Rayon: Handcrafted Classic Ceiling

A Vintage Masterpiece by Dalia Sadany

The attempt to design an ornate rectangular ceiling for a dining area that embodies the extravagance of French Classism without the use of traditional solutions such as a rosette in a svelte design was a zestful challenge. The concept emerged from a central core that flowed outwards to fill the whole space of the rectangular ceiling, resembling a sun with crepuscular-like rays. The rays were designed to evoke the leaves and branches that distinguish the flamboyant French Classic flair.

The project design is in a domicile that manifests sophisticated French Classism, which is illustrious for its extensive elaborate handcrafting in formations such as woodworks. The artisans that hand performed such fatiguing yet exhilarating craftsmanship with skillful, almost ebbing and rare bravura. This design is a solid oak handcrafted vintage-looking ceiling with a hand-finished patina, emulating the essence and opulence of the French Renaissance period.

The design is handcrafted from oak wood, known for its hardness and heaviness, which presents a challenge in handcrafting. However, the durability of oak compensates for this difficulty. The whole ceiling is covered with solid 1-inch Beech wood, onto which the oak wood handcrafted pieces are manually nailed. A satin luster finish is applied, creating a semi-glossy effect. Extensive patina work is performed on the ceiling in stages to achieve the desired antique, aged finish, all of which is handcrafted to add to its value and authenticity.

The ceiling and rosette were handcrafted from solid oak wood. The dimensions of the ceiling are 4.25m in width by 6.80m, all covered in handcrafted solid oak wood motifs. Satin luster and patina were used to create a vintage feel.

The ceiling design and vintage look add soft beauty and uniqueness to the classic style interior of the room. It is a testament to the meticulous refinement manifested in every detail of the classical romantic interiors.

The conceptual design started in November 2012, followed by a month of designing, sketching, and preparing 1:1 patrons of the details and motifs. The execution of handcrafting started in early January 2013 and lasted for a whole 8 months, with the painting and patina job initiated until the ceiling was finally completed in December 2013. The private residence is located in the posh suburb of Sheikh Zayed District on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt.

A lot of research was essential for the design phase to favor a style with its distinguished motifs. Several patrons were done on-site to meticulously investigate every detail, from the dimensions and proportions to the harmony between motifs. The carpenters who handcrafted the design are from the almost bygone generations of artisans famous for their artistic craftsmanship and patina woodwork. Rayon was the preferential outcome to interpret the profound affection of the residents for the classical romantic interiors and their meticulous refinement manifested in every detail.

The challenging aspect of this design was the dependability on the rich practice of handcrafted wood. A talented, artistic occupation that reveals the uniqueness of every work of art that is close to extinction in the face of modern technology in mass production. There were challenging obstacles in executing this item, first in design to tailor a sophisticated design that honors and respects French Classicism in a rectangular shape. Secondly, in execution, long studies and discussions with teams of artisans, whether carpenters or craftsmen, were necessary to achieve the balance between maintaining that daunting handcrafting practice with affordable pricing and a reasonable production time.

This design was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2014. The Iron A' Design Award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, they provide fulfillment and positive feelings, contributing to a better world.