Hotel Spec takes a closer look at WA Internationals’ inspiration for the interior design of a luxurious hotel, The Address, which has been taken from the dramatic and diverse landscape of the Gulf region.
Located in the soul of Downtown Burj Dubai, and soaring 63 floors into the Dubai skyline, the brief for The Address, was to design a property which redefined the benchmark in ultra-luxury hospitality. Working in collaboration with Dubai property developer Emaar, Atkins architects and Mirage Leisure and Development, award-winning Design firm, WA International was inspired by the dramatic and diverse landscapes of the wider Gulf region. The brilliant hues of the desert, the sea and the sunset have been blended with the right kind of texture to create a striking colour palette that help guests relate to the region instantly.
Both the interiors and the architecture echo this ethos in a subdued yet sophisticated manner. 
The curvilinear shape of the building naturally dictated the unusual and uniquely formed interior spaces, with wonderful volume and full height glazing adding to the grandeur of the public areas. The biggest challenge however, was to create a spacious entrance lobby within the tight framework needed to support the 63 storeys. Design director of WA International, Claire Craig said: “This was done by adjusting the outer curves and increasing the buildings’ base footprint. We worked closely with the architects to further extend the outer canopy and create an impressive arrival experience for the guests.”
WA International designed more than 200 custom-made, awe inspiring chandeliers, using over half a million Bohemian crystal beads, glass shards and blown glass droplets to add a theatrical ambience to the elegantly glamorous interiors. Bespoke and beautifully crafted furniture combine effortlessly with luxurious fabrics sourced from all the major international fabric houses. WA International worked with renowned artists from around world to create unique pieces of art and sculpture. These stunning pieces in glass, marble, wood and metal have been carefully positioned, not only to compliment the individual spaces, but also to accentuate the originality of The Address. Associate Helen Skea of WA International stated: “All of the restaurants, tailored to maximise stunning views of the surrounding old town, exude luxury and glamour, whilst retaining their individualities.”
In the large open plan layout of Fazaris, WA International created a relaxed lounge space to meet before dinner, adjacent to an active sushi counter and, further into the restaurant, three large feature cooking areas. The openness of the restaurant provides a great place to meet up with friends, yet the warm finishes ensure more intimate diners are also comfortable.
The floor is a combination of smooth polished palisandro marble from Italy and end-cut oak wood planks. Walls and columns are clad in dark exotic ebony macassar wood, and huge curved copper panels surround the lift core at one end of the restaurant. Inspired by the regions’ sand dunes, thousands of amber glass droplets have been suspended from sensuous curves cut in the ceiling and lit from above, and 45 linear meters of 5.5m high bronze beaded curtains, running parallel to the graceful curves of the building, not only form a path to and from Fazaris, but also provide an unusual envelope to the restaurant.
Hukama’s décor evokes all the senses. Dramatic lighting, dark St Laurent marble floor and exotic Zebrano polished wood add to this rich, warm interior. An impressive fused glass backlit bar, backed with a full height wall of blue glass, reflecting the colours of the Arabian Sea, form a striking backdrop to the glamorous interiors of this Far-Eastern speciality restaurant. WA International designed this signature restaurant for more intimate dining, whilst private dining areas provide absolute exclusivity. Dramatic oversized crystal chandeliers feature in these exclusive spaces.
The hotel’s two bars, Calabar on the ground floor and Neos on the 63rd floor, offer two very different experiences. Calabars’ colourful atmosphere, highlights a spiralling blue glass beaded light feature suspended over an impressive circular backlit onyx bar, which has been centrally placed in the space, to ensure easy conversation and great people-watching potential. A relaxed atmosphere is created on the alfresco terrace, which has been furnished with oversized bean-bags and contemporary Arabesque, low level lighting.
On the 63rd floor, WA International reinvented the outrageous decadence of the 1920’s in its adaptation of Art Deco opulence in the cocktail bar Neos, which has fast become the nightspot of choice for Dubai’s glitterati. This striking sky lounge is definitely a destination venue and a ‘must see’ place for those looking for an upscale yet retro experience. Glistening black marble flooring and columns encased in bands of mirror-polished stainless steel enhance the sultry colour palette and unparalleled panoramas of the city below. The bar has been fashioned from black granite and infused with reflective quartz providing a twinkling starlight effect. Overhead, crystal chandeliers enhance the starburst effect, while a fibre optic light curtain surrounds the high gloss black lacquer lift case. Complimenting the design features, are furnishings in a monochromatic palate, enlivened with mulberry for contrast and warmth.
The 196 generously proportioned guestrooms and suites are defined by curved entrances that open up to the main bedroom area, creating a great sense of space and maximising the views of the city below. The Gulfs’ Regional landscapes and architecture inspired the textured polished plaster walls, carved dark timber finishes, and decorative mashribya style headboards. Arabian sunsets inspired the selection of fabrics in warm reds and burnt umbers for the guestroom colour schemes.
With the use of natural stones, hand carved light woods and ambient lighting, WA International created a softer approach for the hotel’s spa and health club, where flickering candlelight leads the way to 3,300sqm of space stretching over two floors. With exceptional views, the Spa also includes nine treatment rooms, steam rooms and sauna, and also an aroma room and invigorating ice cave.
The elegant design extends throughout the 626 serviced apartments that occupy floors fifteen to sixty-two. From its own exclusively glamorous mirrored entrance foyer, luxury city living is epitomised throughout each apartment. From studios to duplexes, to four bedroom apartments, space and elegance was at the forefront of WA Internationals’ design philosophy. Clean, contemporary lines, blend effortlessly with the subtle hints of Arabia which are highlighted in the interior architectural detailing. From the tailor made kitchens and bathrooms, to the custom designed furniture; all has carefully been planned, sourced and selected to ensure The Address Residences reflect a blend of rich cultural roots with modern convenience. Recently awarded at the World Travel Awards in Germany for ‘Best New Hotel 2008’ and ‘Best Interior Design’ at the CNBC Middle Eastern Property Awards 2009, The Address Downtown Burj Dubai has provided a new bench-mark for luxury hospitality design.