TAO Beach, Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

What’s the hottest trend in Las Vegas?

The pool party scene.

And nowhere does it get more impressive than The Venetian Hotel Resort and Casino, which recently expanded its TAO Asian Bistro and Nightclub by transforming its west side pool deck - used during the day as a European-style bathing pool - into an outdoor nightclub, TAO Beach. The Installation officially opened on May 5, 2007.

Architecturally designed by Thomas Schoos Design, Inc., opulent and exotic is what TAO Beach is all about. An ‘icon of exotic exclusivity’ and a burgeoning hangout for the jet set, TAO Beach features a luxurious slate of amenities and decorative elements: lavish cabanas, Asian-inspired day beds, a larger-than-life Buddha statue, floating Chinese lanterns and 14-foot-tall fire columns. Helping make the transformation to nighttime club are Martin MAC 250 Entours and Atomic 3000 strobes.

From pool to party
FBP Group, owned by Frank Heinrich and Bob Athey, were contracted to produce a first-class A/V design and turned to lighting designer Matthew Paupst to design the lighting scheme. “TAO Las Vegas came to FBP Group to produce a world-class outdoor nightclub that was stylish and able to be used for its dual purpose,” comments Matthew Paupst. “The main goal was to create an environment that would not be visually obtrusive during the day and at night would morph into a nightclub, entertaining a few thousand people each weekend.”

MAC 250 Entour
Matthew is no stranger to Martin lighting, having used various Martin fixtures in his designs for over eight years. “I chose the MAC 250 Entours because of their size, light output, and reliability,” he stated. “While shopping for lights I needed something that was durable enough to handle the brutal weather that Las Vegas summers tend to give us, and for me these were the best choice. The second gobo wheel allows me to add texture to some architectural features, mainly the large Buddha statue that sits on top of a fountain feature. I added underwater LEDs to accent it a bit and allow for chases that draw attention to the statue and DJ booth.”

Matthew has the Entour fixtures spread out over the underside of pre-existing trellises on the Venetian pool deck. The fixtures are an ideal fit and do not obstruct the structural features of the trellis covers that were designed and installed by the architect. The Atomic strobes are placed two on each side under the trellises, spread out over the ‘main dance floor.’ “The entire deck is considered a dance floor which is why I spread out the fixtures so much,” Matthew continues. “Plus, two of the Entours are dedicated to nothing more then providing effects in the actual pool.” The system is controlled by a GrandMA Micro that feeds two Doug Fleanor Optos that split out to a large LED system and automated lights over two universes. The Martin fixtures were supplied locally by PRG Las Vegas.

A good challenge
No install is complete without its share of challenges, of course. Matthew explains: “The biggest challenge was the fact that this venue already existed and we had to add to it without interfering with the existing structure. For example, the electricians had to run power and data to each of the trellises but instead of using straight conduit runs they had to use seal tight flexible conduit and actually follow the curves of the trellis. Where I was able to place fixtures was very precise because I didn't want to interfere with the architectural designers’ concepts and overall look. The goal was to have a nightclub system that disappears when it’s not being used.

“This was a hurdle because unlike most nightclub builds or any new venue build, there are months of planning and developing that go into designing structural supports, electrical layouts, and lighting positions. With TAO Beach, I had to use what was there and make something great from it which is always a challenge. I love a good challenge.”

The Martin fixtures have been operating since May and have reportedly been handling the weather very well. “I had to bring one light in for service for a bad wiring harness damaged during transit, but aside from that I haven't had any problems thus far.”

Architectural Design: Thomas Schoos Design, Inc.
A/V Contractor: FBP Group - Bob Athey and Frank Heinrich
Lighting Design: Matthew Paupst
Lighting Supplier: PRG Las Vegas - Tim Brennan
LED System Provider: Acclaim Lighting - Jim Harrington

Lighting Equipment:
12 x Martin MAC 250 Entour
4 x Martin Atomic 3000