Pembroke Design carried out the interior refurbishment, while the technical brief was interpreted by EM-Communications' Ed Manwaring, who says: "Tryka produces quality LED lighting units that are so robust and reliable you can 'install and forget', which is why I always specify them. Knowing that they're unlikely to encounter any problems frees me to focus on the next Tryka installation."
The original brief was to create a friendly and welcoming entrance lobby while softening some of the venue's more industrial features - the main smoke extractor for the Trocadero Centre, which is above the bar, forms a now-concealed element of Orchid's ceiling.
Mirror mosaics were used on the walls to brighten the entrance stairs, which follow the wall of the two flights down to the lobby area. A total of 46 Tryka Module 3 units compactly light the steps and the stair area in its entirety. Six are positioned to up- and down-light the walls at the immediate entrance to create a sense of space and allure from the outside. These Module 3s are fitted with the wash-lens option, while the remainder feature standard-spot lenses to ensure the safest possible walkway.
Manwaring appreciates the convenience offered by the variety of lens options on Tryka's Module 3, "The ability to mix and match the lens options on the Module 3 units is another of the great and well-thought-through features that Tryka includes in its products, which makes installation so simple and straightforward."
Owing to its central location and its sleek and chic interior, Orchid has become a popular choice for corporate hire. The ability to brand the bar throughout in the hirer's corporate hue is a much-used benefit. Manwaring confirms: "The club saw the sense in moving to an LED option and the original budget difference has been covered quickly in extra bookings."< P>(Jim Evans)
