Project Perspective
The Gordon TAFE in Geelong has long held esteem in the hospitality industry as the leading training institution for aspiring Chef’s, silver service trainees, Maître De’s and Sommeliers. In 2020 they embarked on a journey to completely refurbish their entire facility and create a culinary academy that would once again set the standard for hospitality training.
The project included the refurbishment of existing heritage listed buildings including the historic Davidson Restaurant along with the addition of new spaces that would include the new training kitchens, barista training rooms, cooking presentation spaces and a fully operational café, all fitted out with the latest in hospitality technology and equipment. Further to this, a full overhaul of their classroom-based training facilities was required to ensure the important theory-based learning was not missed.
Gray Puksand was given the task of seamlessly combining old with new, and the resulting design was breathtaking — highlighting the beauty of the old buildings while combining modern and contemporary additions that linked it all together.
Kane Constructions was awarded the build contract and their dedicated project team, with their attention to detail and determination, delivered this vision perfectly. MultiTek Solutions has a long and successful history both with Kane Constructions and The Gordon, so it was only natural that we were selected as the AV Technology contract to round out this extraordinary team.
Technical Requirements
The technical requirements for this project were complex and varied and required ongoing refinement with the client as the project progressed.
The training kitchens, bakeries and barista pods contained distributed vision for students to view the educators cooking class along with menu’s and recipes. This was achieved using a Crestron NVX solution and accompanying speech reinforcement and audio utilised Crestron ceiling speakers and amplification complemented by Shure ULX-D microphones.
Classrooms utilised Crestron video distribution as well as Crestron Flex to allow remote learning. Complemented by Crestron ceiling speakers and amplification and Shure MX series microphones. Display was via Sharp/NEC projectors and streaming and recording was also available using Lumens CaptureVision system.
The main presentation space, used mainly for guest chefs and special events, utilised all of these systems but on a much larger scale. Introduced into the space was the ability to tap into the technology to allow external event specialists to bring in professional equipment and broadcast to or from this space.
Finally was the fully operational café and Davidson Restaurant which required the usual distributed audio system for background music to create ambiance and an inviting space for all customers. In addition, the Davidson Restaurant can be used as a function space and so the addition of a large NEC/Sharp screen along with many floor box options for portable screens and lecterns was included along with a Shure ULX-D microphone system.
Outcomes
This project was completed in a number of stages to ensure that existing students could continue their training un-interrupted. This required careful planning on behalf of the entire team delivering this project to ensure stages were completed on time and safely.
Towards the end of each stage MultiTek was able to soft-open the spaces with the client to ensure that when fully operational, any creases had been ironed out and all staff were aware of the range of technologies available and how best to use them.
The final result of this project was not only visually stunning but fitted out with the latest technology across a range of different disciplines all working together to create a facility that matches any in the world. The client, educators and students have embraced these spaces and continue their important work.
Soon after the completion of this project, the whole MultiTek Solutions team utilised the private dining space in the Davidson Restaurant to celebrate the end of the year and enjoyed the beautiful space and exceptional food and silver service on offer.
