Dubai, U.A.E, 11 April, 2012: Thomas Klein International (TKI), the region's leading restaurant and hospitality consultants, and their Chicago based architects PS Studio, have completed the interior design of the new Wasabi outlet located on the Kuwaiti Corniche, in Point 5.

The main inspiration behind the design of the new Wasabi restaurant stems from the 'pleats' of the traditional Japanese hand fan.

"The radial geometry of the site resembled a form similar to the Japanese hand fan, therefore the idea of using the fabric and the pleating technique materialized in the choice of window coverings, light fixtures and movable partitions," explains architect Paula Palombo.

"All the window coverings are pleated and can be raised and lowered to achieve the desired atmosphere. The light fixtures also have pleated fabric but with a unique angle that adds a new dimension to a familiar shade."

The movable partitions, which are a fundamental element in traditional Japanese architecture, are used to allow spatial enclosure of the entrance and space for private dining.

The outlet will also showcase a striking 'feature wall' which will serve as a backdrop for the activity in the dining area.

"We chose a three-dimensional ceramic series called 'Bamboo'. The cylindrical bamboo poles are stacked to create a vertical effect. The poles are also positioned at different angles to create a dynamic background, along with a variety of different finishes to add rich textures."

"We also incorporated Torii Chairs by Bensen in the restaurant design, as the design of the chairs is inspired by the traditional wood entrance arches to the Shinto shrines in Japan. These simple, yet subtly sophisticated wooden chairs provide a definite sense of harmony and calm within the allocated space," added Palombo.

Once opened, the new Wasabi restaurant will set the benchmark in design for any additional Wasabi outlets opened, while all the existing Wasabi outlets will be transformed to match the new brand image and positioning.

"Currently the Sultan Group has four other Wasabi outlets operating as part of their portfolio, but they wanted to launch a totally new, fresh image. The newest Wasabi store in Point 5 will reflect the brand's new world-tendencies of freshness, transparency and lightness, offering a totally new look and feel," said Daniel During, Principal and Managing Director of TKI.  

"We plan to adapt this new design to all future Wasabi outlets so as to convey a strong unified new image of the brand," concluded During.

Wasabi located in Point 5 is expected to open in the second quarter of 2012.

The Wasabi chain of restaurants is owned and managed by the Epicure Group, the food and beverage division of The Sultan Group.

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About Thomas Klein International
Established in 2001, Thomas Klein International (TKI) was founded with the aim to deliver a complete range of consulting, design and management services for investors and operators in the hospitality, entertainment and leisure sectors throughout The Middle East and beyond.   Headquartered in the UAE Emirate of Dubai, TKI's international team serves the hospitality sector with a range of services that includes hotels, restaurants, spas and retail.  With additional offices in Madrid, Chicago and Buenos Aires, TKI has access to wide-ranging and intensive data that enriches every single project.  The diverse and talented team members provide a range of comprehensive and specialist skills that are tailored to the needs of each development. Thomas Klein International is one of the few firms of its kind offering both complete business services and complete design services, forming a hospitality consultancy that creates and establishes businesses that are innovative as well as profitable.

Lorey Fenton   
Marketing Communications Consultant   
Tel: +971 50 553 4231       
Email: lorey@lmcdubai.com

© Press Release 2012