Located within the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, the SENSASIA Stories Spa is a quiet space of reflection and tranquillity. The spa’s pan-Asian inspired interior is an exercise in restraint and tactility, where natural materials such as Hessian wallpaper, grey-toned slate and warm wood are celebrated. Studio N’s lighting has been designed to enhance the materiality and simplicity of the scheme, using subtle injections of light to bring drama and depth to the experience.

Throughout the space, which is devoid of natural light, Studio N balanced functional illumination with theatrical lighting features. Guests access the different areas of the spa via a central courtyard where a sequence of large illuminated arches flow together to form one eye-catching piece. The arch motif continues in the reception, where discreet lighting elements housed in arch shelving work alongside decorative light fixtures to provide accent illumination. Elsewhere, linear grazers have been used to accentuate feature walls and recessed wide-beam pinhole downlights provide additional general lighting without visually cluttering the ceilings. A recessed gobo projector creates a dappling effect that mimics the effect of water to enhance the visual serenity of the space.

Lighting controls are essential in the operation of a high-end spa environment and the system is integrated into the BMS and controlled via DALI. This allows smooth transitions between required lighting scenes, such as in the treatment rooms that can change between ‘mood lighting’, ‘treatment’ and ‘cleaning’ scenes. The lighting scheme meets guidelines and standards required for a health and wellbeing space and is all LED with low power and high lumen output.