Once an ultra-modern, sparse interior – Hotel Centennial has been transformed into a more homely, residential space that aims to have the feel of your very own living room.

The brief was it had to be comfortable and more like a second home.

The project took four months from conception to completion, with only a short six weeks on site, where an extensive new fit out was achieved, including a new cool room and kitchen.

Almost all of the furniture is custom made with antiques and contemporary photography finishing the space.

There is a variety of drinking and dining spaces – a restaurant at the rear, a cocktail bar and lounge at the front and a dynamic open kitchen at the heart of the venue.

The design of Hotel Centennial introduces innovative dining concepts. The dining sofas are as comfortable as a sofa, but with the exacting proportions of a dining chair. The high sofas gives the cocktail bar area all the fun of bar height seating with a new level of comfort. The High Table is a nine metre custom table with high stools that seats 30 people and everyone gets served the same meal. This communal table encourages social interaction between patrons and reinforces the homely, residential theme of the project.

A careful balancing of tradition and innovation can be seen in the detailing of the zinc bar tops and refined brass shelving crafted by local artisans.

Beyond AV designed, supplied and installed the AV system. To provide the client with a form of control system interface, the BSS Blu series of digital signal processors was chosen that offers wireless iPad integration.

An iPad was installed behind the main entrance reception allowing staff the ability to quickly and easily choose the required audio source and adjust the volume of the selected zone.

The choice of speakers was based on the intended use of the space – that being fine/dining restaurant and bar. The speakers had to be discretely located, but effective in providing the right amount of volume and coverage. Twenty-six JBL Control 25AV speakers and five Turbo Sound Compact Sub bass speakers were chosen. The sub bass speakers were built into the joinery, and the satellites where installed up high to achieve this.

A number of “hidden” LG LCD screens were installed across the venue. These are individually controlled by the Spinetix HMD200 media players and are used to display a selection of “video art” that the client has carefully selected.