The Bar at 17 Wing, built during the disco era, had been out of use due to the outdated interior design and electrical and plumbing issues (see before photos). The bar was recently renovated by National Defense Canada to use as a space for Junior Rank Members to unwind and recover from combat duty when they come home.
One particular focus of the Bar’s renovation was to enliven the interior and help make significant others of Junior Rank Members feel welcome to spend time with their loved ones and enjoy the space. The functional and stylish space is now socially vibrant and—an additional bonus—is financially successful as well!
The Interior Design of the Bar and lounge has areas for pool tables, dartboards, a dance floor, and a lounge area. Dinner and drinks, along with the stand-up bar, complete the multifunctional space. The facility is also used for socials, wedding receptions, special events, dances, relaxation during the week and military functions, like courts marshal.
As the user group for this project included members of the military, federal government staff requested our interior design team use military blue as the main colour in the space, which gave us a good starting point for the development of the colours and materials. Since this is a basement space we looked for ways to make it feel light and area, with some bling for those special events, but still keeping the space rich in tone. With a sea of square columns to contend with, we selected circular custom-made column covers with a detailed pattern. The carpet plan was designed to help create energy in the space and define certain areas based on functions, like the dartboard area, pool table area, lounge/T.V. seating area, bar, and dance floor.
The ceiling design and lighting were critical to the success of this project. We created a feeling of more space above the ceiling by using concealed lighting above and clouds of curved transparent panels. This reinforced the design concept of curves, light, space and energy.
The bar needed to stay in its existing location due to shared staffing of the bar on the other side of the wall, plus there were services in this area we could not move like a walk-in cooler and electrical panels. However, we could transform the space into something that created a focal point with millwork details, material use, lighting and the shape of the space. The product was attractively displayed to maximize sales at the bar.
As a commercial interior design firm, we are geared to meet our clients’ demands. In this case, we were given 25 days from the start-up meeting to completed working drawings ready for tender. It was a marathon of work and a near-impossible task considering the other professionals involved, like electrical, mechanical and architectural contractors. We worked on this project around the clock and achieved completion on deadline.
