Now a popular venue for product launches and functions, Hangar Oneis a converted World War II aircraft hangar at Sywell Aerodrome inNorthamptonshire,, England. Part of the Aviator Hotel, the refashioningof the hangar into a conference venue included the installation of aMartin Audio sound system, designed and fitted by Middlesex Sound andLighting.
Originally, the building comprised three smaller hangars built in1941 to house the planes used to train the RAF pilots during the war.Soon after, it was demolished and reconstructed as a single largeblister hangar with an all-metal frame.
“Acoustically, the hangar presents some difficulties,”said Lance Broomhead of Middlesex Sound and Lighting. The main hall is110 feet by 70 feet with a ceiling height of 19 feet in the center andeight feet at the sides. “Together with Simon Bull of MartinAudio, we decided the best approach was a central cluster of six EM56loudspeakers and 12 EM15s, six going down each side of the buildingwhich serve as in-fill. In addition, there is a pair of EM56s at theend and a pair in the middle. These are for conferences, where they arethe main P.A., enhanced by the cluster.”
The hangar has been re-finished with an insulated skin and given anew floor. Although the building dates back to World War II, the use ofwood veneer, period features and sympathetic lighting have produced amultifunctional modern venue. “It’s an unusual venue, and it hasa terrific ambience,” said Broomhead. “Visually, the MartinAudio speakers look the part; in fact, it was one of the reasons forchoosing this system, because Martin were able to purpose-color thecabinets to match the mottled gray ceiling.”
For more information, visit Martin Audio online at www.martin-audio.com.
