VENUE OVERVIEW: A literature-themed cocktail bar in the SoMa neighborhood of San Francisco, Novela is the perfect juxtapositon of classic and contemporary. The library-like interior is plush with book shelves, exposed brick, and tufted leather sofas. With a menu of original craft cocktails and even punch on tap, Novela is the go-to destination for cocktails with character.

THEIR NEEDS: Just because Novela harkens back to an earlier time doesn’t mean it’s owners did not want to take advantage of modern technology. Surveillance had to be added. The existing sound system was of higher quality but needed to be refurbished and better integrated to accommodate the new layout. TVs and digital projection needed to be added for corporate buyouts. All upgrades and new additions were to fit in as seamlessly and inconspicuously as possible to not detract from the classic decor. One question remained: How do you incorporate modern AV systems into a bar that Mark Twain may have frequented?

WHAT WE DID: CAVS worked closely with Novela’s interior designer to subtly unite the old with the new, painting speakers to blend in with their surroundings, hiding subwoofers within the floor, and intermixing dome cameras with white or black hosings to seamlessly blend into their mounting surfaces. CAVS fashioned a custom cantilever mount for the projection screen to hide it from public view and when lowered the screen doubles as a divider between two rooms in the venue. CAVS even managed to incorporate TVs quietly into the space without clashing with the literary aesthetic.

The installation resulted in a cocktail bar and corporate event space like no other in the city – perfectly pairing a modern sound with a vintage look.