Taking advantage of a superb location and dramatic nightscapes, NightVision Spaces has turned Cubana into one of PE’s most desirable new destinations on behalf of its client, Pernod Ricard. Before the new look was installed, what NightVision Spaces had to work with was a badly finished built-in bar made of brick and a set of clumsy wooden picnic benches joined to tables. The idea was to create a premium feel that would reflect the international essence of the Absolut Vodka brand.

After careful study, NightVision Spaces ascertained that Cubana’s existing tented structure was under-utilized by patrons because it was not protected from the elements. So the NightVision Spaces team installed a semi-transparent, circular screen around the perimeter to shelter the space from the wind. The screen makes the space cosy, but without shutting out the super views.

The added weather protection meant that NightVision Spaces could then install an illuminated central bar layered with Absolut branding. The tented structure’s main structural support pole – which runs through the centre of this bar – was transformed into an aesthetic feature by capping it with a floating bulkhead and a cleverly designed illuminated display that mimics the shape of an Absolut bottle.

Once the picnic tables were relocated to greener pastures, a generously sized circular bench was fitted all the way round the inner perimeter of the tent, to allow for seating. The interior was finished off with comfortable ottoman seating that is visually sympathetic to the DNA of the Absolut brand.

The finished project exudes appeal, but was not without its construction challenges. With the venue being right on the edge of a pool, this limited the construction team’s ability to secure the windproofing to the structure. In good spirit, NightVision Spaces whipped out their swimming trunks and took a dip in the pool, and all so that PE’s partygoers can now whet their whistle in absolute style…

Cubana PE is located on Beach Road, Port Elizabeth and is open 24 hours. Call 041 582 5282.
For more info visit www.cubana.co.za