BTS: E1’s New Rooms 2 and 3
Renovating Rooms 2 and 3 at E1 London was all about transforming these spaces into versatile environments where both music and atmosphere could shine.
As part of the technical team behind these renovations, we focused on creating dynamic lighting setups that would complement the already stellar sound systems while offering new visual possibilities. Here's a look at how we turned these design visions into reality.
Room 2: Lighting Up the Peak-Time Energy
The task for Room 2 was straightforward: bring the lighting up to match the peak-time energy without losing the raw, underground vibe the room was known for. We kept the Funktion One sound system intact because, it’s always been well looked after but the lighting setup needed a major overhaul.
That’s where my good friend and absolute lighting wizard Rob Elliot came in. Rob had the brilliant idea of creating a circular LED screen on the ceiling, with LED strips radiating outward, like the rays of a sun. The screen was pixel-mapped to create dynamic visuals that respond to the music, immersing the crowd in light as well as sound.
But for me, as a lighting technician, the real star of the show in Room 2 is the beam cage effect we created using four LED bars to form a square. This effect has become my favorite fixture in the room. It allows for a unique combination of minimal visuals on the screens with strong beams of light that cut through the atmosphere. When I want to dial back the visuals and bring the room into a darker, more "underground" tone, the beam cage lets me do that seamlessly. It’s the perfect balance of intensity and subtlety, depending on the moment.
Room 3: Crafting an Intimate Vibe with New Sound and Lighting
While Room 2’s transformation was all about peak-time energy, Room 3 was a different story. Formerly a white-walled photo studio, we set out to make it into a cozy, intimate space where house and deep house sets could really shine. The first step in achieving this transformation was installing a brand new Funktion One sound system. With this upgrade, we ensured that Room 3 would have the same unrivaled sound quality as the rest of the club, but tailored to a more intimate atmosphere.
Due to the structural obstacles in the ceiling that we couldn’t remove, we got creative with the LED strip design. Instead of fighting the obstructions, we leaned into them, arranging the strips in a way that produced a unique, wave-like effect. This created a sense of movement without overwhelming the space, and it took a lot of fine-tuning to get that subtlety just right. Now, the lighting enhances the room’s intimate vibe, making it perfect for more laid-back, nuanced performances.
Making It Happen with What We Had
One of the most rewarding aspects of this renovation was our ability to repurpose existing equipment. The club’s owners had gear from previous venues, and we were able to adapt it for the new designs. This helped us stay within budget while still delivering a visually and technically impressive setup.
Overcoming Challenges: Infrastructure and Time
Like any project, this renovation had its challenges. The biggest issues came from physical limitations in the building, particularly in Room 3, where the ceiling obstacles forced us to adjust our lighting design. Our 3D models didn’t fully account for some of the structural quirks, so we had to think on our feet and make changes on-site.
Another challenge was time. We had roughly a month to complete both rooms, which meant long hours and a lot of coordination. Despite these challenges, we managed to deliver a high-quality setup on schedule, though Room 3 will continue to evolve with future improvements, including a seating area and a wooden bar.
Flexibility for the Future
Now that the renovations are complete, E1 has three distinct spaces that cater to both club nights and corporate events. The new lighting setups in Rooms 2 and 3 allow us to adjust the atmosphere with just a few button presses, giving us the flexibility to adapt to a variety of events. Whether it’s a peak-time techno set or an intimate deep house performance, the space can be tailored to fit the vibe.
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved with these renovations. Each room now has its own personality, yet they all share the unrivaled sound quality and immersive lighting that E1 is known for. Whether you’re on the dancefloor in Room 2, surrounded by beams of light, or enjoying a more intimate session in Room 3, you're in for a truly unique experience.
