Local Hotel Upgrade
Since the pandemic travel has been lacking globally and has had a significant amount of impact on the tourism industry. With restrictions and requirements to enter different countries it is an ordeal to travel internationally and even inter-state. Plus we have heard stories of people traveling and then with sudden changes, are stranded for an extended period of time. So instead we find ourselves holidaying locally whether that might be time away or a road trip. With Christmas and New Years looming there are many investing their annual leave for a long and well-deserved break.
The Sands is a premium resort and golf destination for located in Torquay that boasts views of the sand dunes and coast. They are currently undergoing accomodation renovation and refurbishment which included new guest suites and dog-friendly rooms. Bluelab Design were keen to participate in these works as a local designer, manufacturer and supplier to revamp the general, decorative and emergency/exit lighting. Previously the hallways were lit by a line of downlights though typical and “does the job”, lacked a sense of direction or atmosphere. The downlights were replaced with low glare black baffled style recessed downlight to add mood. The elevated alcoves along the walls of the corridor were fitted with glass downlights fixed to a timber board within a plaster cutout. These previous wall lights created glare and the general look was cheap and dated. Bluelab Design designed custom screens that pay homage to the coast with laser-cut water patterns and painted to match the walls seamlessly. Walking through the corridors is a marvel as the hallways shine with brilliance and the screens fill the alcoves perfectly and radiate warm light akin to water throughout.
The Sands Resort Torquay has operated for 17 years, that means the emergency lighting and exit signs required an update according to ASNZ2293.18. Bluelab Design specified ETAP Lighting, a premium Belgium brand that has incredible performance and longevity, but most importantly for The Sands Resort, ETAP Lightings Exits and Emergency are aesthetically pleasing being discreet in design . With the capability to cover over 19m of a corridor with a single elongated emergency light, the number of emergency fittings were reduced. The exit signs are also gorgeous and sophisticated, with comprehensive yet simple pictograms. ETAP Lighting’s emergency range have comprehensive testing which allows users to determine whether the fault lies in the battery, light source or wiring.
Notes of timber can be seen throughout The Sands Torquay with simplistic yet elegant pendant pieces from our Anglesea range. In the first picture we see the Douglas, a timber veneer pendant with the timeless drum shape, elevated above the couch glowing with warm light. Then in the second picture with the kitchen we find a line of Peter to illuminate the bench top within the accommodation bar and lounge.
We are proud to be Australian-owned lighting designers and manufacturers. Bluelab Design enjoys working collaboratively to create lighting that is the best for you now, and ten years later. When presented with challenges, we do not see them as problems but seek solutions. The Sands Torquay is one of many local buildings we have worked with and strive to provide our experience and knowledge to the table. Bluelab Design have been a proud Australian-owned company for over twenty years. With years of experience in lighting design, manufacturing and procurement specializing in bespoke lighting, we are strong in our promises and delivery. Contact us for more information on our services and products.
The Sands Resort Torquay is nestled within the sand dunes behind Whites Beach in Torquay. The location is idealic for views but for lighting, it can be problematic. Many so called ‘Marine Grade’ products are put to the test along our Australian coast line. Bluelab Design offer the ‘Fairhaven Exterior Range‘. We included Fairhaven Catalogue is available wall lighting and bollards to the exterior areas at the Sands Resort. The wiring spaces were existing with no opportunity to move the cables, Bluelab Design had to ensure the lighting would work with the mounting provided.
Each apartment offers a beautiful balcony as outdoor space to enjoy the coastal outlook or The Sands own Golf course. The balcony lighting was set low with a corroded eyelid bunker washing the ground. The lighting was inadequate and the balconies offered no ambient lighting. The position of the balcony lighting was not ideal at all. The challenge was to provide ambient lighting without creating glare in guests eyes. Bluelab Design supplied a Fairhaven wall mounted Up/Downlighter in charcoal with wide angle beam downward and narrow upward. We also included a honey comb lens on the upward lighting component to control glare.
Custom Hotel Room Lighting
The Sands Accommodation Suites underwent extensive upgrades with a dramatic outcome. The renovated rooms have a neutral beach pallet. Bluelab Design offered replacement downlights with gold reflector as opposed to the old glarey downlights. The Gold trim sheds warm illumination throughout the rooms coupled with floor lamps and wall lighting. The lighting is understated although, serves a direct outcome to the ambience within these comfortable rooms.
