Marquee AV has designed and implemented a sound and lighting system for The Roof Gardens, a newly revamped club that now occupies the former Kensington Roof Gardens, featuring speaker brand L-Acoustics.
The Grade II-listed former nightclub, crafted in the Art Deco era, embodies a time that challenged tradition, ushered in modernism and embraced innovation and social progress.
The new owners sought a luxurious, high-quality and super capable audio system that would deliver exceptional sound across various enchanting areas. From the idyllic Alhambra-inspired Spanish Garden and the Walled Garden to the Woodland Garden venue and the dining areas on the 6th and 7th floors, the system needed to be versatile and ready for the events yet to come.
Arcacia Consulting, the main contractors for the Roof Gardens, requested Marquee AV to deliver the project, having previously collaborated with them on many projects. Marquee AV also had the opportunity to provide a music system, years ago, when the venue was owned by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition, so it was pertinent that they provide the new system.
Stacey Tough, Director at Marquee AV, led the project. With experience leading projects in numerous private members’ clubs and luxury nightclubs, he understood the specific needs of each area of the venue. The audio design throughout the venue was constructed largely with L-Acoustics, using a variety of products to suit the different areas.
The large installation began in April, with first fix cabling being completed earlier. Interior design constraints limited speaker sizes, subwoofer placement and cable routes, presenting challenges for the team when managing multiple control racks. With a directive to keep the equipment discreet or camouflaged, Marquee AV collaborated closely with the Arcacia team to overcome these obstacles. Together, they developed a powerful and versatile system that is still evolving with the project’s needs.
The Roof Garden’s sound system is a testament to cutting-edge audio engineering, featuring a range of L-Acoustics products to create enjoyable atmospheres across all areas. The X8 speakers are strategically placed in the 6th Floor Biba Snug, Sun Pavilion & Bar and 6th Floor Front Terrace, ensuring high-quality sound coverage both indoors and outdoors.
Meanwhile, the 5XT speakers enhance the ambience in the Spanish Garden and Walled Garden. Other interesting spaces are still under construction and will soon be equipped with sound systems to match, adding even more facets to this stunning and iconic project.
The major audio areas include the 6th Floor Biba Bar, equipped with A10 Wide and KS21 speakers for a lively bar atmosphere. Furthermore, the Sun Pavilion & Bar, which features X8s and SB10is to provide low-end extension and high-quality feel, along with Syva Stacks configured as a mobile speaker system for powerful live music performances. The selection of plug-in locations, both indoors and outdoors, offer additional versatility and configuration options.
Marquee AV created custom solution brackets for a number of the wall-mounted speakers, and those situated in the flower beds. These speakers were spray-painted in bespoke RAL colours to blend with the garden’s design. Their careful placement ensures the immersive experience remains intact, which is crucial for the client.
Additional work by the Marquee Team was the installation of Claypaky Mini-B spotlights, highlighting the DJ in the Biba Bar area adding to the high impact and energy in this part of the venue. These are controlled via an iPad, employing the highly malleable Showcad lighting control software.
The DJ setup boasts Pioneer CDJ3000 players, DJM A9 and V10 mixers, Technics 1210 mk7 turntables, X12 speakers and SB15 subs.
Powering the whole system are the LA4X and LA2Xi amplifiers and a Q-SYS Core 110 processor & QIO devices, with TSC wall controllers to simplify zone control. The versatile Q-SYS platform ensures the system meets the venue’s shifting demands and can easily grow with it as it evolves.
The system has been adjusted to avoid disturbing neighbours, ensuring a balanced and great audio experience throughout the venue.
Stacey explains, “The audio design encapsulates the spaces throughout the venue and delivers exceptional audio quality, with the Spanish Garden offering a particularly enjoyable ambience. The system’s flexibility allows it to accommodate a wide range of events, and we will continue to enhance it to maximise its potential. We are incredibly proud to work in such an iconic venue and can’t wait to discover the amazing experiences this sound system and venue can achieve together.”