Key Dates
Image Credit : Murray Fredericks Photography
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Project Overview
This iconic Sydney restaurant and bar now resides at The Star with a more modern and relaxed look. The feature hand-blown caviar and sea - spray inspired pendants create a spectacular center piece along side the highlighted timber and illuminated displays, back lit panels and seating to create an ambient dining experience.
Team
ADesign Studio Pty Ltd iGuzzini Inlite Light Project Lux FX
Project Brief
Working closely with the interior designers ( Paul Kelly) we took on board the original iconic decorative pendant light that was a feature of the original restaurant and updated it to work with the new clean, contemporary interiors. The feature bar and fish counters were to be the heroes of the space with the dining areas to be understated with simple ambient lighting.
Project Innovation/Need
We started at looking at the existing exterior of the restaurant, as its within the The Star complex the lighting from the main thoroughfare was glaring and very cool. We purposely contrasted this by adding an amber filter to the exiting glass bricks on the facade to create a dynamic contrast between the over lit areas of the complex and the restaurant. We utilised different colour temperatures throughout the spaces to contrast between the various areas and to create a theatrical display, for example the fish display has 4000K lighting to highlight the ice and fish and create a "jewellery box sparkle" whilst the bar and dining areas have 2700 Kelvin lights for flattering evening dining ambience. A control system was specified to control the elements of feature lighting and general lighting separately, one scene for daytime, one for early evening and another for dramatic dining.
Design Challenge
The design of the decorative pendants went through various changes to get the right feel whilst trying to to create a series of light installations which appear to be floating in clusters over the dining experience. Referencing caviar, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, the installation is made up of hundreds of round and organic shaped hand-blown illuminated glass orbs. Clear and milky finishes create subtle variation through the hanging clusters and the crackle finish projects a dappled light. The orbs create patterns of light on the table to evoke the mood and ambience of an underwater setting. The various existing ceiling heights and materials coupled with new suspended ceilings over the a main dining area meant each area had to have its own type of down-light specifically for the ceiling type/ area. As the bar is one of the first things that is visible upon entering the restaurant, the beautiful copper hood was illuminated by layered linear LEDs with the wiring having to be drawn up before construction to ensure it could be incorporated invisibly into the framing.
Sustainability
The Flying Fish Restaurant is a Refurbishment of a restaurant (Balla) which existed in the same location prior to the design we were responsible for. In order to maximise sustainability, the following measures were undertaken; - The lighting load and power consumption was reduced by 85% with the introduction of LED lighting to replace the previously installed halogen light sources. - Lighting control system hardware was retained and refurbished/serviced to accommodate the low energy LED lighting implemented. - The design was created so as to provide focal points within the space, further reducing power consumption and maximising the impact and drama of the illuminated space. - local fabricators were engaged to manufacture the feature decorative ‘Fish Spawning’ suspended luminaires. Recycled glass was used for the suspended light ball clusters and glass blown locally to minimise freight and to support local business. - a significant proportion of lights in the original installation were re-purposed. All lights were cleaned and relamped to ensure they were still suitable and could be retained for the new fit out.
Lighting Design
This award celebrates creative and innovative lighting design or effects in indoor or outdoor spaces.
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