Brannigans Tavern recently underwent a total facelift and repositioning in the market place. Hamilton Hayes Henderson Architects were engaged for a total refurbishment which culminated in a total rebrand and release of the new Envy Hotel.
The old Tavern was disjointed and unconnected to the Street level and appealed to a minor sector of the market. The approach by Hamilton Hayes Henderson Architects was to create a vibrant Hotel, well connected and to reach all sectors of the market in both age and interest.
Lach Henderson stated “the key to the refurbishment was the provision of a new three level glass stair up through the building to connect patrons to the top floor and to introduce a new mezzanine boutique
floor”. Now patrons can understand that something exists on the upper levels.
With 3-1/2 floors available, a variety of theming and positioning of each individual space provides environments that appeal to a spread of clientele, reaching a wide and varied market.
The original space was very tired and dark with poor lighting. The approach by Hamilton Hayes Henderson Architects was to create a vibrant space, with good natural and artificial lighting and to have a light and airy feel. The top level was stripped out and opened up to gain maximum light penetration making the space feel twice the size.
The new mid level Cocktail Bar (previously a service area) provided the opportunity to create a unique personal and intimate space for that different experience. Low ceilings were overcome with the use of a wave shape Barisol stretched ceiling weaving over services and structures and reflecting back down to floor to provide the feeling of height.
Ground level was opened out to the Mall with maximum openings provided using giant glass “Airport Doors” lifting up to ceiling height and closing down for those times requiring acoustic treatment.
The spectacular feature glass stair with edge lit treads weaves up through the building connecting each level of Bar to the Ground Floor. When illuminated at night this stair forms a beacon to lead customers up to the two levels of Bars above street level.
Jbn Sound Ceiling
Opening your venue to the elements is a wonderful idea but how do you pacify the sound police in such a built up area? The answer is the revolutionary Jbn Sound Ceiling.
“I’ve been dealing with Jbn Sound Ceilings for years as it is such a good product,” commented Peter Shaw, managing director of Peter Shaw Electronics who specified and installed the audio visual system for the venue. “The Jbn Sound Ceiling allows us to get good sound levels without the noise spreading out into the mall. The Envy Bar has a high ceiling and the mall on its doorstep and if its’ noise levels reach a certain dB level at a certain distance from the venue, the Liquor Licensing people will shut it down in an instance and fine them big money. Fortunately the Jbn Sound Ceiling means this won’t happen.”
Bruce Thurston, CEO of National Hotel & Gaming Group Pty Ltd who own The Envy Hotel, is delighted with his Jbn Sound Ceiling saying it has resulted in both happy patrons and happy neighbours.
“The Jbn Sound Ceiling allows us to leave our airport doors wide open so that the beautiful Queensland weather can come in,” he said. “The design of the Jbn Sound Ceiling with its’ directional speakers allows us to provide entertainment at a level that patrons expect and want, but the further you move from under the speakers the noise drops significantly. Our acoustic consultant believes the db level drops by over 10db three meters away from the source.”