PETERSHAM RSL - CUSTOMISED CURTAINS
It’s finally that time again with our latest Project in Focus.
In this update we will take a look at our customised curtains, for the redeveloped venue of Petesham RSL. Giving you insight into the processes and precautions taken when dealing with a commercial project.
Since our job at Petersham RSL can be considered as one of the final steps in its construction, we were tasked with providing some of the finishing details. In this case, made to measure window furnishings that functioned as an aesthetic look, to complete the interior décor.
So what exactly did this project include?
This commercial project included a number of extra steps taken for us to complete the job. We customised curtains that had drops over 4m, using hand drawn templates; we dealt with delicate fabrics that needed special care; and we enlisted the help of SSS Scaffolding for installation.
We worked hand in hand with the interior designer Vassoulla, visiting the site to discuss the processes, obstacles, challenges and solutions associated with the job. And made note of any after care alterations that were likely to pop up when dealing with long drops and heavy fabrics.
After creating a plan forward, we started all the hard work in bringing our clients vision to life!
Beginning with….
LOBBY - SHEER CURTAINS
In the lobby, a woven sheer fabric was selected to make the custom curtains, with a great height of 5.8m.
Sheer Fabric – supplied by South Pacific Fabrics; designed by Pollack from their Dubai collection, in colour “champagne”.
To accurately measure this window, we created a template for its curved shape.
We rolled out some paper directly along its edge, and traced an exact outline. This hand-drawn template was then given to our suppliers, who used it to precisely bend the track to match the lobby windows curve.
For the drop, we simply used a laser to measure the height.
Commercial heavy duty tracks were used, for the lobby curtains, to carry the weight of the fabric.
These curtains were purely a decorative choice. They helped add to the aesthetic and personality of the Petersham RSL lobby.
RESTAURANT BOOKING AND SEATING AREA CURTAINS
In the restaurant, a vibrant velvet fabric was chosen for both the long drop customised curtains in the booking area and the decorative curtains in the seating area. With a 4.8m drop and 3m drop.
Velvet Fabric – supplied by Laine, from their Lux – Velvet Collection, in colour “Terracotta”.
Measuring for the booking area was quite the challenge. Because of the unique design behind the desk, we had to be very precise with our hand-drawn template. Which our suppliers used to bend the track into the correct shape.
To draw this, we sat our measuring tape right up against the column and marked every 10cm. An extremely important step to get a perfect template and semi circle. If measured incorrectly, our track would not fit within the bulkhead or around the column and booking area for installation.
The seating area however, was quite straight forward. Since there weren’t any distinctive shapes, we only drew templates for the curved ends behind the banquettes.
Commercial heavy duty tracks were used, for the lobby curtains, to carry the weight of the fabric.
These made to measure S-wave curtains were chosen to maintain a consistent, clean and luxurious look, with this beautiful, bold velvet fabric.
This style also matched well with the restaurants colour scheme, in the seating area. As it was paired with the lush deep green of the banquettes and interior decor.
For a seamless look, double sided curtains were installed on the large glass door by the booking area. Since the back of fabrics have a different appearance to the front, it was important to keep a consistent look from both sides.
These customised curtains are mostly aesthetic. However, they did provide a function of privacy, where they covered the glass door, separating the lobby and the restaurant.
For the seating area, it broke up the grey, patterned wall paper behind the banquettes. Adding an extra dimension to the interior decor.
GREEN ROOM CURTAIN
In the function room heavy duty fabrics were used, to create a double sided stage curtain, with a drop of 3.4m
Stage Side – supplied by The Textile Company, from their Sorrento collection, in colour “White”.
Green Room Side – supplied by Materialised, from their Hush Acoustics Range, in colour “Cameron Oyster”.
This style of customised s-wave curtain was designed to be free flowing for quick and easy operation. As it was a stage curtain, it needed to be easy to open and close.
This also meant that thick, durable fabrics were required. Meaning that it could “take a beating” as people frequently moved in and out between the Green room and the stage.
Free flowing, commercial heavy duty tracks were used. The tracks needed to be able to carry the weight of the fabrics, while also being able to open the curtain from both sides.
Aside from the aesthetics, the function of the Stage curtain was mainly driven with the need for Privacy. Since it was located in the Function Room they needed to separate the green room from the main stage.
The making of this curtain was a little bit tricky, since it was wanted to appear as though both sides looked like the face of the curtain. And with the use of two different fabrics, this meant that we had to use a different method to cover the tape that connects the two fabrics.
To do this, we stitched both ends together and used a snap tape in the heading. Since a snap tape uses “snap carriers”, rather than hooks, which lock into the track, this allowed us to join both sides of the fabrics on one track system. Making it look like one curtain with two faces.
SPA ROOM CURTAIN
In the Spa area, behind the desk, a delicate and simple sheer fabric was used to match the mood created by the interior decor. With a drop of 2.58m.
Sheer Fabric – supplied by The Textile Company, from their Sienna range, in colour “Parchment”.
Since this was in the Spa area, the simple, subdued choice in colour and design was chosen to maintain that “spa” feeling.
The light sheer curtain blended effortlessly into the room, evoking that calming feeling associated with such spaces.
A standard hand-drawn track system was used.
This was a purely aesthetic choice. The customised sheer curtains functioned as a way to soften the room. Which provided a relaxing and luxurious environment that perfectly complimented the interior.
INSTALLATION
Installation at Petersham RSL was completed within one working day. A necessity since the job required the use of scaffolding, supplied by SSS Scaffolding, for the long drop curtains. And special platforms in the restaurant over the banquettes.
As the installation of curtains is one of the final steps undertaken for job completion, we had to take extra precautions to avoid any damages. Since heavy construction was finished by this point.
As such, the scaffolding required floor protection, to avoid damaging the marble tiles. And special platforms were added when installing over the banquettes. Preventing any probability of damage to the seating cushions, while still allowing us to reach the bulkheads for installation.
Installation for the Green room and Spa room were very simple and straightforward. The Lobby area, booking area and restaurant/seating area were a different story though. All these areas required the use of scaffolding due to their height, and in the case of the booking area, unique shape in the bulkhead.
For the booking area in particular, the installation was far from straightforward. We needed more hands on deck because of the curved track, tight fitting areas, height and heavy fabric. With certain corners being hard to reach places, two or even three sets of hands were needed at times to install the customised curtains. And since the scaffolding was only booked for the day of installation, everything needed to be perfect before the scaffolding was disassembled.
The seating area in the restaurant required extra platforms to be added on the edges of the scaffolding. This meant that we could stand over the banquettes, without damaging them, for installation.
Due to the nature and weight of the fabrics in the Lobby, Booking and Restaurant areas, we expected the fabric to stretch past their desired “sitting” height. Because of this, we left the curtains to sit and drop for a few days and then returned for hem alterations.
However, velvet is a very delicate fabric and we had to take extra care with the curtains in the Booking and Restaurant areas. After removing the stitching for the hems to re-adjust the height, we then hand-stitched each curtain for a flawless looking product.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The project at Petersham RSL presented some interesting challenges that needed creative solutions. But with the hard-work of our entire team, and the dedication of the interior designer, we were able to complete this job to the satisfaction of the clients. Something we are truly thrilled of accomplishing.
We are especially proud of all our curtain makers, from our workroom, who put in a long day working on the hem alterations. They did an astonishing job.
The finished look of the newly renovated Petersham RSL came together flawlessly. Creating a unique and exquisite environment for patrons.
If you are interested in more of our work, browse our gallery for more images of our past projects. And follow us on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates on our current projects.
You can also read about our project in Milsons Point. A beautiful space with custom curtains and blinds.
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