Haron Robson worked closely with the architect and interior designer on various areas of this multifunction Club, creating lighting schemes to compliment the decor and enhance the visitor experience. To adequately meet the requirements of the additional and refurbished areas, Haron Robson also re-designed the electrical, smoke detection and audio visual systems to support the infrastructure of this, the region’s largest social and recreational club.
With the interior remodelling establishing smaller, more defined areas, the new lighting scheme had to reinforce this more intimate feel. The most evident examples of this concept were the creation of four small alcoves adjacent to the open-plan Casual Lounge area , a sunken lounge adjacent to the main bar and two ‘cocktail pods’ within the Cocktail Lounge, all spaces enhanced with warm, primarily indirect, lighting.
The Casual Lounge area is a multi-function space which is used for daytime Bingo and casual dining and relaxation of an evening. As such, the lighting has to be flexible, with high levels required during the day adjusting to a lower level at night to create a sense of warmth. This was achieved by concealing two rows of T5 fluorescent lamps within the lower-level feature ceiling panels, each row on a separate switch so the light can be adjusted by using one or both rows as required. Custom-made pendant uplighters are used in combination with the T5’s, creating a warm glow to accent the ceiling and complementing the wood furniture and rustic finishes.
Adjacent to the Casual Lounge area is a collection of smaller alcoves, created using timber panels and decorated with warm colours. A large window is a feature of each alcove and the shading provided by the sunblind diffuses the strong daylight. At night, the alcoves make use of minimal lighting to create an intimate feel. Positioned directly above each round occasional table, the narrow beam of the downlight is used simply to highlight the table top, with ambient lighting provided by a single decorative pendant in each space. Floor-recessed uplighters are used as marker lights, indicating the step level change. The overall effect is simple, modern, stylish.
The sunken lounge is another popular destination within the Club. With its perimeter delineated by a ‘curtain’ of metal beads and the focal point being a gold-encrusted feature ceiling canopy, the sophisticated decor is complemented with simple lighting. A cluster of diffused globe pendants in varying sizes cast a soft white light within the recess, combining with the gold finish to create a rich, warm glow. Suspended downlights focus on the table tops and recessed fittings create a wash of light to highlight the delicate metal beads.
The two cocktail pods on the opposite side of the main bar are glamorous spaces, with more muted lighting than other areas within the Club. Using deep-pile fabrics in rich colours, the feeling is one of luxury and relaxation. The light is provided by suspended LED’s surrounded by dark purple, blown glass globes. The glass contains tiny bubbles, mimicking the fizzy effervescence of champagne, and the globes sparkle and emit a warm rich glow.
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