Hugo's Bistro
Hospitality fit-out
- Location Auckland CBD
- Scope Integrated electrical, lighting, audio, and structured cabling for hospitality fit-out, with ongoing maintenance and support
- Systems Installed Indirect and concealed LED lighting, brass wall-mounted lamps, custom lamp shades, automated lighting controls, distributed audio, structured cabling
- Architectural partner Cheshire Architects
Located on Shortland Street in the heart of Auckland's CBD, Hugo's Bistro was designed to evoke a relaxed, European-style "everyday bistro" atmosphere. The long, narrow space is layered with rich materials - shiplap cedar panelling, Italian plaster, oak furniture, and green corduroy upholstery - complemented by bespoke brass lighting features.
Delivered in collaboration with Cheshire Architects, Evolve integrated the venue's electrical, lighting, and audio systems throughout the fit-out.
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A lighting scheme designed for the room.
The lighting design focuses on creating a soft, comfortable ambience that enhances the lived-in character of the space. A combination of indirect lighting and concealed LED strip lighting was used to highlight architectural features while maintaining a subtle, unobtrusive presence. Walls are gently washed with light to introduce depth and shadow, particularly as the space transitions into evening dining.
Handmade brass wall-mounted lamps provide intimate pools of light over tables, while custom lamp shades reference the raw texture of the surrounding Italian plaster. The overall lighting scheme is supported by automated control systems, allowing seamless transitions between day and evening settings while maintaining the right balance between functionality and atmosphere.
Audio that disappears into the architecture.
Audio was carefully integrated to complement the dining experience. Evolve installed a distributed audio solution using discreet recessed speakers, selected to blend into the interior without visual disruption.
The system extends throughout the venue - across dining areas, bar, and restrooms - ensuring a consistent and immersive atmosphere across every customer-facing space.
Coordinated electrical and infrastructure.
Alongside the lighting and audio scope, Evolve delivered the venue's structured cabling, power distribution, and underlying electrical infrastructure. Particular attention was given to ensuring all services integrated cleanly within the architecturally designed interior - no exposed cables, no compromise to the visual aesthetic, every system planned to disappear into the space.
A partnership beyond the fit-out.
As with many of Evolve's hospitality projects, the scope extended beyond the initial install. Ongoing maintenance and support is provided across lighting, electrical, and audio systems - supporting the long-term reliability and operational performance of the venue, and giving the Hugo's Bistro team a single point of contact whenever something needs attention.
A cohesive hospitality environment.
Delivered in collaboration with Cheshire Architects, the project reflects a cohesive approach to design and execution. Evolve's role focused on integrating lighting, electrical, and audio systems that not only perform effectively but also elevate the overall spatial experience - a polished hospitality environment where every layer works together to support both functionality and atmosphere.
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Electrical fit-out and infrastructure
Lighting integration and control
Structured cabling and power distribution
Distributed hospitality audio systems
Concealed and architectural service integration
Ongoing maintenance and support services
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Warm and flexible hospitality lighting environment
Seamlessly integrated audio solution across all venue areas
Clean architectural integration of electrical and audio systems
Reliable infrastructure supporting day-to-day hospitality operations
Ongoing maintenance partnership supporting long-term venue performance
