Using a ‘sound wall’ partition, Surrey Home Cinema in the UK delivers clever room acoustics in a diverse entertainment area. Layla Laidouci investigates.
Supplementing a smart home in southern England, this media room is the result of a strong relationship between the client and integrator. The cinema area transforms seamlessly into a bar at the rear, brought to life by audio streaming and background music via Denon Heos. Acoustic conditioning of the space is supported by the carefully designed sound wall that acts as an acoustic barrier, improving sound diffusions and preventing audio spill.
The entertainment system is driven by a Sony projector and Procella speakers, delivering cinematic depth and drama. At the heart of the multi-functional space is an Anthem AV processor, interfacing with E-Motiva power amplification for immersive sound performance. The entire system is seamlessly controlled via URC Total Control, allowing the client to operate AV sources, lighting and automation from a single interface. Video signals are distributed efficiently via a Bluestream video distribution system.
Beyond the technology ecosystem, luxurious fabrics and smart lighting excite and entertain. The room’s look is distinctly modern, yet red motorised curtains evoke the charm of old-school theatre. To make the technology as unobtrusive as possible, the AV kit is housed in a Sanus rack discreetly at the front of the room.
We unpick the system design to explore how a careful combination of materials and configurations deliver for the clients, a family of four. The integrator, DPP Smart Homes, previously installed multi-room audio, bespoke lighting and more across the wider 25-year-old property.
“This project with an existing client took approximately nine to eleven months to complete in full,” begins Dominic Parete, company director. “The family were aware of some smart home technologies and products, but it was left to us to design and deliver exactly what they wanted. We hand-picked products to maximise the budget and space we were given, configuring the control system simply as there’s no reason to make things complicated.”
‘An education path’
In the early stages, Parete’s team kickstarted discussions on system and interior design using a visual for the client. “They loved going through the design process with us,” reflects Parete. “We spent three months planning, brainstorming five versions of the room in various layouts and colour palettes. In spite of cross-referencing and 3D renders, areas continued to change throughout the build.”
Communication was key to accommodating these revisions. The installation team took the client to AWE, a smart home technology distributor, to compare cinema styles and come up with ideas crucial to the end result, says Parete. “It's an education path,” he explains. “We guide the client and share what the implications for their choices will be, but ultimately the decision rests with them.”
Following discussions and demos, a brief began to take shape: the need for one-touch commands to seamlessly manage leisure and entertainment for all ages. “My family have a similar set up,” shares Parete. “My toddler often takes over the entertainment system – a testament to its simplicity.”
Parete’s team programmed a number of pre-set scenes. For example, when users select Sky from the projector settings, the system mobilises its lighting, shades and audio between the cinema and bar area. The room can be managed via the touch screen at the bar area or the URC Remote Control.
Creating atmosphere
The Procella speakers are strategically positioned for cinematic clarity, with carefully towed and pitched placement to ensure precise sound staging. Impactful bass is handled by SVS subwoofers delivering the low-frequency response essential for an immersive movie experience.
“We also made compromises besides acoustic placement,” recalls Parete. “For example, we chose a drop-down, tab-tensioned screen, rather than fixed screen display to accommodate a window seat behind, keeping the CEDIA RP22 and Dolby guidelines in mind throughout.”
The LCR directivity from three Procella P8 speakers supports the room size and seating layout, combining with four wall-mounted P5V and in-ceiling P5iCW speakers. The latter provides the vehicle for Dolby Atmos in an overhead installation.
A Rako lighting system enables control of dynamic lighting scenes, enhancing the atmosphere for movies, gaming or social events. This is complemented by Q Motion motorised blinds and curtains, allowing for effortless control over natural light and privacy.
A partition wall structure is also key to the room’s “atmosphere”. A bespoke podium housing a secondary TV for the bar stands behind two rows of FrontRow seating, which are placed on a custom-built platform for optimal viewing angles. This setup ensures the entertainment extends beyond the cinema zone and partially forms an acoustic barrier helping create atmospheric sound.
“The client calls this the sound wall,” says Parete. “They were not keen on our original suggestion to split the room in two. The physical barrier forms a point for the audio to hit, diffuse and bounce back into seated positions.”
The sound quality is reinforced by acoustic panelling, fabric linings and coffered ceiling design from Cinema Build Systems, maintaining an elegant aesthetic. Against this backdrop, staggered in-wall speakers illuminate the walkway with discreet lighting.
Element of surprise
The system surprises visitors “who aren’t aware of how well the room is going to perform”, says Parete. “The front of the rack is the extent to which you see the tech here,” he continues. “Our decision to take the sound wall up to the ceiling also hid the projector fully from sight. The client didn't realise how high-quality this space would be – we’re proud to exceed rather than just deliver on their expectations.”
While this room is capable of high performance across entertainment sourced from a Sony Blu-ray player, Roku streaming device and Sky Stream, its acoustic treatment can also minimise static noise for relaxation. The use of an acoustic transparent fabric applies absorption and diffusion in areas where necessary.
“The room’s peaceful aura is suited to wellness activities, such as reading a book and switching off for a while,” adds Parete. “As a dedicated space to reconnect, we know the room is delivering on its brief – the family look forward to spending time there every week.”
The integrator has since attended a movie night hosted by the client, enjoying the room first-hand. “It gave us a real sense of achievement, seeing how much the clients love the room’s performance,” says Parete.
Meanwhile, there are new projects ongoing within the property, including multi-room audio and media wall installation. “Our work ethic is tenacious,” says Parete. “We would not stop until this project was as close to perfect as possible: educating the client, covering the audio diffusion and pooling ideas to create a good-looking room. We’re committed to creating a unique space using audiovisual and fabric treatment.”
A room within a room, Surrey Cinema strikes the balance between aesthetic and engineering vision. The sound wall forges the media room’s multiple functions into reality, unlocking greater bespoke audio management in the process.
Tech-Spec
Rako lighting
URC Total Control
Q Motion blinds and curtains
Sony projector VPL-VW790
Anthem AVM 90 processor
E-Motiva for power amplification
Denon HEOS for streaming and background audio
Procella P8, P5V and P5iCW speakers
SVS SB3000 subs for low frequency
Cinema Build Systems for acoustic, fabric and coffer
Sony UBPX700B Blu-ray player
Roku for general streaming, along with Sky Stream
Bluestream for video distribution
FrontRow leather seating
Sanus rack