Case studies

Artcoustic and Design Logistics Provide Solution for Countryside Home in Hertfordshire (5/11/2007)

Located in the countryside near Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, UK, this newly-built property is 6000 square feet and has three floors. The client is a young family, and entertainment and home life is very important to them.

The first phase of the project began in Spring 2005, and thanks to a referral from a previously satisfied client, Design Logistics UK was involved at the early stages of the build.

The brief

The initial brief had several aims:

1) To provide a complete and comprehensive home system for control of lighting, audio, video, and security.
2) To ensure that all equipment complemented the surroundings and blended in seamlessly with the architecture and interior design.
3) To provide a dedicated cinema room, which had been planned with the architects from the beginning and which was incorporated in the build plan.
4) To provide a living space for entertaining and relaxing.
5) The solution had to be high quality and easy to use.

Planning

Everything was planned and designed with the client and their home as the main focus from the start. The client demanded a state-of-the-art sound and home cinema system and it was paramount this be a major feature.

A major challenge for Design Logistics UK was to integrate an expansive seven-seater home cinema within the physical constraints of the space available and make it aesthetically appealing. Although the room was designed as a dedicated cinema, its compact size required some sophisticated solutions. Design Logistics UK brought together different trades to work on this project, including leatherwork specialists who created leather-clad wall panels within the cinema, which complemented the seating while aiding the acoustics and preventing any light reflections. Other specialists included Tri Custom, the UK-based distributor of Elite seating. They helped plan the layout and selection of seating which cleverly interlocks into different layouts to maximise the use of space.

The home cinema with Screen Research acoustically transparent screen and Elite seating.

Artcoustic's UK Director, Paul Cummins, was involved in the specification for the Spitfire loudspeakers set behind the Screen Research acoustically transparent fixed screen. The Spitfire monitors and subwoofers are only 15cm deep, so there is no loss of space. Artcoustic Diablo monitors are used for the rear channels. According to Design Logistics UK's Nick Moore, "We wanted as much space available in the room for the seven-seater layout we had devised, and the Spitfire's shallow depth combined with its great sound meant we could achieve this. The fact that we could have subwoofers behind the screen was a godsend!" The cinema also features a Kaleidescape Movie Player 2 and a Sim2 HD3000 projector.

As in a professional cinema, the Spitfire monitors are placed behind the screen so there is a true experience of integrated sound and image.

With full-height windows, the living and entertaining lounge has beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The interior design of the room was very important and the music system had to be integrated beautifully. Artcoustic speakers were chosen for their sound quality and ability to complement the interior with artwork options from the Artcoustic portfolio. In the main living room, a pair of Artcoustic DFF120-43s and one pair of DF65-50s were installed. The clients access their music library using the Audio Request F keypad series, while the Lutron Homeworks lighting, the screen and access to audio and video and security, are all remotely controllable by the Creston TPMC-4X handheld touchpanel and AV2 automation system.

Living and entertaining lounge with a pair of Artcoustic DF65-50 loudspeakers between the full-height windows.

Other side of the living and entertaining lounge, with a pair of Artcoustic DFF120-43 loudspeakers between the windows.

Time and cost

The installation commenced and was completed during the summer of 2007. The total install project cost £150,000, of which £50,000 was used for the cinema.

Conclusion

Design Logistics UK worked closely with the clients to ensure that their wishes were met. The company has learnt how bringing together the expertise of various trades and manufacturers can create a stunning project, and it will be able to transfer many of the designs and solutions to future projects.

The clients are extremely pleased with their well-designed, easy-to-use system that sounds superb, looks beautiful, and is used and enjoyed on a daily basis by all of the family. Indeed the success of this installation lead to Design Logistics winning the coveted Artcoustic award - an international monthly award given to the best residential or commercial install. To win this award the installer must excel in the criteria of design, integration and client satisfaction demonstrating a true understanding of a successful project.

Equipment list

Lounge
2 x Artcoustic DFF120-43 (with Karmameju Artwork).
2 x Artcoustic DF65-50 (with Karmameju Artwork).
3 x Artcoustic Pa-300 (power Amplifiers).
Audio Request F Series.

Cinema room
3 x Artcoustic Spitfire Monitor.
2 x Artcoustic Spitfire Subwoofer.
4 x Artcoustic Diablo Monitor.
5 x Artcoustic Pa-300 power amplifier.
Arcam AVP700 preamp/processor.
Kaleidescape Movie Player 2.
Sim2 HD3000 projector.

Control
Crestron AV2.
Crestron TPMC-4X.

Lighting
Lutron Homeworks.

Cinema seating
Elite.

Design Logistics UK is a London-based custom install company. Established in 1999, it expertly designs and installs high-end systems.

www.designlogistics.co.uk