Concept Systems gives InterContinental Singapore a facelift
Published: ASIA
SINGAPORE: When the InterContinental Singapore opened for business in 1995, it distinguished itself from other prominent five-star hotels by adopting a rich colonial and Peranakan style interior design. Located in the Bugis district, InterContinental Singapore is embedded within an arts, cultural and heritage district consisting of historical sites, national monuments, art institutions and museums. Over the past two decades, Singapore has attracted a growing number of ever-opulent hotels to the island, including two casino resorts, a remodelled Sentosa and a re-constructed Orchard district together with a growing number of skyscrapers such as South Beach. Therefore, it seemed appropriate for the hotel to undergo a face lift that would further enhance its status.
In addition to all the rooms and corridors within this 16-storey landmark, the lobby area, lobby bar and Olive Tree restaurant were all stylishly and sensitively redecorated and refurbished. The BGM system provides the right ambience throughout these zones, although a pianist or a classical ensemble can sometimes be heard playing live in the lobby lounge. As part of the overall upgrade, Concept Systems Technologies Pte Ltd was called upon by A/V consultant Hewshott to supply and install a new loudspeaker system in accordance with its design specifications.
The newly renamed Ash & Elm restaurant was unveiled following the construction, which is characterised by wood fire and glowing embers. Catering more to European taste buds, a ceiling speaker solution consisting of 29 Electro-Voice C8.2 speakers and two C10.1 subwoofers blend into the interior courtesy of their paintable grilles. Matching the dark green painted rising walls and low ceilings over the booths, the speakers are powered by EV PA2250T amplifiers. Additionally, three wall-mounted Norton Audio NF8 speakers finished in white and powered by two EV Q99 amplifiers promote a higher SPL solution for those occasions that need it. Separate DSP settings have been saved in the processor, whilst the volume control can be accessed via a remote wall panel. A Denon DV-2242 CD player is preferred as the main source although others can be added.
Like the iconic hotel itself, the speaker system is discrete, bypassing the need to be greatly reinforced. Powered by PA2250T amplifiers, a further 29 EV C8.2 ceiling speakers have been integrated into the 9m-height lobby ballroom. Seven Norton NF8 wall mounted speakers powered by Q99 amplifiers can be called upon for events and parties, including DJ systems where inputs have been added to an upper-level platform overlooking this zone. Canare 2F7F cabling connects the 36 loudspeakers to the amplifiers through conduits that have been inserted into the overhead ceiling and down to an equipment rack located in a back-of-house area.
Loudspeaker management of the ceiling- and wall-mounted systems are handled by a processor and controller, whilst a PC and Pioneer DVD are largely relied upon as music sources. The hotel managers can access the music systems via iPad Air 2 tablets over a Wi-Fi connection with the Crestron RMC-3 control processors. In a world of future proofing where fashions come and go, style remains intact.