Sandbox VR

Client: Sandbox VR

Project Type: VR Experience venue

Status: Completed(2024)

Location: Surfers Paradise, QLD

Builder: Open Projects Group

PROJECT STATS

Brief

Sandbox VR engaged Design Intent Studio, alongside Open Projects Group and the Sandbox VR team, to develop the full design documentation for its new Surfers Paradise venue. The project aims to create a next-generation, tech-driven entertainment destination that delivers an immersive VR experience while supporting operational efficiency, social interaction, and guest comfort.

Design Intent

The Sandbox VR venue is designed to be a landmark entertainment destination in Surfers Paradise, combining technological innovation with thoughtful, immersive design to deliver an unforgettable guest experience.

Design of a next-generation VR entertainment venue in Surfers Paradise, creating an immersive, engaging, and operationally efficient environment. The design focuses on enhancing the user journey from arrival to gameplay, social interaction, and departure.

Project Background & Objectives

The primary objective of the Sandbox VR venue is to deliver a cutting-edge, immersive entertainment experience that attracts both locals and tourists in Surfers Paradise. The design seeks to:

Provide a seamless and engaging virtual reality experience for users of all ages and skill levels.
Create a visually striking, brand-forward environment that distinguishes Sandbox as a premier VR destination.
Support operational efficiency with well-zoned gaming, queuing, and staff areas.
Encourage repeat visitation and extended dwell time through comfort, interactivity, and social engagement spaces.

Design Intent Studio provided full documentation across all stages, from initial design brief through to final construction drawings.

Scope of Works

VR Gaming Rooms / Zones

Individual and multi-player VR rooms designed for immersive gameplay.
Optimized layouts for safety, comfort, and flexibility for various VR equipment setups.
Acoustic treatments and lighting design tailored for immersive experiences.

Bar & Social Lounge

Design of a central bar serving food and beverages, acting as a social hub.
Lounge seating areas for pre- and post-game relaxation.
Integration of technology and lighting to enhance the interactive environment.

Lighting, Acoustics & Environmental Design

Custom lighting schemes and LED accents to enhance mood and immersion.
Acoustic treatments in VR zones to minimize noise bleed and enhance audio experience.
Selection of materials and finishes that support both aesthetic appeal and durability.

Design Approach

The design approach combines innovation, functionality, and experiential storytelling:

Immersive Environment: Spatial planning and materiality are curated to amplify the sense of immersion, with dynamic lighting, interactive surfaces, and themed zones that evoke excitement and wonder.
Flexible Zoning: Separate zones for gameplay, social gathering, and staff operations ensure smooth circulation and safety while maintaining visual connectivity.
Brand Expression: Interior finishes, graphics, and lighting reinforce Sandbix’s brand identity and contemporary, tech-forward positioning.
User-Centric Experience: Ergonomic furniture, intuitive wayfinding, and comfort-focused spaces enhance the customer journey from entry to exit.

Key Design Features & Material Strategy

A key design feature is the use of geometric shapes in the lighting and architectural detailing, which reinforces the futuristic, digital aesthetic of the venue. Custom LED fixtures, integrated into angular ceiling elements and bar surfaces, create dynamic patterns and layered lighting effects that respond to movement and activity. These geometric forms not only define the bar visually but also enhance the sense of energy and interactivity, subtly guiding guests through the space.

Materials, finishes, and lighting tones were carefully selected to contrast with VR zones while maintaining cohesion, creating a visually striking environment that is both functional and experiential. The bar is designed to be memorable, interactive, and seamlessly integrated into the immersive VR experience.

Themed VR Zones

Distinct areas for different VR experiences with adaptable technology setups to accommodate evolving gaming formats.

Interactive Reception & Lounge

A visually engaging welcome area doubles as a social hub for pre- and post-game interactions.

Durable, High-Tech Finishes

Surfaces and materials are selected for resilience under high traffic while maintaining a premium, futuristic aesthetic.

Operational Efficiency

Strategically positioned staff stations, storage, and equipment zones streamline operations and reduce downtime.

Challenges & Solutions

Designing the Sandbix VR venue presented several unique challenges, requiring careful balancing of immersive experience, functionality, and safety:

Spatial Constraints and Flow

The venue needed to accommodate multiple VR zones, a bar, social lounge, and back-of-house areas within a limited footprint.
Careful planning of circulation and queuing areas was essential to prevent congestion while maintaining clear sightlines and guest engagement.

Immersive Technology Integration

VR equipment requires significant space for movement, precise layout for tracking systems, and consideration of power, cabling, and maintenance access.
Ensuring the design could adapt to future VR technologies without compromising aesthetics or functionality was a key challenge.

Lighting Design and Geometric Detailing

Balancing dynamic, geometric LED lighting in the bar and lounge areas with darker VR zones required careful control to avoid interference with gameplay.
The intricacy of the geometric shapes, which define the bar’s architectural and lighting elements, presented fabrication and installation challenges. Precision in angles, joints, and material finishes was essential to achieve the desired visual impact while ensuring durability and ease of maintenance.

Material Durability and Maintenance

High-traffic areas, especially the bar, lounge, and VR rooms, demanded robust, easy-to-clean materials that also contribute to the futuristic aesthetic.

Additional Notes

Design documentation included full drawing sets, FF&E schedules, and coordination with consultants as defined in the agreed scope. Intellectual property retained by Design Intent Studio.