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Transforming the traditional pub experience in a remote mining town.
BSPN Architecture collaborated closely with the team from Buffs Club to transform the existing venue into an open, resilient, and inspiring sports bar with interactive sports offerings and high-end sports viewing. Located in the mining town of Mt. Isa, the design targeted those seeking entertainment beyond a traditional pub visit and counter meal.
The design concept focused on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere using hard surfaces for durability. The primary material palette consisted of brick masonry, concrete, and timber. The goal was to strike a balance between a rugged aesthetic suitable for a mining town and a welcoming ambience that encourages patrons to linger and return.
Inspired by Mt Isa’s mining culture, the reception area has been significantly transformed.
Key features include a vaulted ceiling to enhance the prominence of the entry, timber batten-lined curved walls and ceiling coffers to assist with wayfinding, guiding patrons from the reception area to the new sports bar and outdoor terrace. Raw material finishes, including stone, timber and concrete were thoughtfully selected to complement each other, resulting in an open and inviting foyer. The monolithic structure of the reception desk reflects the boulders and stones from the surrounding mines. Additional ceiling battens and planting soften the transitional spaces while a feature wall offers opportunities for engaging signage and marketing activities.
The open-plan sports bar was designed with visual permeability to all zones, providing patrons with an immersive experience.
Large acoustic ceilings counteract the hard surfaces to maintain volume comfort.
The material selection includes stone, timber and concrete for a cohesive and inviting feel.
Key features of the Sports Bar include large sports view televisions in multiple zones, personal televisions integrated into booth seating, and a large connected LED screen above the bar for venue customised content viewing .
For a more interactive entertainment experience, golf simulators, digital darts and shuffleboards were included further enhancing the overall patron experience.
BSPN Architecture successfully delivered a space that is both engaging and resilient, met client requirements and combined modern design elements with a nod to the local mining culture. The material selection, integrated technology, and thoughtful design features contribute to a dynamic venue, enhancing the overall entertainment experience for the target audience in Mt. Isa.
