Shortlisted for the CID Award for “Interior Design of the Year: Hospitality” 2012.

Forming part of an integrated hotel, marina, retail and residential resort, the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa is located along a pristine 1.2 km stretch of Abu Dhabi’s protected mangrove shoreline. The five storey hotel has over two hundred rooms and encompasses an architectural style drawn from the rich cultural traditions of Arabic design including arches, mashrabiyas, intricate mosaics and solid timber with an abundance of light to create a warm and inviting sanctuary.

AK Design were tasked with re-evaluating an existing scheme and subsequently charged with extensive re-design, general design development and re-selection of fabric, furniture and the interior finishes particularly in the rooms and public areas. We went on to supervise the project during the construction phase. To give the interior design a more contextual feel, AK Design chose to soften this influence with contemporary touches while still acknowledging the Arabic styling of the overall architecture. Our goal was to develop an interior design which enhanced the dialogue between the architecture and unique setting of the property.

The neutral tones of the desert, its expanse and calm, were reflected in the extensive halls and corridors. The colours of the mangrove inlet were drawn into the luxury suites as accents with aqua, rust, persimmon, lime, pearl and ivory while mangrove motifs subtly weave through corridors and bedroom finishes as well as custom designed joinery.