design et al are delighted to announce a joint-project by Acumen Design Associates and Factorydesign. ‘The Residence’ will compete for the Commercial Cabin (First Class) Award at the International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2015.

In 2008, Etihad Airways embarked on a search for a leading design agency partner to design the future cabin interiors for their new fleet of A380 (and latterly B787) aircraft. With an ambition to be the ‘best airline in the world,’ Etihad outlined a vision for their project that would build on their success and continue to redefine airline travel.  The EDC – Etihad Design Consortium – was created bringing together three companies. Acumen was chosen to design the on-board seating across First Class, Business and Economy. Factorydesign was tasked to design the passenger experience and cabin interior such as galleys, lavatories and passenger destination zones. Honour Branding’s role was to coordinate the project and interface with Etihad.

The vision was to bring the individuality and exclusivity of a ‘Luxury Boutique hotel experience – that embraced Arabian modernism’.

‘The Residence’ is the first ever VIP product proposition on a commercial aircraft. There are three dedicated ‘solid state’ zones: Lounge, Bathroom, Bedroom just like an exclusive hotel room and is certified for two people – an unprecedented travel experience.

The Private double bedroom is completely enclosed and features a bedside table with two personal storage drawers, and a full length wardrobe. The layering of adjustable mood lighting is a spectacular feature. A fretwork-inspired mood light along the length of the bed is combined with a ‘dappled-light’ projection on the curved ceiling and an under bed mood light – together providing an enchanting ambience.

This unique cabin class comes with 125 square feet of real-estate, ensuring a truly luxury experience for ‘The Residence’ passengers.