The client briefed Kart to create a cosmopolitan multi-functional sophisticated living space that embraces family living and serves as an exquisite space for various social functions. The penthouse is on a high floor and boasts spectacular views of the Palm. The seaside nature of the Palm is reflected throughout the penthouse with white walls that reflect the warm UAE light, a full-length opulent marble wall and flooring, blue highlights to mimic the Arabian Gulf and personalised accent walls in each of the bedrooms to reflect the occupant's character.
Concept
The penthouse interiors are inspired by the nearby botanical gardens and gives the home a sense of tranquillity and contemplation. Kart has paid utmost attention to the functionality of the penthouse and ensuring it has timeless appeal. Each room has floor to ceiling windows that afford plentiful natural light. Mood-enhancing decorative lights and contemporary chandeliers support the coherence of nature in a living environment.
Kart uses naturally bright colour palettes throughout and white as the base colour, which allows for the compelling contrast of darker tones. Rich, natural textures, shapes and colours in deeply saturated earthy tones and various shades of blue in deep, calm tones are minimalistically inserted into the overall design. The penthouse has a soothing appeal and a harmonious atmosphere.
About the execution
The Palm Dubai is the self-styled eighth wonder of the world. The client wanted to incorporate the splendour of the ocean-based island in the penthouse. The double-height living spaces provide a sense of space. White walls reflect the beautiful seaside light throughout the penthouse. Soothing white and muted grey marble is used throughout the opulent living quarters, the highlight of which is the floor to ceiling marble-clad wall that is accentuated with brass light fittings and exquisite art. Four pods of three-dimensional blown glass bauble chandeliers cast beautiful beams of light from the ceiling throughout the open-plan room. The kitchen is primarily white with a blue accent panel of hand-crafted cabinets and complementary art.
About the ambience
Floor to ceiling windows afford exceptional views across the Palm and the Arabian Gulf. The neutral tones of the interiors are cooling and offer a sense of calm. Double height living areas give an impressive illusion of luxurious space. The simple straight lines throughout the architecture are softened with the curved lines of taupe furnishings. The artwork has been carefully selected to reflect the ultimate in seaside living.
Challenge overcome
The most challenging installation was the grand marble wall in the dining room. The marble was so heavy that engineers could not attach it without causing cracks in the neighbour's party wall. They built a new supporting wall from the ceiling structure to reinforce the marble cladding successfully. The additional load-bearing wall and a rigid metal structure support the giant slabs. The client wanted to translate the character of each family member into distinctive accent walls.
Unique features
The impressive floor to ceiling marble-clad wall in the living space is an impressive talking piece that looks striking because of the double-height walls. The hand-blown glass lighting throughout the living area gives the sense of bubbles rising from the water, and the unique accent walls in each of the bedrooms mimic the character of its occupants.
Technical elements
Kart designers have carefully blended the colours of the beach and cerulean waters to give a sense of beachside living. Highlights of brass and blue are throughout the penthouse. Exquisitely patterned natural marble line the accent wall, the floors and kitchen worktops.
Material selection
Designers chose naturally hued materials with soft coloured marble, silk rugs with sea blues and shades of sand and taupe, and glass highlights in the balustrade and chandeliers.
