Project Team
design: 2RKS Architecture + Design
photos: Richard G Salman
Suppliers
lighting: Mondoluce
carpet: Brintons
furniture: Nufurn James Richardson
2RKS Architecture + Design worked closely with the Asquith committee to deliver a new interior with the intent to prosper the club; increasing membership and its annual revenue. The design features custom-designed carpet, bespoke reception counter, custom-made entrance cabinetry, bar joinery, hand-selected furniture for main lounge and dining area, wall murals commemorating local history, clear story windows, and new ceilings.
To achieve the necessary design solutions Asquith required, 2RKS aimed to improve the overall aesthetics, opening up the space and revamping the tired interiors and furnishings to a contemporary outcome. 2RKS restructured the parts of the club by removing about 10 brick columns and spanning the gap with new steel. The execution of the project and achieving the necessary design solutions is a proud accomplishment of 2RKS. Like all projects, Asquith had its challenges; a tight budget, working with existing interiors that couldn’t be changed and continuing to run the club whilst completing the renovations. These challenges made for some difficult design calls; nevertheless the renovation was a success and exceeded all expectations.
“Although the key aim of the renovations was to modernise Asquith Bowling, the flow-on effects of opening up the space and using the floor plan more efficiently are evident to all the staff and members. We’re delighted with the bounce in revenue and membership, and are more than pleased with the response to the refined, more sophisticated aesthetics.”
– 2RKS principal architect Richard Salman.
The bathrooms in the club were also updated with new tiles by BIGA+ Waitara, new partitions by TPI and custom Corian sinks by Manooga joinery. The new work in the bathroom creates a light and clean palette to flow with the rest of the club.
The entire interior of the club was refreshed with a new coat of Dulux paints by Cre8tive painting & decoration, who also did the decorative copper painting behind the bar. With the new paint and lighting by Mondoluce, the club feels like a brand new club, open and inviting.
2RKS designed an array of custom pieces for Asquith with help from many different trades and contractors. All together the club was constructed under $1,000 PSM. Unheard of in today’s market. 2RKS truly brought its tagline “Designing Value” to life.
The carpet throughout the club was custom designed with Brintons, the print gives dynamic warmth to the space with a splash of teal blue to match with the current window mullions, making the transformation from old to new seamless. It was important to meet a high performance standard as it is a commercial venue; and Brinton’s carpets meet the durability and resistance needed to complete the space.
The design of the unique features of the bar ensures your attention is drawn to the bar. The stylish use of a Staron bench top and a custom geometric face designed by 2RKS and created by N.S.W Joinery PTY.LTD, captures the light and complements the geometry in the carpet.
2RKS also hand selected furniture for main lounge and dining area which were supplied through Nufurn Furniture and solid timber table tops from JR Furniture.
Custom designed murals commemorating Asquith & Hornsby history by 2RKS, printed and installed by VFX Print Group.
“Prior to the refit, patrons would walk into the restaurant and then walk out again without seeing any of the club. – The flow has now changed for the better. Our bar trade since the renovations is up more than 10 percent on this time last year and membership is up over 10 percent from pre-renovation figures to record levels.” – David George