Jam Studio to tell ‘theatrical’ story of Dalmore whisky in £1m refurbishment of visitor centre

The scheme features innovative applications of LED lighting and is being created by Aberdeenshire architecture and interiors consultancy Jam Studio.

The group was appointed to the project by Dalmore parent company Whyte & Mackay following a five-way pitch against three Scottish groups and one London consultancy, according to Jam Studio director Marie-Louise Dunk.

Initial plans for a basic refurbishment of the centre have seen the budget ’quadruple’ to include the design of a ’theatrical experience’ among the distillery’s working stills – the containers which heat and condense whisky.

’We’re working to harmonise the visitor centre spaces with the working areas, and we want to tell the story of the Dalmore brand and its production theatrically, using lighting, voiceover and models,’ says Dunk.

Jam Studio is working with lighting consultancy Wever & Ducré to install special LED-embedded ’light paper’ that can withstand the high temperatures and alcoholic vapours of the still house. The technique will be used for illuminated signage and other atmospheric lighting.
The centre is intended to have ’the ambience of a private members’ club’. Other design features include hidden doors and an internally illuminated circular tasting table.

The project goes on site later this year, and the centre reopening is scheduled for May 2011.