Project
Kotuwa
Site
Kotuwa
Location
Singapore
Interior Design
Perinelli Design
Lighting Supply
Luxlight
Casambi Commission Partner
Luxlight
Casambi Products
CBU-TED, CBU-A2D, CBU-ASD, Xpress Switch
Number of Nodes
46
Photography
Rachel Tan
Kotuwa’s relocation to New Bahru marks a natural evolution for the Sri Lankan restaurant, expanding both its physical footprint and its expression of culture, hospitality, and atmosphere. Set within the former Nan Chiau High School, the new space blends indoor dining with an outdoor bar and lounge, creating a layered experience that feels relaxed, vibrant, and unmistakably Sri Lankan.
Designed by Perinelli Design, the interiors draw inspiration from Colombo homes and tropical modernism. Clay bricks, polished cement, brass accents, timber panels, and curated artefacts sit comfortably alongside contemporary detailing. The space feels lived-in and welcoming, with visual moments unfolding from the indoor dining area to the alfresco bar. Bold colours, textured finishes, and handcrafted elements reflect the richness of Sri Lankan culture without feeling overly thematic.
Lighting plays a key role in holding these elements together. Warm ambient illumination sets a comfortable base throughout the restaurant, while accent lighting brings focus to architectural details, artwork, and bar zones. Indoors, lighting enhances the depth of materials and creates an intimate dining atmosphere that supports long, relaxed meals. Outdoors, the lighting shifts in character, offering a more energetic and social mood that complements the cocktail-led experience.
Casambi’s wireless lighting control allows the team to manage these different environments seamlessly. Using the Casambi app, staff can adjust zones independently, fine-tuning brightness and mood across indoor dining areas, the outdoor bar, and lounge seating. Preset scenes support the natural flow of the day, from brighter, welcoming tones during early service to warmer, more atmospheric settings as the evening unfolds.
The flexibility of the system also supports Kotuwa’s dual identity as both restaurant and bar. Lighting can be adapted quickly for busy dinner services, casual drinks, or special events, without interrupting service or altering the clean interior aesthetic. The wireless setup preserves the character of the heritage building while providing modern, intuitive control behind the scenes.
At Kotuwa, light works quietly but deliberately. It reinforces the warmth of the space, supports the energy of the bar, and enhances the overall dining experience. Together with the design, food, and drinks, the lighting helps Kotuwa feel like a place guests can settle into, linger, and return to, a modern Sri Lankan home within New Bahru’s creative community.
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