2008 FAB AWARD – Hospitality

20 Below Studio

Envy Nightclub

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Envy Nightclub presented an interesting design challenge: To create a hip, urban nightclub that successfully blends modern interior elements with a historical shell -- and to find brilliance on a tight budget.

Always mindful of acoustics and lighting as well as color palette and materials, the design team tackled the challenge with style and pizzazz, while never losing track of the time constraints and scheduling issues presented by the looming grand opening date.

The design solution was executed by infusing the space with light, energy, and a healthy dose of sex appeal. The resulting space is not only beautiful, but also a chic breathe of fresh air for the Twin Cities nightclub/bar scene. The space is entered through a stunning copper tunnel with small openings into the club – a sneak peak at what’s to come once inside. Envy’s two main bars – the front “Fire” bar and the back “Ice” bar were created as a yin and yang – one with a translucent top, the other with a glowing base – allowing the colors on each to shift from vibrant neon hues to soft muted pastels. This warm/cool theme was also carried over to the rooms themselves – the front room is meant to evoke a hot fiery space, while the back is cooler and sleeker. The rooms are connected by a hallway which permits seamless movement between the spaces while still allowing for one room to be cordoned off for more intimate gatherings or for VIP only.

The idea of various levels of VIP was carried throughout the entire club with various spaces acting as semi-private lounges and seating – each slightly different yet uniformly luxurious. To create warmth and detail in these lounge areas, intimate lighting and flexible furnishings such as custom sofas, banquettes, ottomans, and cocktail tables were used.

The resulting design works equally well as a nightclub, private event space, ultra lounge and dance hall. The sleek furnishings, beautiful lighting, and various VIP areas offer an interesting contrast to the 122 year-old building and its existing plaster pillars, wood floor and historic exterior.

DESIGN TEAM & SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Heather Rose-Dunning Project Designer
Joseph Hamilton Project Designer
Kevin Rolfes Project Manager
David Bower Design Team
Michael Sullivan Design Team
Tara Thorson Design Team

Northland Development Co. General Contractor
Collins Electric Electrical Engineer
Artifex Millwork, Inc. Millwork
A. Rivera & Associates, Inc. Custom Furniture
Premier Restaurant Equipment Food Service & Bar Equipment
Appollo Systems Lighting and Sound
Balbo Acrylic Design Bar Tops and Custom Tables
Pictura Graphics Custom Graphics

20 Below Studio website