The Hide was envisioned as a more contemporary addition to the list of traditional restaurants available at the Emirates Park Zoo Resort in Shahama. The design brief was to transform the existing space frame structure to  a  restaurant that is “Serene and un-inhibiting with a touch of playfulness”  keeping in mind the Zoo’s favourite visitors, the children. The restaurant was designed to house 322 seats split into and indoor and outdoor areas. The client wanted the design to imbibe the relaxed vibe of the Zoo and feature locally available materials as in the rest of the park.

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The design brief was to subtly blend the natural habitat of the animals into the restaurant and make the effort seamless. The animals in enclosures must feel free to roam and interact with children, hence the design and layout of each of the venues were to invite and not restrict. Natural elements like timber, stone, jute and bamboo were used to design and decorate the spaces. Local architecture of the space was retained and sustainably sourced products were used. Swllos on the wall in origami was a main feature at the restaurant. Live edge community dining space was another highlight with the children as the dowels of wood were shaped into butterflies.