Secret Room

Studio Paolo Ferrari

Project description

Tasked with reinterpreting the classic speakeasy at the Five Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, the Secret Room concept was to anchor the idea of bacchanalian decadence with a feeling of noble restraint by articulating the duality of history (the past) and invention (the future). Located deep within the lower level of the hotel, structural constraints and access were ongoing challenges and we were continually making slight modifications to the design in order to maximize ever inch of the 2,750 square foot floor plan. The bronze-coloured arched bar acts as a luminous showstopper in the nightclub. It serves as a visually weighty object of discovery for guests, while also anchoring the space. The fibreglass bar was meticulously 3-D modelled from the inside-out then milled from custom moulds. A series of pedestal drink tables are cast from clear resin and are meant to recall the physical shape of liquid. These elements contrast with the carved wooden walls and smoked oak flooring, along with an artwork inspired by classic Italian bacchanal paintings. It was hand-painted in Canada over a series of six months. Mirrors throughout the nightclub help to visually expand the space and minimize the impact of the massive structural elements supporting the hotel above. The restroom flooring was also a significant challenge. From lighting and access, to executing the perfect glass finish that would offer enough slip resistance without impacting the visual effect of the design.