MODA
NIGHTCLUB
We
are excited to present to you a very unique and elegant project recently
completed by M.W. Mielke, Inc. The Moda nightclub is a trendy, high-class
establishment, patterned after the upscale nightclubs of such cities
as New York, South Beach Miami, and Las Vegas; it is a welcome addition
to the nightlife of Downtown Cleveland. The club boasts dramatic 35í
ceilings, with historical wood arched trusses. The interior space is
contemporary yet elegant, including long sweeping draperies from ceiling
to floor, and velvet covered benches and seating areas. The lighting
is bold yet non-obtrusive, and the atmosphere is definitely high-energy.
Some additional features of the interior include a sound system to rival
all others, and a nitrogen system that will flood the dance floor with
cool mystical fog on several occasions throughout a typical night. The
entertainment is already recognized among the best anywhere in the country,
including appearances by different world-renowned disc jockeys throughout
the year. Moda nightclub is definitely the place to see and be seen
in Cleveland's P.M.
When the architects at A.O.D.K., Inc. approached us regarding designing
and installing a state of the art H.V.A.C. system in this new upscale
Cleveland nightclub, we were immediately excited. Their requirements
were concise yet complex, they wanted a system that provided clean,
fresh air throughout the entire night, no matter how large the crowd.
They wanted customers to be able to spend an evening in the bar without
leaving with the oftentimes-unpleasant smoky smell that accompanies
typical nightclubs. The aesthetics of the system had to match their
unique architectural theme, and finally the system needed to be energy
efficient. Our in-house engineering team knew immediately that this
project required something different from the traditional heating and
air-conditioning system of most commercial buildings. The system needed
to be flexible enough to work efficiently and effectively whether there
were 20 patrons, or 600 patrons in the club. Through past experience,
we were familiar with a system that would be perfect for this application.
Although it isn't widely used in the States; it is very popular overseas,
and in some high-end buildings in the U.S. The system is called an air
displacement system. In simple terms it uses high quantities of outside
air, introduced into the space near the floor, at the same time air
is exhausted at the ceiling, thereby constantly changing the air throughout
the space. This system would allow us to meet the customer's needs,
and through innovative engineering, we could design the system components
so that they fit perfectly with the club's decor.
After
engineering was complete we went to work installing the system. The
club owners had picked a historical theater as the site of the new club.
The building had been unoccupied for years, and while the structural
integrity of the building was good, the entire interior space had to
be demolished, and completely reworked. During construction, M.W. Mielke,
Inc. self-performed approximately 68% of the $ 165,090.00 contract,
we also worked closely with the General Trades contractor, Allied Construction,
our subcontractors, Process Sheet Metal, Inc., and KVA Electric, Inc.
Coordination between the trades was crucial in order to install the
large ductwork system in walls and chases so that at project completion,
the system became invisible. Through much diligent attention to details,
and the full cooperation of M.W. Mielke's engineering staff and field
employees, A.O.D.K. Architects, and all involved trades, the space came
together beautifully. The system was started up and functioned even
better than anticipated.
This
project, like most, was not without challenges and obstacles, however
thanks to the experience, professionalism, and determination of all
parties involved the project was a resounding success. The owner has
a building and club that rivals any of it's kind anywhere in the country.
Furthermore the owners, the design team, M.W. Mielke, Inc., and all
of the other contractors involved can add a unique project to their
resume to be proud of for years to come.
