While awaiting permission to construct an all-weather runway, which they hope will be serviceable for Winter 2009, Sywell Aerodrome has wasted no time in developing its second hangar into a fully-equipped conference facility.
The contract for Hangar Two (as with Hangar One, developed five years ago) was awarded to Middlesex Sound & Lighting (MSL). The Harrow-based integrators have a relationship with the facility extending back a decade when Sywell Aerodrome managing director, Michael Bletsoe-Brown, first brought them in to equip the Cirrus Room - another function room at the Aviator Hotel.
After returning to install Martin Audio EM architectural speakers into Hangar One, overlooking the grass runway, they have now completed its next door neighbour - this time taking advantage of EM's successor, Martin Audio's sleek new full-range architectural AQ Series.
Sywell Aerodrome event manager, Karen Joseph, says that the smaller, technically-equipped Hangar Two is likely to appeal to a more upmarket client base, but it will also be used as an annexe to the main hangar where necessary. "We will host seminars and AGM's, with full AV facilities including a drop-down motorised screen, and full monitoring," she said. At the same time the hangar doors open at the rear to offer complete vehicle accessibility - giving the space further potential for event staging.
While visually, the focal point of the room is undoubtedly the replica of the Vickers Gunbus prop (from the film Gunbus/Skybandits), sonically the audio has been carefully designed into a three-zone system, providing even coverage of all mic (Trantec radios) and line (DVD/VHS) devices.
Wall-mounted high along the back of the room are four black AQ5s, providing rear fills. Their positioning, according to MSL project manager Lance Bromhead, takes into account the room configuration when the raked portable auditorium seating is wheeled in. Flanking the Steeldeck stage are two clusters of AQ12s, effectively forming the PA wings, which are optimised using Martin Audio's dedicated AQX system controller.
Lance Bromhead explains that separate zones are dedicated to the stage and rear - with a third to Hangar One, so the sources can be switched between the two spaces.
Two mix positions have been created by the judicious positioning of floor traps and patchbays, with multicores terminated on Harting connectors. Everything - from the lighting dimmers to the zonal control and PC - is housed in a single bespoke desk which can plug in to either of the two positions.
MSL have also provided profile spots and scene sets from a Mode Mirage lighting board and will follow up by adding some moving lights at a later stage.
Summarised Lance Bromhead, "The Martin Audio AQs have provided both an elegant and highly-functional solution in a classic conference and function facility."
(Claire Beeson)
