Bronze Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2026
Marina Light Residential Space
by May Jbara
- A' Design Award 2026 Bronze Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: May Jbara Design Studio
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 6,899
- Verification code 36AEFD1FD0 · Verify this award
About Marina Light Residential Space
Marina Light is a contemporary residential interior designed to create a calm and luminous living environment. The project explores the relationship between light, space, and material through a carefully balanced composition of soft forms, neutral tones, and refined textures. Open spatial planning encourages natural movement and visual continuity while maintaining a sense of privacy and comfort. Custom architectural elements and integrated storage solutions enhance functionality without disrupting the clarity of the space. The design emphasizes simplicity, elegance, and warmth.
May Jbara's Marina Light Residential Space represents a compelling achievement within contemporary domestic interior design, synthesizing multiple design lineages into a cohesive spatial narrative that privileges luminosity, material integrity, and chromatic restraint as foundational organizing principles. The composition appears to draw from the open-plan spatial philosophies that emerged in mid-twentieth-century modernism, where domestic interior boundaries dissolve in favor of fluid, multi-functional living zones, while simultaneously incorporating the material warmth and textural layering characteristic of Scandinavian residential traditions that privilege natural substances, haptic engagement, and human-scaled proportions. The designer demonstrates sophisticated command of chromatic orchestration, employing a predominantly neutral ground of ivories, soft grays, and pale celadons that recede spatially and psychologically, against which the singular saturated gesture of the rust-toned central sofa achieves maximum impact through chromatic isolation and compositional centrality, functioning as both visual anchor and emotional hearth within the cooler surrounding palette. The architectural detailing reveals careful attention to joinery resolution and material transitions, with the blonde timber shelving system providing rhythmic vertical and horizontal articulation while the black framing introduces graphic definition without excessive visual weight, creating a backdrop that supports rather than competes with the furnishing composition. Perhaps most notably, the treatment of natural light as primary atmospheric medium distinguishes the spatial character, with floor-to-ceiling translucent curtains transforming the window wall into a luminous diffusing surface that bathes the interior in soft, democratic illumination, eliminating harsh shadows and creating a sense of ethereal suspension where objects appear to float within ambient luminosity rather than being anchored by dramatic chiaroscuro. The material palette demonstrates discerning selection across tactile registers, juxtaposing the yielding softness of upholstered seating against the cool permanence of marble surfaces, the organic warmth of natural timber against the manufactured precision of lacquered finishes, inviting multisensory engagement while maintaining overall compositional coherence. The integration of botanical elements, including the sculptural fiddle-leaf fig positioned as vertical counterpoint to horizontal furniture massing, introduces organic vitality and biophilic resonance, acknowledging the human need for natural connection within constructed environments. The spatial composition invites consideration of how contemporary domestic interiors negotiate competing desires for openness and enclosure, display and privacy, material richness and visual simplicity, ultimately proposing that sophisticated residential design emerges through calibrated restraint, where each element justifies its presence through functional contribution and aesthetic necessity rather than decorative proliferation, and where light itself becomes the most transformative and cost-effective luxury, continually reshaping perception and mood across diurnal cycles.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Marina Light is a contemporary residential interior project that redefines luxury living through a soft architectural language, fluid spatial transitions, and refined material expression. Designed as a highly personalized residence, the project prioritizes natural light, openness, and psychological comfort while maintaining a clear and cohesive spatial identity.
The interior is organized through a sequence of interconnected spaces that promote visual continuity and effortless circulation. Open-plan areas are balanced with moments of intimacy, allowing the design to respond flexibly to daily living while maintaining a calm and harmonious atmosphere. Carefully curated proportions and subtle transitions replace rigid boundaries, creating a sense of spatial flow and quiet sophistication.
Materiality plays a central role in defining the character of the space. A restrained palette of warm neutrals, tactile surfaces, and natural finishes enhances visual softness while reinforcing a sense of understated luxury. Custom-designed elements and bespoke detailing contribute to the project’s uniqueness, ensuring that each component aligns with the overall design language and the client’s lifestyle.
