Hidden within an enchanting Central London property is an immersive, private entertainment space that perfectly recreates authentic nightclub sound using a professional L-Acoustics system, installed by integration firm SMC.
Located in the heart of fashionable Holland Park, London, this impressive five-storey home seamlessly combines timeless elegance with advanced, user-friendly integrated audio-visual technology. As part of a significant renovation, the client, a young music enthusiast with an affinity for the club scene, envisioned recreating the dynamic atmosphere of one of his favourite London nightspots within his own home. The project demonstrates how L-Acoustics professional sound systems, typically found in venues and nightclubs, can be adapted for residential installations without compromising on power or audio quality.
With the brief to transform the house’s basement into an exclusive private bar and club, capable of hosting intimate gatherings as well as club parties for up to 60 guests, CEDIA Award-winning integrator, SMC recognised the audio solution would need to be capable of delivering exceptional power and immersive sound. At the same time, the client was keen that the system would be user-friendly for family and guests and integrate seamlessly within the interior aesthetic of the space. Several audio brands were considered during the evaluation phase, but one stood out.
Kevin Wilton, Managing Director at SMC, explains, “The client’s passion for the club music scene, combined with their innate sense of style, made it clear that we had to deliver something extraordinary. Having worked with L-Acoustics before, we knew their professional systems could deliver the authentic club sound the client wanted – the same calibre of audio found in top venues worldwide – while still being simple to control and integrate within a residential space.”
The client was invited to a demonstration at the L-Acoustics showroom in Highgate and agreed.
“We stood together in a room where music was played at the SPL levels we were aiming to achieve – around 110dB,” says Kevin. “L-Acoustics achieved this effortlessly. You just can’t get that from other systems, without worrying something would go. But these speakers just handled it with no problem. What really blew us away was how precise, immersive, and versatile they were. L-Acoustics showed us how sound could swirl around the room like a waterfall, and then be precision shot into one corner or towards one person. It was so intense that you could almost feel it move you. You don’t get that kind of experience with anything else.”
DJ Challenge
The project itself presented several unique challenges. With the client keen on hosting guest DJs, the design required multiple input stations to accommodate a variety of decks, DJs, and event setups, ensuring seamless versatility. Additionally, the audio system needed to be discreetly integrated into the decor and furnishings of the space. Another critical challenge was room acoustics. Positioned beneath a serene zen garden, the club room needed to deliver powerful, immersive audio while ensuring that no sound escaped, disrupting the tranquil surroundings above.
Working with L-Acoustics, SMC created an SPL heat map to precisely match the reference club’s acoustic profile, ensuring the home system would deliver the same audio experience. The team designed a 25-channel audio system using professional L-Acoustics products, ensuring that the audio quality matched expectations for performance. Subwoofers were cleverly hidden within the furniture, maintaining the luxurious appearance of the room, with the only visible elements being the ceiling-mounted speakers. The sound system features a combination of L-Acoustics X8, 5XT, and X4i coaxial loudspeakers, complemented by Syva Subs, to deliver immersive and dynamic sound. The setup is driven by LA4X and LA2Xi amplified controllers, providing dependable and powerful performance.
The project also required seamless integration with the home’s existing control systems. The client prioritised simplicity in the operation of AV, HVAC, lighting, and security systems. SMC ensured that control of the audio system could be accessed via Crestron touch panels and mobile devices, allowing the client to manage the environment with ease.
The final installation is a testament to L-Acoustics’ ability to deliver cutting-edge audio solutions that seamlessly integrate into a luxury home environment. Combining high-performance sound, aesthetic integrity, and ease of use, the system transforms the space into a bespoke entertainment venue, bringing the energy of a nightclub into the comfort of the client’s home.
The precise design ensures sound containment within the club, preserving the tranquillity of the surrounding areas. For the client, the result is an immersive, nightclub-quality audio experience in the comfort of their home, controlled effortlessly with state-of-the-art technology.
“What really sets this installation apart is that we’re using the same professional L-Acoustics technology found in leading nightclubs and music venues,” says Kevin. “This isn’t a residential system trying to approximate club sound – it’s genuine professional-grade audio, thoughtfully integrated into a home environment. The client absolutely loves it and couldn’t be happier with how it’s turned out.”
Essential Bar Kit List
L-Acoustics Syva Sub
L-Acoustics X8 enclosure
L-Acoustics 5XT
L-Acoustics X4i
LA2Xi Install specific amps 4 x 640
LA4X amplified controller 4 x 1000