Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Lighting Design/Product Company LITELAB
Lead Designers Ahamed Hussain Ifthikharudeen Ilyas
Other Designer's names Mohammed Naveedh
Architecture Company WOW Architects, Singapore
Interior Design Company WOW Architects, Singapore
Client M/S. APA Hotels
Photo Credits M/S. APA Hotels
Completion Date 2022
Project Location Vommuli, Maldives
Entry DescriptionDesign Brief
Set on a serene Maldivian island, the Teppanyaki speciality restaurant is envisioned as an intimate, immersive dining experience. The client sought a subtle yet distinctive lighting atmosphere that keeps guests engaged for over an hour per seating. The lighting design had to balance functionality with ambience through precise control and wired automation, highlighting the live culinary performance while maintaining a calm, Zen-inspired setting that harmonises with the island’s natural tranquillity.
Design Narrative
The lighting concept transforms this restaurant into a sensory journey — soft ambient glows define the dining space, while focused luminaires accentuate the Teppanyaki counter and chef’s artistry. Warm tones and controlled highlights enhance material textures and elevate the visual presentation of food. Executed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the project required seamless global coordination between teams in the Maldives, lighting supplier from China, and a controls company from Europe through virtual meetings, mock-ups, and meticulous scheduling. Despite restrictions, collaborative precision ensured timely completion, merging innovation, craftsmanship, and design excellence.
Sustainability ApproachChallenges & Sustainability
Integrating lighting seamlessly within the decorative mesh above the Teppan counter was a key challenge, requiring precise detailing to conceal wiring while maintaining design purity. Achieving glare-free illumination across wooden paneling demanded careful fixture selection and aimed to preserve surface warmth and texture.
Sustainability was central to the design — energy-efficient LEDs with long lifespans minimise power use and maintenance, while eco-friendly materials support environmental responsibility. Advanced controls optimise brightness and timing, reducing energy waste. Together, these strategies create a refined, sustainable ambience that celebrates craftsmanship, enhances dining experience, and reflects T Pan’s conscious design philosophy.
