the different components to create visual interest and harmony throughout the restaurant. As with any restaurant, the presentation of the table, the food on the table and the people at the table is fundamental, and the result of the lighting at this property is in our opinion simply outstanding.
The challenge of this project is its Grade II listed status as no lights could be attached to the historic fabric. With our desire to create drama, together with the Client and Interior Designer we developed perimeter panels free of the historic fabric where lighting could be appropriately located. Uplights are integrated in screens to brush light above their surface, spotlights are detailed seamlessly into the screen structures and coloured to match. The colours of the historic fabric exposed by the light allow us to enjoy the beauty of the historic building whilst experiencing all the elements that have been added, creating drama and interest. The artwork, displays and objects are authentic, and the lighting is designed to show these elements off.
The lighting is simply spectacular in enhancing the diners’ experience of this magical space. The photographs clearly illustrate the drama created by the light, which has been carefully crafted by the design team. The critical acclaim the restaurant is receiving mentions the lighting in a very positive manner, which says everything about how users are seeing this restaurant and its success.
Our responsibility to the environment is something we consider every day, therefore we use the minimum amount of energy to create the maximum impact. We do not light everything, we enhance darkness as well as light so as to avoid wasting energy. We specify products from manufacturers that we believe have the same care for the world we live in. All the products specified are from the UK/London area.
We use the most appropriate technology for each application in terms of the lighting fixtures and, most importantly, their drivers. The drivers are selected carefully for their dimmability. The control system uses a DALI protocol which provides infinite flexibility, not just for today but also into the future. If changes occur, lighting elements can be re-grouped, should this be desirable.
Longevity is important for this Client; we have worked with them for twenty years on many of their restaurants. This is not a restaurant that is planned to be here for a few years and then all changed. The lighting design therefore uses high quality products that have a long life, a control system that provides flexibility into the future and an outstanding maintenance regime about which this Client is meticulous.
