A landmark new residential scheme in the heart of London is using the Sonos’ Era 100 Pro, showcasing how integrated audio helps set the tone for a high-end lifestyle experience.
100 Kensington is a luxury development by SevenCapital and MARK Capital Management, delivering a collection of premium one, two and three-bedroom apartments across several buildings. The first phase to welcome residents is The Oria, set to become the tallest residential building in Kensington and Chelsea, offering uninterrupted views across the capital.
To support sales of the development, SevenCapital has created an immersive marketing suite within a former bank building on Kensington High Street. Designed to introduce prospective buyers to the 100 Kensington lifestyle, the space includes multiple demonstration areas and two fully dressed mock apartments, all aimed at a discerning, high-net-worth audience.
With expectations extending beyond interior design to include smart home technology, SevenCapital wanted an audio solution that could immediately engage visitors on arrival while remaining intuitive for staff to operate. The brief called for high-performance sound, zonal control and a clean, discreet aesthetic that would complement the architecture and interiors.
Following an evaluation of premium audio options, Sonos was selected as the integrated audio platform for the marketing suite, delivering a seamless multi-zone experience throughout the space.
Balancing performance and usability
The system needed to be both a practical day-to-day tool and a sales aid, allowing staff to demonstrate the type of audio experience buyers could expect in their future homes. Flexible zoning was essential, enabling higher volumes at the entrance to create impact, with more subtle levels in demonstration and conversation areas.
Acoustics also presented a challenge. The building features extensive glazing and reflective surfaces, including a striking glass-fronted façade, requiring precise control to maintain clarity and consistency. The system also had to deliver sufficient power for corporate events and promotional gatherings.
Following a site inspection, Sonos Platinum Installer Musical Images specified a system comprising six Era 100 Pro speakers and two Era 100 models.
The Era 100 Pro units were installed across the main marketing suite, mounted high within the exposed ceiling. To preserve the interior design, the speakers were fixed to existing cable trays rather than walls, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the black-painted ceiling. Black-finished speakers were chosen to match the contemporary aesthetic, marking the first completed commercial installation of the Era 100 Pro.
Pat Shah, Director at Musical Images, explains, “The site was already completed when the install took place, so ease of installation was critical. Using the existing CAT cabling with PoE+, we were able to deliver both power and network connectivity via a single cable. It was a clean, plug-and-play installation, which highlights the opportunity for commercial retrofit projects.”
Fine-tuning the experience
Given the challenging acoustics, Sonos Trueplay technology played a key role in optimising performance. The system measures the acoustic characteristics of each area and automatically adjusts EQ settings to suit the environment. To further enhance coverage, the Era 100 Pro speakers were angled to project sound directly downwards, ensuring focused and immersive audio throughout the space.
Within the model apartments, two Sonos Era 100 speakers demonstrate wireless audio options for future residents, with one installed in a bedroom and the other in a combined kitchen and dining area. Integrated Sonos systems are offered to buyers on a scalable basis, ranging from simple multi-room audio to in-ceiling speaker solutions and full home cinema configurations.
Control is handled via the Sonos App, installed on staff smartphones and tablets. This allows instant selection of music sources, individual speaker control and volume adjustment, making it easy to adapt the atmosphere for tours, meetings or events. Musical Images also integrated Sonos audio with Rako lighting, providing combined control and operational synergy.
Delivering the right ambience
“The team love it,” says Sarah Morris, Group Marketing Director at SevenCapital. “It’s quick and easy to connect to, and it delivers exactly the quality we wanted. Sonos works beautifully in an existing building, and the new Era 100 Pro has been a great addition.”
The system is now used daily, supporting everything from background music to more dynamic event soundtracks. Zonal control ensures visitors enjoy a consistent and immersive journey as they move through the marketing suite to the model apartments.
Concluding, Pat adds, “Sonos is a brand people recognise and trust. The Era 100 Pro has real potential to transform commercial audio projects like this one, helping SevenCapital deliver the right atmosphere and experience from the moment visitors walk through the door.”
Sonos is also expected to make a big impact at ISE 2026 with new product launches, further details as soon as get them.