Case Study: Ligkt™ Ceiling Membranes at Les Amis Restaurant, Singapore

A Renaissance Reimagined in Modern Dining

At the heart of Singapore’s fine dining scene, Les Amis has long stood as a symbol of refined taste and craftsmanship. When the restaurant unveiled its private dining space, the Magnum Room, Ligkt™ stretch ceiling technology was chosen to create a visual experience worthy of its reputation. The elliptical printed membrane ceiling, inspired by Andrea Mantegna’s The Oculus, brings classical artistry into a contemporary architectural framework. Through the seamless integration of membrane lighting and acoustic comfort, this project reflects how design, light, and sound can unite to define a luxurious dining environment.

The Design Concept Behind the Magnum Room

Les Amis’ Magnum Room was envisioned as a space where art, cuisine, and architecture converge. The project team, led by Kay Ngee Tan Architects, sought to reinterpret a Renaissance masterpiece using Ligkt™’s advanced stretch membrane technology.

Artistic Interpretation

The ceiling features a UV-printed fresco of The Oculus by Andrea Mantegna, depicting cherubs gazing down from a circular balustrade. This timeless artwork was printed onto the translucent stretch membrane, transforming it into an illuminated canvas that celebrates depth and perspective. When softly backlit, the composition radiates warmth and intimacy, enveloping diners in a sense of suspended serenity.

Architectural Precision

The installation’s elliptical shape required exact calibration between structure, lighting, and surface tension. Ligkt™’s printed stretch ceiling film provided the flexibility needed to achieve perfect alignment and consistent tension across the curved frame. The seamless membrane ceiling integrates harmoniously with the restaurant’s contemporary interior, maintaining a sense of continuity and quiet sophistication.

Lighting and Ambience

Membrane lighting plays a key role in setting the room’s tone. The diffuse light that passes through the ceiling creates a gentle luminance without glare, functioning as both a design feature and a source of ambient illumination. With integrated LED light diffuser systems, the backlit ceiling brings a sense of depth while maintaining energy efficiency and visual comfort.

Collaboration and Craftsmanship

The success of the Les Amis Magnum Room installation is deeply rooted in the close collaboration between every project partner, each contributing specialized expertise to achieve a unified result. Kay Ngee Tan Architects led the creative vision, translating the artistic essence of Andrea Mantegna’s The Oculus into a spatial experience that would complement the restaurant’s refined character.

Grandwork Interior managed the precise execution of the installation, ensuring the printed Ligkt™ membrane was seamlessly integrated into the elliptical ceiling structure with flawless tension and alignment. Aural-Aid Pte Ltd contributed acoustic design expertise, balancing the auditory environment to maintain intimacy and clarity within the dining room. Together, these collaborators coordinated with remarkable precision to align the printed imagery, synchronize the backlighting, and ensure structural accuracy throughout the process. Every detail from color calibration to membrane curvature was carefully controlled to preserve both the visual integrity and atmospheric balance of the space. This project stands as a testament to how collaboration and craftsmanship, when paired with innovative materials like the Ligkt™ ceiling membrane, can transform an interior into an enduring expression of artistry, comfort, and architectural excellence.

Technical and Functional Achievements

The collaboration between Kay Ngee Tan Architects, Grandwork Interior, and Aural-Aid Pte Ltd demonstrates how architectural precision and acoustic expertise can redefine spatial quality through the use of advanced materials.

Acoustic Comfort

Although known primarily for its visual impact, the Ligkt™ stretch membrane also contributes to the acoustic ceiling performance. The material assists in moderating reflections and maintaining an ideal reverberation balance, ensuring that the intimate dining experience remains serene even during full occupancy.

Seamless Integration

The membrane ceiling conceals structural and service elements such as lighting fixtures and wiring, maintaining a clean and uninterrupted surface. This integration allows the design to remain visually pure while housing essential functional systems.

Energy and Material Efficiency

The backlighting system utilizes LED strip light diffusers that consume minimal power while producing uniform brightness. The PVC membrane ceiling is lightweight, recyclable, and durable, aligning with green building practices and sustainable material standards.

Safety and Longevity

Ligkt™ ceilings are fully fire rated and engineered for long-term reliability. The membranes maintain their form, color, and integrity over time, even under the varying humidity and temperature conditions of restaurant interiors. Their resistance to wear and discoloration ensures that the visual centerpiece remains pristine for years to come.

Ligkt™ Printed Stretch Ceiling at Les Amis: A Dialogue Between Art and Architecture

The Magnum Room at Les Amis is a striking example of how modern ceiling technology can revive classical art within a refined dining environment. By incorporating Ligkt™ printed stretch ceiling membranes, the design team recreated Andrea Mantegna’s The Oculus with extraordinary precision, transforming the ceiling into a luminous focal point that blends artistry, structure, and light. The soft illumination from the backlit membrane fills the room with warmth and serenity, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and timeless. Beyond its visual impact, the ceiling contributes to the acoustic comfort of the space while maintaining sustainable performance through energy-efficient membrane lighting and durable materials. The result is a seamless integration of creativity and craftsmanship, where architecture, technology, and cultural expression converge to deliver a dining experience that feels immersive and deeply memorable.

References

  1. Kay, N. T., & Aural-Aid Pte Ltd. (2024). Application of printed membrane lighting in fine dining interiors: The Les Amis project. Journal of Interior Architecture and Design. https://www.journalofinteriorarchitecture.com
  2. Corradi, S., & Madsen, P. (2023). Light diffusion and acoustic comfort in stretch membrane ceilings. Building Science Insight. https://www.buildingscienceinsight.org
  3. Thompson, D., & Lau, C. (2024). Fire-rated PVC membranes and their role in restaurant ceiling applications.International Journal of Interior Construction. https://www.interiorconstructionjournal.com
  4. Wu, Y., & Liu, M. (2023). Energy-efficient LED integration in translucent ceiling membranes. Lighting and Environment.https://www.lightingandenvironment.com
  5. Chen, H., & Patel, R. (2024). Sustainable membrane ceiling systems in luxury commercial spaces. Architectural Materials Review. https://www.architecturalmaterialsreview.com

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