Duran Audio chosen for new ‘digital generation’ Singapore hotel residence
Published: ASIA
SINGAPORE: Two Axys loudspeakers are at the heart of a BGM system installed into one of Singapore’s most cutting edge new hotels. Named Capri by Fraser, the hotel residence ‘tunes into the iPad generation’ whilst offering its customers ‘an extensive range of facilities and customisable services together with the comfort and convenience of a full serviced residence’.
Opened in May and operated by serviced residence giant Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd, Capri by Fraser represents an innovative blend of serviced residence and technology-driven hotel. Located near to Singapore Expo, Capri By Fraser, Changi City / Singapore is the first among those that are due to open over the course of next two years, starting with Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and Johor Bahru.
Residents can expect an unrivalled experience in terms of available technology, including free high speed wifi throughout the building, iPad activated check-ins, an interactive e-concierge, AirPrint and wifi e-Print facilities for business, meeting rooms with interactive walls and a Data Box to charge all digital devices. Other highlights include a broad range of leisure experiences available via a customisable online menu.
Equally striking is the hotel’s physical design, encompassing suites complete with premium bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, fully equipped kitchenettes and living areas. Meanwhile the public areas have been conceived as ‘expanded social living spaces’, meaning the Caprilicious all-day dining area flows smoothly into the bar, which in turn leads to an IT zone and meeting rooms.
With technology placed at such a premium within Capri by Fraser, the addition of a high-end BGM system within the hotel was critical, particularly within the outdoor pool area located on the second floor. ‘Capri is projecting itself as a futuristic hotel for younger guests, so music is important,’ explained regional operations executive Daryl Chee.
He added, however, that ‘the pool area had already been built by the time we decided to install some sound reinforcement there.’ Moreover, there were concerns over retrofitting a system leading to a compromise in the hotel’s unique interior design. ‘The interior designer was against speakers being visibly placed there,’ continued Mr Chee. ‘Plus the guest hotel rooms back onto it so there was a noise pollution issue and we couldn’t dig up the patio area to install cabling.’
Following a full evaluation, the hotel management opted for two Axys Intellivox DC115 speakers to be installed on the aluminium frames of the adjacent indoor gymnasium.
‘It’s perfect for our needs,’ Mr Chee enthused. ‘The slim unobtrusive design of the speakers satisfied the interior designer, and since the Intellivox speakers are connected to a Cloud CVX225 zone amplifier and Yamaha MG124 console in the gymnasium, there was no need to excavate the grounds for laying loudspeaker cabling.
‘However, the vertical beam steering qualities of the DC115s was what really won this over. Both speakers have been programmed to contain the audio within the pool area and away from the guest rooms and adjacent buildings.’
The DC115 loudspeakers comprise six 4-inch loudspeakers and two dome tweeters that are driven by an eight channel class-D amplifier to provide directivity control up to a distance of 15m whilst maintaining an even SPL. Supplied by Control Logic Supplies and installed by ESCO, the speakers have also been IP65 weatherproofed to protect them from the elements.