ABOV

Located on the 5th floor of a boutique hotel, this rooftop Pan Asian restaurant and cocktail bar occupies a unique position—set along a bustling commercial street, yet opening outward to serene sea views that define its atmosphere. The design embraces this contrast by prioritizing an open-air dining experience, with nearly 80% of the seating left uncovered, immersing guests in sky, breeze, and horizon. The spatial planning encourages leisurely dining, quiet conversations, and unhurried social gatherings, making the venue feel both elevated and relaxed.

A key challenge was developing a lighting concept that preserved the openness of the space. With no overhead roof structures, conventional fixtures would have disrupted the unobstructed environment. Instead, lighting was treated as an integrated, almost invisible layer within the architecture and landscape. Vertical gardens became the primary lighting surface; linear LED strips were embedded discreetly among foliage, accentuating textures, adding depth, and casting gentle, organic shadow patterns across the floor. This approach created a soft, ambient glow rather than a direct, intrusive brightness.

For table illumination, rechargeable portable lamps were selected. These allowed maximum flexibility for varied layouts—accommodating intimate dinners, larger group gatherings, or private event configurations without reliance on fixed power points. Their warm, glare-free glow ensured visual comfort while maintaining the overall moodiness of the setting.

To introduce tactile warmth and visual anchors, fabric pendants were suspended above the bar and the show kitchen. Their gentle illumination added a layer of softness to the space, creating a welcoming center of activity without overpowering the open sky. All fixtures across the restaurant were dimmable, enabling a seamless shift between sunset ambience, lively evening service, and late-night lounge atmosphere.

Sustainability and durability were critical considerations. Energy-efficient LEDs reduced power consumption and minimized light pollution, preserving the natural darkness of the coastal skyline. Being located in a cyclone-prone coastal zone, the lighting installations required carefully engineered mounting details to ensure stability and longevity against wind and moisture.

The result is a rooftop venue where architecture, landscape, and light work as one—crafting a relaxed, atmospheric dining experience that feels effortlessly connected to the sea and sky.