AVA Concept took on and delivered this challenging smart home project, which included a high-performance home cinema.
Marcin Kulas, founder and director of AVA Concept, explains that the project’s beginnings were very challenging. “Back in 2016, we took on a smart home installation in Hammersmith, London, delivering a full-scale automation and AV solution for an entire house. The project was built around Lutron lighting, a Control4 system, and a multi-room audio system featuring 15 zones of ceiling speakers and an outdoor audio zone. The entertainment setup included a 4K HDMI matrix switch distributing content to eight 4K TVs, each controlled via Control4 remotes.”
Marcin adds, “Beyond entertainment, we implemented an internet network, CCTV security system, and a comprehensive intruder alarm for full security coverage. In addition to this project, we created a dedicated home cinema fitted with Sonance speakers and an Anthem AVR, creating an immersive movie experience. However, just a day before the scheduled handover, disaster struck—the client’s basement, where all the AV equipment was installed, was flooded. The entire rack cabinet with all equipment had to be replaced.”
Fast forward to 2022, following yet another flood, the client this time saw it as an opportunity rather than a setback.
Marcin reveals, “Instead of just replacing the damaged components, he decided to take his home entertainment experience to the next level. With an increased budget and a vision for an upgraded home cinema, the team worked closely with the client to design and implement a cutting-edge audiovisual system that not only restored but far exceeded the original setup. What started as an unfortunate and highly unusual series of events turned into an opportunity to create something exceptional.”
Marcin further explains, “We had a great relationship with the client, and since he was very technical, it made it easier to guide him through the project. The process began with project design and drawing up the exact positioning of the speakers, screen, and seats. Initially, we planned to install fabrics around the room, but instead, we suggested reallocating the budget towards acoustic treatment using Vicoustic. I also arranged a meeting at the Pulse Cinemas showroom, where they gave an excellent presentation and guided the client through the entire cinema experience, which really excited him about the project.”
Marcin explains, “The acoustic treatment design was based on our drawings and created by Vicoustic. The client and our team were very impressed with what Vicoustic came up with.”
Cinema Detail and Build
False walls were made of two sheets of plywood with a layer of soundproofing rubber sheets for acoustic insulation in between, providing a solid basis for the project. Another of the early tasks was to install the lighting fixtures, which were also integrated into the home’s Control4 system. All the Triad speakers were installed and positioned early on as well.
The speaker array consists of Triad InWall Silver/6 LCR (x3), chosen for their sound quality and compatibility with the room size. Triad InWall Silver/4 Surround (x2) speakers were selected for surround sound, and Triad InWall Silver/4 Sat (x2) were installed as additional satellite speakers for a balanced sound setup. Triad InCeiling Silver OpenRound (x4) were installed for immersive sound throughout the room. Finally, powerful Earthquake Sound MKVII-15PIANO-SV-W 15in powered subwoofers (x2) were included. Marcin has been a fan of Earthquake subs for years and was excited to use them in this project, delivering deep bass and high performance.
The next phase involved the installation of the JVC projector, Projecta screen, and seating. The client previously had a JVC projector, so the team upgraded to a higher-spec model for better features and performance with the DLA-NZ7. The Projecta is a fixed-frame screen, 128in model, chosen for its 4K UHD and HDR compatibility. Marcin says, “We’ve had great results with this screen in previous projects, so we recommended it for its quality.”
madVR processing was also included in the setup, as Marcin explains, “After debating between madVR and Lumagen, the client chose madVR despite initial hesitation about the price. We convinced him by sharing videos and discussing the advantages of this high-end processor.”
Also involved in the processing was an Anthem MRX 1140 8K AV receiver. The team selected this product due to its premium audiovisual performance and its compatibility with the room size and speakers. Control of the system is enhanced by the inclusion of a Control4 Halo remote control. Control4 dealers for 15 years, the team had no hesitation in recommending this option for control. At the end of the installation process, the projector and Anthem AV receiver were calibrated for optimal performance.
Marcin says, “The installation went smoothly, with no issues, as everything was executed according to our and Vicoustic’s design plans. We also had support for display and calibration, which helped ensure everything was set up perfectly.
“We recommended Vicoustic panels to enhance both the sound and the room’s interior, which really impressed the client. Additionally, the Earthquake subwoofers provided incredible deep bass, and madVR ensured the picture was displayed in full, maximising the screen’s potential. These were our favourite aspects of the project.”
Essential Home Cinema Kit List
JVC DLA-NZ7 8K HDR10+ Projector
Projecta Fixed Frame Screen 128in 4K Acoustically Transparent
madVR Envy Pro Processor
Anthem MRX 1140 8K AV Receiver
Control4 Halo Remote Control
Lutron Control lighting
3 x Triad InWall Silver/6 LCR
2 x Triad InWall Silver/4 Surround (standard bipole)
2 x Triad InWall Silver/4 Sat
4 x Triad InCeiling Silver OpenRound
2 x Earthquake Sound MKVII-15PIANO-SV-W 15in POWERED SUB, 3000W
