Lighting Narratives at Strawfire, Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Lighting Narratives at Strawfire, Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi
At Strawfire, our approach was shaped by the space itself. The interiors are bold and expressive, and our role was to let that richness lead, using light to support the experience rather than compete with it.
The challenge was finding the right balance between control and character. From the fixtures we supplied to the way each scene transitions through the evening, every decision was made to feel intuitive, warm, and unobtrusive. Technology stays in the background, allowing fire, texture, and atmosphere to take center stage.
Lighting Narratives at Strawfire, Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Client: Emirates Palace
Consultant: KEO International Consultants
Main Contractor: Decovision
Lighting Designer: Project Lighting Design
Technology Partners: Helvar and Pharos Controls
Lighting Partners: Aero, Astro, CoolEdge, Precision Lighting, RCL, Segula
Within the opulent walls of The Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, where every corner whispers of grandeur and heritage, light has been entrusted with the role of silent storyteller. At Strawfire, dining is elevated by illumination as much as it is by architecture—each flame, shadow, and glow adding to an atmosphere that captivates the senses. For Creation, this project was an opportunity to sculpt light that guides, enhances, and heightens the dining journey with refined elegance.
Our role was defined with clarity and craftsmanship: supply, test, and commission light fixtures, along with a lighting control system that orchestrates the ambiance with subtle precision. Working with an exceptional team, our team helped forge an ecosystem of light that operates in harmony with Strawfire’s opulent design—responding fluidly as evenings deepen, and adapting seamlessly to moments of gathering and repose. Helvar and Pharos Controls, our trusted technology partners, became the backbone of this orchestration.
The system itself reflects a philosophy of seamless control. Helvar oversees DALI, phase-dimmable, and non-dimmable fixtures, while Pharos commands the DMX-driven elements that bring dynamic artistry to the environment. Together, they form a layered symphony of control, blending elegance with engineering.
As evening approaches, the transition begins. One hour before sunset, the Evening Scene gently awakens, casting a warm embrace that sets the stage for the night ahead. At sunset, the Night Scene takes over, deepening the ambiance into a more luxurious palette, while by the late hours of the night, the Late Night Scene transforms the space into a cocoon of intimacy, tailored for lingering conversations and quiet indulgence.
Every space within Strawfire carries its own narrative, and light is what threads them together. Within the five distinct settings—the Tsukimi Lounge evoking moonlight harvests, the Warayaki Room alive with straw-fired flames, the serene Kumiko Room, the open-air Terasu terrace, and the private Toyama Room—illumination becomes the architecture’s quiet partner, revealing layers, setting tone, and inviting guests into the soul of each space. The Toyama Private Dining Room, in particular, is anchored by a 7.3-meter, 830-kilogram synthetic Shimenawa rope, handcrafted to become a sacred centerpiece. Surrounded by hand-painted silk walls and ceilings inspired by Japanese art, the lighting here does more than reveal—it amplifies both grandeur and intimacy.
Design motifs throughout Strawfire—golden draperies that echo dancing flames, Kumiko panels casting intricate latticed shadows, and the ever-changing interplay of light and fire within the open grill kitchen—become living elements through illumination. Carefully selected fixtures from brands such as Aero, Astro, CoolEdge, Precision Lighting, RCL, and Segula serve as the physical medium through which these architectural features come alive, transforming static décor into immersive experiences.
“When you look at Strawfire, the craftsmanship of the interiors is remarkable. Our role was never to outshine but to let the light guide the eye so guests can truly appreciate the layers of design around them” Reflects Mr. Dharmendra Patel, MD, Creation Gulf.
At Strawfire, light becomes a living companion to the drama of the kitchen, to the warmth of shared tables, and to the silent awe struck by the Shimenawa Rope. What remains visible is the beauty: shadows dancing off silks, flames reflected in glass, guests drawn into spaces that feel both grand and intimately familiar. At Strawfire, technology and craft converge so that the lighting does more than support—it defines.
Lighting that Moves!
In hospitality spaces, Designing scenes that shift subtly from early evening to late night helps maintain comfort, enhance mood, and extend guest dwell time—often without guests consciously noticing the change.
