Trans-Tasman design studio CTRL Space is celebrating the kick-off of ‘Full Time’, a joint hospitality venture between the Warriors and Hancocks.
The new sports bar and eatery is in Auckland’s Kingsland, next to Eden Park. It’s the Warriors’ first foray into hospo and has set its sights on being the best sports bar New Zealand has ever seen – a place where fans, fanatics, friends and families come together to celebrate their passion for sports and racing.
Sam Griffin, Creative Director for CTRL Space, says that the team felt a great responsibility when designing the venue.
He says: “Sport and sports fandom is a huge part of our country’s culture. We wanted to create an environment that could be enjoyed by the vast numbers of passionate Warriors and sports fans who will come to enjoy the hospitality of Full Time – a space that can become a celebration of sport (win or lose) and a hub for the sports-loving community to connect.”
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Working with its clients and Complete Construction, CTRL Space has incorporated a high calibre of technology throughout the venue.
Large-scale curved displays can play several sports feeds at once, in multiple directions. And bar-goers will be able to hear the action too – an Autex acoustic ceiling, disguised as architectural timber rafters, helps deliver a premium audio experience.
Alongside the innovation and tech, the interior and exterior spaces are designed to meet the brief for a sophisticated, vibrant and memorable environment.
A winning combination
The existing building has been refined to give a solid and robust architectural feeling, coupled with comfort and softness to create a winning combination for Full Time patrons.
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Natural materials feature prominently. Timber slatted exterior banquettes with generous upholstered seat pads offer comfort and full swing doors open out to the courtyard for the ultimate indoor-outdoor flow.
Sports paraphernalia from various codes is dotted throughout.
Shane Don, General Manager for Full Time Sports, was impressed with the quality of work delivered by CTRL Space. He says: “Their attention to detail throughout this entire project is what sets them apart from others. Their passion and open and frank conversations are a recipe for success for any client. They have been an integral part of delivering our strategy to create New Zealand’s best sports bar.”
CTRL Space is behind a swathe of hospitality hotspots throughout Australia and New Zealand, including Michael Meredith’s Metita in SkyCity Auckland, which has been nominated for an international Restaurant & Bar Award – winners will be announced in Barcelona in October.
