Tiger Palm is located at the front of Seminyak Village – elevated on one of Semiyak’s most vibrant side streets.
The location provided indoor and outdoor terrace – the rotunda space closed in by light metal and glass doors.
Although the shell was that of a modern Mall the designers wanted to create a space that felt like there was a sense of history once you walked in.
They needed to take into consideration they were part of the Village and that dictated some design limitations, however they were determined to carve out a look and feel that represent the eccentricity and personality of the Sarong group.
The interior concept evolves around vintage Malay with a modern twist. Remnants of East Indies Colonial glory, tropical colours are mixed up with equal parts mid-century modernism. Its playful take on the Eastern & Orient hotel Palm court circ 1950 – mixed with of the buzz of the streets of old George Town.
The menu, which is an innovative mix of spices, tastes, fragrances and provenance of Malaysia lent towards creating an interior that reflected the vibrancy of the cultural mix of the region.
Like Tiger Palms sister restaurants there is a common thread of nostalgia, character and story. The restaurants have a certain personality and as the newest addition, Tigerplam needed to reflect a sense of spirit and fun. Importantly they like to create a feeling of layers of time.
Unlike other projects the design process is created largely “in house” and to a degree includes all members of the Sarong group.
Fostering a team spirit they can achieve a perfect balance of the three essential elements of any great restaurant: Design, Service and Cuisine – in equal parts.
The end result is to create a total experience with all areas complimenting one another.
The venue location changed half way through, which in retrospect turned out to be a great move. Concepts, names and cuisine style also evolved and were altered.
Different design solutions needed to be found. The designers could not up and lift the first design to fit the new space and as happened, Tiger Palm evolved in her own time.
Planning the layout, it was essential to work with the whole team whose different experience and expertise achieved flow that works both practically and aesthetically. It made sense that the bar should be positioned at the front allowing a good flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
The reclaimed teak floor adds a warm and “lived in” lounge feel. The designers sought to use techniques that would give a sense of heritage. The mirrors were painstaking antiqued to look authentically aged. Urbane elements such as concrete and fabric choices were added and that really lifted the interior in order that it did not become too heavy or serious. The teak and marble top service stations intriguing paradox between British colonial era and vintage Malay.
By using colour through the vibrant turquoise sofa against the rich wood teak flooring and wall paneling ideas of old and new were combined. The turquoise and blues that reflected mid century modernity and palms in lacquer black pots added greenery and freshness’ to the space.
Design features include wood stains for the table’s top in ashed tobacco, powder coated and vintage leather wood chairs and bare concrete paneling urbanize the interior. A mural of a great palm flanks the entire back wall introducing a tropical floral freshness, nicely complimenting the witty cocktail list.
With the Malay concept in mind the look is an eclectic blended vintage feel, slightly worn as it was created in time past. Equal part colonial, mid century and vintage Malay.
Three large glass drum lights allude to the mid century modern period. Vintage chandeliers from colonial homes of the East Indies hang in front of the iron lace mirror. It creates the sense that an older building had been re fitted whilst some of the original features had been maintained.
With service running from breakfast into late evening, it can be tricky to create a feeling in one space that suits all dining experience. Therefore lighting has been used to create the right amount of ambiance for evening dimmed down to create an intimate and warm space. By day the space is cooler and washed with natural light. The lights over the central turquoise banquette give it a bit of a “street feel”.