SEA PEARL, Merrifield, VA (2008)
Specifier: We Design Build Architects / Washington, DC
Installer: NEWMAT USA LTD. / West Babylon, NY
Project: The Sea Pearl is an elegant, casual restaurant in the Merrifield Town Center. The entrance is a grand curve surrounded by glass panels with tiny glass tiles inlaid on the wall and mother of pearl tiles inlaid on the ceiling.
The architects desired a ceiling product that would not only match the sophisticated, contemporary design but also reflect some of the other materials and finishes used throughout the space.
The reflective quality of NEWMAT lacquer membranes was perfect for this purpose, and 37 NEWMAT custom circular clouds, ranging in diameter from 6 to 10 feet and fabricated using white lacquer membrane, ghost round tube perimeter profiles and aluminum bracing, are now suspended throughout the large dining room and private lounge.
Lighting is provided by a combination of mother-of-pearl chandeliers, spotlights along the ceiling perimeters, and clusters of spotlights among the clouds. The mirror quality of the ceilings helps create a spectacular overall effect.