Smart lighting optimises mood at Mayfair’s Bacchanalia

An upmarket restaurant in the Mayfair area of London is utilising ABB building automation for the precise control of lighting to create the optimum ambience.

Bacchanalia, which was opened by Caprice Holdings in November, has become one of the places to be seen in London, and is decorated with custom-made Damien Hirst sculptures and 2,000-year-old artefacts.

Smart-building consultancy and contracting firm Intecho – which has previously worked on Caprice Holdings restaurants Sexy Fish, Annabel’s and The Ivy Asia – was asked to design and deliver a system for Bacchanalia.

Intecho had installed ABB’s i-bus KNX DALI technology at other projects for Caprice Holdings and decided it was the best option for Bacchanalia. The scheme combines data from light sensors and timing schedules to adjust the atmosphere seamlessly as service progresses through the day. Automation allows the restaurant’s front-of-house team to focus on service and Intecho can access the system remotely to diagnose and resolve any issues that arise.

Will Brudy, Intecho’s building controls team leader, says: “The ABB smart lighting system at Bacchanalia is designed to place the dining experience, menu and the diners themselves in the best possible light. Over the years, we’ve developed a good understanding of how Caprice Holdings uses technology to create an inviting atmosphere, while freeing up front-of-house staff to focus on service.”

Dean Reddy, ABB’s product marketing specialist for building and home automation solutions in the UK, says: “ABB’s i-bus KNX smart building technology provides the ability to create human-centric lighting that automatically changes the tone and brightness. Bright and white light works well at lunchtime, but as the day goes on, it slowly transitions to a warmer and dimmer setting to create a more intimate atmosphere in the evening.”