CLOSING JAN 9TH, 2025

 

Equipment Room

  • Prize
    Winner in Interior Design Bar Lounge
  • Company/Firm
    RIOS
  • Lead Designer
    John Hallock, RIOS
  • Other Designer(s)
    Richard Peterson (RIOS), Joy Dai (RIOS), Jesse Hall (RIOS), Sound Consultant: ARUP
  • Architect
    RIOS
  • Interior Designer
    RIOS + Bunkhouse
  • Hospitality
    Bunkhouse + Breakaway Records
  • Construction Company
    Franklin Allen
  • Photo Credit
    Robert Gomez (Images 1, 2, 3, 7) Nick Simonite (Images 4, 5) Floor Plan by RIOS
  • Location
    Austin, TX
  • Project Date
    February 2023
  • Developer
    N/A

Nestled on Austin’s Music Lane, Equipment Room is a unique music destination with a curated design that invites you to step back in time through high-quality sound, bespoke millwork, and eclectic decor.

Inspired by the precision and craftsmanship of Tokyo's listening rooms and a profound love of vinyl, Equipment Room serves its intrinsic purpose of sharing music and bringing a new experience to the long-celebrated music tradition in Austin through a unique angle on the Japanese jazz kissa.

The design implements a hyperlocal approach with minimal intervention by repurposing the former storage room and engaging local audio talent and fabricators, adding to the allure of the modern speakeasy.

Equipment Room features a fully integrated hemlock bar and custom-made feature wall designed to seamlessly integrate the sound equipment and record collection. A custom DJ booth with a roll-top tambour cover adds character and functionality to the space.

Every detail, from the warm lighting to the rich color palette, amplifies the sonic experience, crafting an intimate atmosphere where music lovers can immerse themselves in the beauty and complexity of audio.