Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera
Commercial
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Type
Commercial
Completion
2017
Size
2000 sqm
Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera is a grand 350-person restaurant, bar, and courtyard boasting stunning views of the Burj Khalifa.
As the exclusive eatery in Dubai Opera, it features a diverse range of spaces, including Raw and Fire bars, a brasserie, main bar, private dining areas, and an external bar with a courtyard.
Originating from a Tasman-inspired design, the project evolved to blend ruggedness with refinement, influenced by iconic structures like the TWA Terminal and the Sydney Opera House. Drawing from the irregular building shape, the design harmonises 20th Century classic influences with Antipodean oceanic themes. Reflective vaulted ceiling tiles, a central Pearl Bar, and unique artworks by Jacqui Fink and Tracey Deep contribute to a sophisticated, oceanic salon experience.
"I love our team, our shared philosophy and the spirit of the venues we have created. They are deeply personal to me, and once the team and I are aligned I have absolute faith in the team’s ability to get the job done."
Sean Connolly
Design Team
- Jeremy Bull Principal Architect
- Samantha Birtles Principal Architect
- Scott Williams Principal Architect
- Anna Trefely Principal Architect
- Jay Sethasastrakorn Interior Design
- Rouda Taouk Interior Design
- Sophie Harris Interior Design
Build Team
- Tribe Studio Design Partner
Awards
- 2017 Harper’s Bazaar Interior Awards Best Regional Interior Design
- 2017 Interior Design’s Best Of Year (BOY) Awards Fine Dining shortlist
- 2017 What’s On Awards Newcomer of the Year
- 2018 Australian Interior Design Awards (AIDA) Best International Design winner
- 2018 Australian Interior Design Awards (AIDA) Hospitality Category winner
- 2018 Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards Best Hospitality Interior winner
- 2018 Frame Awards Spatial Awards - Hospitality Restaurant of the Year Winner
- 2018 Harper’s Bazaar Interior Awards Best Regional Interior Design winner
- 2018 Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) Best International Project high-commendation
- 2018 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards Best Overall Restaurant Winner
- 2018 Resturant & Bar Design Awards Best Restaurant Middle East & Africa winner
- 2018 Surface Awards Best International Restaurant
Media
- Vogue Living - October 2017
- The Local Project - October 2017
- EST - November 2017
- Belle - December 2017
- Wallpaper - December 2017
- Surface - February 2018
- Artichoke - March 2018
- AD Mexico - April 2018
- AD India - April 2018
- Archilovers - May 2018
- Belle - June 2018
- Frame - July 2018
- Dezeen - September 2018
- Night Fever 6 by Frame - March 2019
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