VSI was employed by the main contractors Beck Interiors for the end client, Guoman Hotels, after being initially commissioned for the project by interior designer Lorna Griffiths. The brief was to create a stylish, state-of-the-art, simple-to-use in-room IT, AV and lighting solution.
The first element of the installation for VSI was to specify a recessed i-Pod interface to link to the in-room flat screen TV and compact audio system, allowing guests to hook up their own iPod or MP3 device and play their own music and media through the room facilities.
A customised utility bus was also incorporated by VSI for this project. It consists of a polished chrome panel embedded with two 13 amp sockets, one Schuko (EU) socket and one US/Japanese 110V socket for maximum connectivity. There's also a VGA input back to the room screen facilitating laptop connection to work, play games or watch movies, and a telephone point.
"The client desired a neat and intuitive system that incorporated everything today's traveller would want connection-wise," says PAI Group's Keith Elms, who co-ordinated and oversaw the project for the Wales-based company.
VSI also installed custom lighting control designed around an ANYtronics ANYlight platform in each room; this features three 4-button touch panels - also linked to the electronic key card - allowing different lighting scenes to be selected to suit the mood of the occupant.
Also incorporated throughout the hotel is i-Sign a new product now available from VSI to order. It comprises an LED optically clear back-lit glass plate mounted on the corridor wall outside each room. Engraved with the room number and Service My Room/Do Not Disturb instructions I-sign is interfaced via a remote unit to the user-selectable panel inside the room.
(Jim Evans)
