
Hunter & Barrel | Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi
Rugged Sophistication: Designing for Behaviour at the Waterfront.

The Challenge
Translating "Design for Behaviour" into a high-octane waterfront destination.
Situated in the vibrant Yas Bay Waterfront of Abu Dhabi, the challenge was to establish a flagship presence that balanced modern elegance with the brand's rugged, primal soul.
We needed to create a cohesive design that supported both high-volume operational efficiency and intimate social behaviour, ensuring the space remained visually striking while functioning as a seamless hospitality machine in one of the UAE's most competitive dining hubs.
Our Approach
An Immersive Intersection of Luxury and Raw Elements.
Our approach centred on the COOOP™ Design for Behaviour™ philosophy—shaping the environment to influence and enhance customer interaction. We focused on fostering a sense of "luxurious comfort" through a meticulously curated material palette and strategic spatial zoning.
Materiality of the Hunt: The interior utilises rich, tactile textures including dark woods, supple leathers, and cold stone. This contrast creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the brand’s signature identity.
The Focal Bar: Designed as the heart of the venue, the bar features an impressive stone counter and architectural shelving. It acts as a "behavioural anchor," drawing guests in and serving as a high-energy central gathering spot.
Adaptive Social Zoning: The layout accommodates the full spectrum of dining behaviours. From intimate, secluded booths for private connection to large communal tables that encourage the "communal feast," the open layout facilitates effortless movement and a relaxed, social cadence.
Atmospheric Layering: Through a mix of ambient and task lighting, we transitioned the space from a bright, welcoming daytime lunch spot to a moody, sophisticated evening destination, ensuring the "vibe" evolves with the clock.
"Design for Behaviour™ isn't just about how a space looks; it’s about how it makes you act, move, and connect with those around you."


"Art often asks a question, and design is the answer to the question."
Envirohacking Title
[Filler Text: Callie to provide specific Envirohacking narrative here. This section will detail how the design ‘hacks’ the environment to improve psychological comfort, sensory engagement, and sustainable flow within the Yas Bay context.]


Envirohacking Principle
[Filler Text: Callie to provide technical specifics here. This will include data-driven design choices, such as acoustic management, lighting temperatures, or material sourcing that aligns with COOOP’s proprietary Envirohacking principles.]
Project Details
Client: Seagrass Boutique Hospitality GroupLocation: The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront - Shop PR 110, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Area: [Enter sqm] sqm
Completion Date: [Enter Date]
COOOP.CO Team: Callie van der Merwe, Roberto Zambri, Calvin Janse van Vuuren
Main Contractor: [Enter Contractor Name]
Photography: Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group / [Enter Photographer Name]
























