Hospitality
Heyford Park
A unique venue set within a former RAF base, combining dining, events, and leisure facilities. Habitech Pro designed a versatile AV system spanning multiple spaces, from intimate restaurant zones to large event areas, with flexible audio routing and atmospheric lighting throughout the heritage setting.
Sonance Professional and Blaze Audio
Architectural speakers paired with commercial amplification delivering versatile, zoned audio from restaurants to large event spaces.
Lutron Lighting Control
Atmospheric lighting design with flexible scene control suited to the heritage setting and varied venue spaces.
RTI Control Systems
Centralised control unifying audio, lighting, and video across the complex multi-space venue for simple staff operation.
WyreStorm Video Distribution
Matrix video routing delivering content to displays in event areas, dining spaces, and public zones throughout the park.
From Security to Full AV
Darrell Hobbs of Chris Lewis Group describes how the project grew organically. Initially engaged for fire and security systems, the scope expanded as the client recognised the value of a single, trusted integrator delivering the full technology package. The brief ultimately encompassed audio across all public areas, Samsung displays throughout the hotel, and a robust Ruckus wireless networking infrastructure to serve both guests and operational systems.
This evolution from a narrow brief to a comprehensive installation is a pattern familiar to many integrators, and it underscores the importance of being able to draw on a broad product portfolio and strong distribution support.
Atmosphere in Every Space
The audio specification draws on the depth of the Sonance Professional range. Six PS-P83T pendants provide commanding audio in the glass house restaurant, with a further six in the 455 Bar, creating a consistent atmosphere across the hotel's two principal dining and drinking spaces. Two PS-P63T pendants serve the private dining room, delivering a more intimate audio experience.
Sixteen PS-C43RT in-ceiling speakers provide discreet coverage across reception, restrooms, and the bowling reception area, whilst Sonance Mariner speakers, designed for durability in more demanding environments, handle the bowling alley. The breadth of the Sonance Professional range allowed Chris Lewis Group to specify the right speaker for every space, maintaining quality and consistency throughout.
Samsung Displays and Ruckus Networking
Samsung commercial displays, ranging from 43 inches to 75 inches, are deployed throughout the hotel, providing visual content in public areas, the restaurant, and the bar. Samsung's commercial-grade reliability ensures dependable performance across the extended operating hours of a hotel environment.
Underpinning the entire installation is a Ruckus wireless network comprising 32 R320 access points managed by a Ruckus Zone Director. In a modern hotel, Wi-Fi is not a luxury but a fundamental utility. The Ruckus infrastructure provides guests with fast, reliable connectivity whilst also supporting the operational technology that keeps the hotel running smoothly.
Yamaha Processing and Amplification
The audio backbone is managed by a Yamaha MTX-3 processor with Yamaha DCP-4S wall controllers, providing straightforward zone management for the hotel's operational team. Power is delivered by Yamaha XMV8140, XMV4140, and PA2030 amplifiers, ensuring that each zone receives the appropriate level of amplification.
The Yamaha platform's reliability and ease of management are particularly valuable in a hotel environment, where staff need to adjust audio settings quickly and without specialist knowledge.
A Heritage Location, A Contemporary Experience
The Heyford is a property that wears its history with pride whilst offering a thoroughly modern guest experience. The AV installation plays a key role in achieving that balance, providing atmospheric audio, engaging visual displays, and seamless connectivity throughout the hotel. For Chris Lewis Group, the project is a demonstration of what can be achieved when an integrator is trusted to deliver the full technology package.
Project Gallery
Brands and Solutions
Sonance Professional speakers, Blaze Audio amplification, Lutron lighting control, RTI control systems, WyreStorm video distribution