Omahanui Wedding Venue Refurbishment
Sun Oct 05 2025
Omahanui Wedding Venue Refurbishment
The Client Brief: A Fresh Start for a New Chapter
Our client had recently purchased a charming wedding and function venue nestled in Tauranga, and came to us with a clear vision:
"Help us revitalise and modernise the space to appeal to today’s couples and event-goers."
The existing marquee was dated, with frilly roof liners that had seen better days — and had become home to more than a few insects. The aesthetic no longer matched the expectations of modern clients, and there were two major concerns:
- Noise complaints from nearby properties during events.
- A dark and gloomy bar area under a low-set tensioned sail that made it less than inviting.
The Challenge: Redesigning with Elegance & Function
While the location and layout had potential, the original design was limited — especially the hip-ended marquee roof that felt outdated and didn’t provide adequate light or sound control.
Key challenges included:
- Managing sound egress to reduce neighbour complaints
- Increasing natural light and ceiling height in the bar area
- Delivering a clean, modern design that clients would love
- Working within existing structural constraints
Our Solution: Design-Led Transformation with Modern Materials
We approached the project with a focus on elegance, acoustic performance, and guest experience. Here’s how we transformed the venue:
1. From Hip End to Gable Roof
We proposed replacing the old marquee’s hip-ended design with a modern clear gable-end roof, dramatically opening the space. A custom 16m x 5m gable over the annex area was added, flooding the space with natural light and giving the venue an instant facelift.
2. Dual-Skin Acoustic Walling
To combat noise projection, we used a dual-skin clear PVC gable and front walling system. This acted like double glazing, helping absorb and dampen sound during events - a proven method that significantly reduced complaints from neighbours.
3. A Bright, Inviting Bar Space
The old bar area was dark and had support poles that disrupted the space. We reimagined it by:
- Installing an integrated tensioned sail that followed the new roof line
- Lifting the roof height and removing the need for gutters
- Tensioning the sail to the existing outer support poles
- Using bright white PVC fabric to reflect light and create an airy, modern space
The Result: A Venue Transformed
The outcome exceeded expectations. The venue now boasts a clean, modern aesthetic with vastly improved acoustic performance and a much more inviting atmosphere - especially in the bar area.
“Our client was absolutely over the moon with the end result.”
Since the refurbishment, the venue has seen a significant increase in bookings, and the noise issues have been virtually eliminated. We’ve continued working with the client, offering advice and small upgrades as they become more familiar with the space - leading to an ongoing and positive business relationship.
Final Thoughts
This project is a perfect example of how clever design and modern materials can completely transform a space - not just aesthetically, but functionally as well. Whether you're refreshing an existing venue or starting from scratch, our team brings thoughtful, effective solutions that work in the real world.
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