What distinguishes Marina Light is its emphasis on emotional experience rather than visual excess. Luxury is expressed through precision, balance, and comfort rather than ornamentation. By integrating architectural clarity with personalized design solutions, the project delivers a timeless residential environment that responds sensitively to both its urban coastal context and the evolving needs of contemporary living. - Dimensions & Packaging
- The project consists of a fully renovated residential apartment with a total interior area of approximately 350 square meters, redesigned entirely from shell condition following the removal of an outdated and inefficient previous layout. The renovation encompassed all architectural, technical, and interior components, resulting in a complete spatial transformation aligned with contemporary living standards and the client’s lifestyle requirements.
The original plan was reconfigured to establish a clear spatial hierarchy and a 360-degree design concept that enhances circulation, visual continuity, and functional efficiency. Structural constraints were carefully respected while partitions were repositioned to optimize openness, daylight penetration, and spatial flow. Ceiling heights were refined to integrate lighting, air-conditioning, and acoustic treatments seamlessly.
Technical upgrades included new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems designed to meet current performance and comfort standards. Smart home technologies were incorporated, allowing integrated control of lighting, climate, and shading systems. Energy-efficient fixtures and lighting solutions were selected to reduce consumption while maintaining visual comfort.
Material specifications were defined through durability, tactile quality, and long-term performance. Natural and engineered finishes were selected for flooring, wall cladding, and custom joinery, ensuring consistency across the interior while supporting ease of maintenance. Bespoke furniture and built-in elements were dimensioned precisely to the space and produced to millimeter accuracy.
Acoustic comfort, thermal performance, and ergonomic standards were considered throughout the design process. The resulting interior delivers a cohesive, high-performance residential environment that reflects a complete transformation—technically, spatially, and experientially—tailored precisely to the client’s daily habits, expectations, and evolving lifestyle. - Tags
- Day light driven design,Human centered design, Emotional comfort,Calm living,Luxury living, personalized home, bespoke residence
- Production Technology
- The project was realized through a comprehensive design and production process that integrated material research, psychological interior studies, and advanced fabrication techniques. Early stages focused on detailed material and color studies aimed at enhancing relaxation, visual comfort, and emotional well-being. Neutral tones, natural textures, and low-contrast finishes were selected based on their psychological impact and ability to create a calm, restorative environment.
Daylight simulations and spatial studies informed layout decisions, ensuring optimal light distribution and reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Human-centered design research guided spatial ergonomics, circulation widths, and furniture placement to support comfort and intuitive use. Custom joinery, wall systems, and furniture elements were produced using CNC fabrication, allowing for high precision, consistency, and seamless integration within the architectural framework.
Smart and sustainable technologies were incorporated to enhance performance and long-term efficiency. Energy-efficient lighting systems with layered controls allow for adaptive ambiance throughout the day, while smart climate and shading solutions contribute to thermal comfort and reduced energy consumption. Sustainable materials with durable finishes were selected to ensure longevity, ease of maintenance, and environmental responsibility.
On-site coordination and craftsmanship played a critical role in execution, ensuring that detailing, alignment, and finishes met the design’s exacting standards. The integration of technology, craftsmanship, and research-driven methodologies resulted in a refined residential interior where technical precision supports comfort, sustainability, and a cohesive design vision. - Design Challenge
- The primary creative and research challenge of the project was the complete transformation of an existing residential apartment that suffered from an inefficient layout, poor spatial hierarchy, and limited environmental performance. The original design lacked coherence, restricted daylight penetration, and failed to support the client’s lifestyle, making a full A–Z redesign essential.
One of the most significant challenges was reconfiguring the spatial organization while respecting structural limitations inherent to a high-rise building. This required extensive planning to balance openness with functional zoning, ensuring fluid circulation without compromising privacy. Research into human-centered spatial behavior guided the placement of transitional areas, seating elements, and reading zones, allowing the space to respond intuitively to daily use.
Another major challenge involved optimizing natural daylight while avoiding glare and overheating. Detailed daylight studies were conducted to refine window treatments, orientation of seating areas, and interior finishes. These studies were closely linked to thermal comfort research, addressing Beirut’s coastal climate through material selection, insulation strategies, and efficient HVAC integration.
Integrating smart technologies posed an additional challenge, particularly in aligning technical systems with the client’s expectations for simplicity and ease of use. Smart lighting, climate control, and shading systems were carefully coordinated to enhance comfort without disrupting the visual clarity of the interior.
