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Greetings!
The Las Vegas Strip resorts boast some of the most extraordinary interior structures in the world. These themed decorative structures may be stand-alone or attached to the inside of the buildings they occupy. Their unique shape may envelope an occupied space or unusable area.
The design of these impressive interior structures requires a special set of skills. Experience in conducting site surveys and analysis of the existing primary structure are essential. Knowledge of the fire protection code is especially important. Moreover, understanding tenant operations and construction aspects such as transportation of materials within an occupied space that must remain usable is crucial for designing a construction friendly structure.
Working on interior renovation projects for the hospitality industry is not a shift that we had to make due to market demands or prevailing economic conditions; it has been a part of our firm's core specialty since its founding. Consequently, over their past 25 years of practice, our engineers have gained extensive experience in these projects. This month's featured project at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino demonstrates our firm's capability in designing unique interior  structures. As an integral part of a team of designers and contractors, our engineers made it possible to execute the owner's vision and bring these projects to reality. Best regards, Mohammed Thomad, PE, SE Principal |
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Focus On: Decorative Interior Structures
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Large chandeliers (like the one shown above at the EyeCandy Sound Lounge and Bar at Mandalay Bay) are a great example of decorative interior structures that require knowledgeable design. |
Themed interior decorative structures are not merely interior furnishings; they are an integral and essential part of entertainment and hospitality venues. They may be stand-alone or attached to the interior of existing buildings, and may envelope an occupied space or a void unusable area. Their design requires knowledge of the Fire Protection Code when located within fire rated buildings.
Clark County Department of Development Services publishes a design guide titled "Unique Interiors Building Guide." Below is a summary of some types of interior structures and their governing codes as detailed within this guide. For the whole guide, click here.
Examples of Unique Interior Structures within Fire Rated Buildings:
- Canopies, awnings and umbrellas
- Non-occupiable decorative balconies
- Lattice, eaves, projections and other similar ceiling features
- Kiosks, carousels and roofs of interior structures
- Sprinkler systems
- Lighting trusses
- Statues and tall artificial trees
- Signs, banners, murals and LEDs
- Operable partitions
Applicable Codes:
- International Building Code (IBC) - Currently IBC 2009
- State and local code amendments - Southern Nevada Building Code Amendments (SNBC) for our state
- Uniform Fire Code (UFC) - Combustible materials addressed in UFC Sections 1103.3.3, 1103.4 and 1103.3.5
Though these structures are often purely ornamental, their design and documentation are equally important to all other project aspects. Design professionals are advised to review the above guide and demonstrate compliance on construction documents when designing decorative interior structures. Below are a few featured examples of projects that included the design of interior structures. |
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Featured Project: Renovations at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
During the first half of 2012, THOMAD Engineering worked vigorously on a series of nine renovation projects at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, each requiring its own building permit. The $20+ million renovations include the addition of brand new restaurants, a live music venue, and retail shops spread throughout the casino floor. Most are completed and open for business! We've featured three of the projects below.
"Vinyl" Live Music Venue
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Vinyl's bar, featuring a unique architectural canopy supported by differential chain blocks |
Chances are you've seen one of several billboards advertising The Hard Rock's new live music venue, "Vinyl", while driving around town. The venue opened at the end of August and offers live music concerts and even stand up comedy acts! THOMAD Engineering provided structural design for a unique architectural canopy over the venue's bar, new raised platforms for the VIP area and DJ booth, and modification of an existing catwalk structure. Click here for more photos. "Culinary Dropout" Restaurant
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Outdoor seating and "green" accent wall |
Bringing to the table a Southern influenced pub-style menu, Sam Fox's "Culinary Dropout" offers favorites such as fried chicken with honey-drizzled buttermilk biscuits, as well as hard-to-find meats and cheeses. THOMAD Engineering provided structural design for the support of large industrial style garage roll up doors that open up to the restaurant's outdoor patio, as well as a unique "green" accent wall adjacent to the terrace. Click here for more photos.
"Mr. Lucky's" Restaurant
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Mr. Lucky's, a Hard Rock favorite |
Mr. Lucky's has been synonymous with the Hard Rock brand since the hotel's inception. This renovation introduced a refresh for the venue, updating the interior with a more modern feel. The menu has been expanded, but retains the diner classics such as burgers and sandwiches that the restaurant is known for. THOMAD Engineering designed a suspension system for new decorative glass panels that hang from the existing casino structure.
The above exciting projects are just a few pieces of the large renovation The Hard Rock has invested in. For more photos and information, have a look at our website! To read Travel Weekly's full write-up of the property's "comeback", click here! |
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Who We Are:
THOMAD Engineering is a client-focused structural engineering design and consulting firm established in 2003 and based in Las Vegas, Nevada. We are committed to providing creative solutions and excellent services to loyal clients on a wide range of projects.
To learn more, spend a 'moment' at our website, connect with us on LinkedIn, or like our page on Facebook
 
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'Structural Moments' Archive:
August 2012
July 2012
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'Structural Moments' is a monthly e-newsletter published by the staff of THOMAD Engineering. It is intended to inform our valued clients, associates, and colleagues in the A/E/C industry and stimulate thoughtful dialogue with them.
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THOMAD Engineering has been a proud member and supporter of the AIA Las Vegas chapter since 2003.
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Upcoming Projects
The following projects are currently under design or construction and will be featured in future issues of Structural Moments
- Bagatelle Nightclub at The Tropicana Las Vegas
- Custom Residence designed by noted architect Richard Meier
- Red Garter Casino Expansion & Facade Renovation in Northern Nevada
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