Reine & La Rue presented a unique challenge, transforming a historically significant 1887 stock exchange building into a world-class hospitality venue whilst preserving its breathtaking architectural grandeur. The venue’s high ceilings and intricate design required a delicate balance of discretion and performance in audio implementation.
Partnering with Arup and Nomad Hospitality Group, our approach was rooted in advanced acoustic modelling. The goal was to manage the venue’s inherent reverberation challenges without compromising its aesthetics. K-array’s ultra-compact Lyzard loudspeakers emerged as the ideal solution. These innovative loudspeakers blend seamlessly into the venue’s existing joinery, providing pristine audio clarity without disrupting the heritage-listed interiors.
By utilising Lyzards’ wide dispersion and precision-tuned frequency response, we created a system that delivers immersive yet unobtrusive sound. The result is an enveloping auditory experience where patrons enjoy crystal-clear music without being overwhelmed by echoes or uneven sound coverage.
Integrating a high-performance audio system into a heritage-listed venue posed significant obstacles. The first challenge was the structure itself. The excessive reverberation from the high ceilings and stone surfaces required a carefully engineered solution to maintain speech intelligibility and musical fidelity.
Heritage restrictions also meant that traditional speaker placements were not an option. We needed a solution that respected the original architecture while delivering superior audio performance. We leveraged sophisticated modelling software to map the acoustics and identify optimal loudspeaker placement. K-array’s Lyzard loudspeakers, with their ultra-compact form factor and exceptional sound quality, allowed us to install a system that was virtually invisible yet highly effective.
Additionally, system integration and fine-tuning were critical. As integrators, we ensured seamless implementation, while our team meticulously calibrated the setup to achieve perfect sound distribution across the venue. The end result is a stunning blend of heritage preservation and modern audio excellence.
Reine & La Rue exemplifies how technology can enhance a venue without compromising its heritage and architectural beauty. By overcoming significant acoustic and structural challenges, we delivered an immersive sound experience that enhances the ambiance of this much-loved Melbourne landmark.
The installation at Reine & La Rue showcases K-array’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in audio design. The innovative use of Lyzard loudspeakers in a heritage venue shows how high-fidelity sound can be achieved in challenging environments.
This project is a testament to the power of collaboration, technical expertise, and forward-thinking design. It is more than an audio installation; it is the harmonisation of audio technology and history.