Finally, translating the client’s lifestyle, reading habits, and desire for calm into architectural form required continuous communication and iteration. Through a research-driven process and close collaboration, complex constraints were transformed into a cohesive, serene, and highly personalized residential environment that balances performance, comfort, and emotional well-being. - Project Duration
- The project started in February 2025 and finished in September 2025 in Beirut downtown at the Marina tower
- Operation Flow
- he residential space is designed as an intuitive and fluid living environment where daily activities unfold naturally through carefully considered movement and spatial relationships. Circulation is organized to allow effortless transitions between living, dining, and private zones, ensuring that the user experiences continuity rather than separation. Open connections between spaces encourage flexibility, while subtle boundaries preserve comfort and privacy when needed.
A key element supporting interaction is the introduction of a double-sided bench positioned to frame panoramic views. This area functions as a moment of pause within the home, offering a dedicated space for relaxation, reading, and contemplation. By responding directly to the client’s reading habit, the bench transforms an otherwise transitional zone into an experiential focal point where light, views, and comfort converge. Seating orientation allows users to choose different perspectives throughout the day, enhancing engagement with the surrounding environment.
The flow between interior and exterior spaces was carefully developed to extend the living experience onto the terrace. Large openings and visual continuity encourage frequent use of the outdoor area, transforming it into an integral part of daily routines. The terrace was designed to support informal activities such as enjoying morning coffee, afternoon breaks, or quiet moments at sunset, reinforcing a calm and balanced lifestyle.
Interaction with the space is further enriched through adaptable lighting and flexible furnishings that respond to different moods and times of day. Rather than relying on fixed functions, the design allows users to personalize their experience, encouraging comfort, relaxation, and emotional connection. Overall, the project prioritizes human experience, ensuring that movement, rest, and interaction feel effortless, intuitive, and deeply aligned with the client’s lifestyle. - Research
- The design research for Marina Light followed a qualitative, human-centered approach focused on understanding lifestyle, comfort, and environmental performance within a high-rise residential context. The research began with in-depth communication sessions with the clients to identify daily routines, spatial preferences, reading habits, social activities, and expectations for privacy and relaxation. These discussions formed the foundation for all design decisions, ensuring alignment between spatial organization and real-life use.
Lighting and daylight studies were conducted to evaluate sun orientation, light penetration, and glare control throughout the day. Simulations and on-site observations informed layout adjustments, window treatments, and lighting strategies to maximize natural light while maintaining visual comfort. Layered artificial lighting was then developed to complement daylight and support different activities and moods.
Thermal comfort research addressed Beirut’s coastal climate, focusing on heat gain, air circulation, and insulation strategies. HVAC layouts and material selections were refined to ensure consistent indoor comfort while reducing energy consumption. Smart technologies were integrated to allow users intuitive control over lighting, climate, and shading systems, enhancing both comfort and efficiency.
Sustainability considerations guided material selection, prioritizing durable, low-maintenance finishes and energy-efficient systems. The research resulted in a residential environment that balances performance, emotional well-being, and environmental responsibility. Overall, the research directly influenced the final design, transforming insights into a cohesive interior that responds intelligently to lifestyle needs, climate conditions, and long-term sustainability goals. - Inspiration
- Daylight was the primary inspiration for the project, shaping the conceptual foundation of openness, clarity, and a fresh, breathable atmosphere. The design originates from an observation of how natural light moves through Beirut’s coastal environment, shifting throughout the day and softening the relationship between interior space and the surrounding urban context. This dynamic quality of light informed a spatial narrative that emphasizes fluidity, calm, and visual continuity.
Philosophically, the project explores the balance between movement and stillness in contemporary living. In a fast-paced city, the interior was conceived as a place of retreat—where light, proportion, and material restraint work together to slow perception and encourage reflection. The inspiration draws from minimal architectural principles while remaining emotionally warm, allowing the space to feel both refined and deeply personal.
Research into daylight behavior, visual comfort, and human-centered spatial design guided decisions related to layout, transparency, and transitions between zones. Open sightlines, softened edges, and carefully framed views were used to enhance the perception of space and establish a continuous dialogue between interior and exterior. The result is an interior that responds intuitively to its environment, offering a luxurious yet understated living experience rooted in serenity, balance, and timelessness.