Secret Cellar.

Location

Project

Cape Town, South Africa

The Secret Cellar

The secret cellar is a rich sensory journey. Collaborating with MR Design to transform the cellar into a dynamic space allowed it to truly flourish. The collaborative effort enabled us to hone in on our expertise in hospitality design, using Experiential Lighting to perfect the cellar's ambiance and achieve the envisioned outcome.

Biophillic Design, a key element in One to One’s philosophy, was prominent in MR Design’s vision for the cellar. The cellar's nature-centric concept, situated beneath a forest and featuring exposed roots and earthy textures, was further enhanced by Wiid’s cork wall coverings, adding to the space's organic feel.

The lighting design for the cellar aligns seamlessly with MR Design’s biophilic aesthetic, blending task and theatrical elements to enhance the space’s natural elements. The objective to create an immersive experience that was both visually stimulating and functional, ensuring that the focus remained on the food and wine.

a sensory awakening.

more welcomed.

more stimulated.

more connected.

Architect

Interior Designer

Photographer

DHK Architects

MR Design

Frame Thirty Six

Task lighting plays a crucial role, illuminating areas where food is served. This approach not only highlights the rich colors and textures of the food but also enhances the overall sensory experience with warm ambient lighting. The nature of the task lighting also adds a dramatic flair to the cork on the walls, drawing attention to the wine bottles— another focal point of the cellar.

To further enhance the cellar’s atmosphere, existing sculptured bronze roots were used to cast a pattern of shadows on the ceiling, while also concealing the light sources. This indirect lighting technique creates a captivating interplay of light and shadow, complementing the cellar’s aesthetic. Concealed ambient lighting within the ceiling detail balances the focused task lighting, elevating the overall ambiance and mood.

A gentle wash of floor lighting guides guests towards the tasting room, adding a narrative quality to their journey in the cellar. Creating fluent spatial flow is essential in lighting design, skillfully balancing light and dark to create a sense of depth.