Winchester, UK
A luxurious Dali 7.2.4 channel dedicated 7 Seat Cinema Room, in Winchester.
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Room Size : 5m x 4m
Seating : Delux Deco
Acoustic Treatment : Custom Acoustic Fabric Panels. Combined with Slatted Acoustic Panels, with acoustic foam behind.
Lighting : Starscape, Star Ceiling, Control4 Scene lighting Control
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AV Processing : Anthem MRX 1140 8K (11.2 Channel AV Receiver)
Speakers : Dali 7.2.4 (Dolby ATMOS)
Projector : Sony VPL XW5000 (Native 4K HDR)
Projection Screen : 16:9 / 136” / Acoustically Transparent / Custom Fixed Frame
Sources: Roku 4K, Sky Q, PS4, UHD Blu-ray Player
Room Control: Control4
Project Overview
This project began with a double garage that had previously been converted into a home gym. The clients approached us with a clear vision: to transform the space into a dedicated home cinema that felt luxurious, immersive, and timeless. Their brief was to blend the classic glamour of art deco design with a modern, elegant finish — a cinema room that performed as beautifully as it looked.
Initial Consultation & Design Development
During our early meetings, it became clear that the clients had a strong sense of style and practicality. They wanted to ensure that the space not only delivered exceptional audio-visual performance but also remained functional, given the utilities located within the room.
The existing space contained a fuse board, network rack, boiler, and main stopcock — all essential components that required easy access. To address this, our design team produced detailed CAD drawings, carefully planning how these areas could be hidden behind removable panels without compromising the visual flow of the room.
This stage was crucial — balancing technical necessity with aesthetic integrity.
Framing & Acoustic Isolation
With the design finalised, our installation team began the build by framing the room with stud work, establishing a strong and level foundation for the walls and acoustic treatments.
Because a bedroom sits directly above the cinema, sound isolation was a key concern for the clients. To reduce sound transmission, we applied self-adhesive acoustic foam treatment to the walls and ceiling before finishing layers were installed.
This material helps absorb and diffuse sound energy, improving both in-room acoustics and sound containment, ensuring that late-night movie sessions wouldn’t disturb the room above.
Acoustic & Decorative Finishes
The cinema’s interior combines slatted wooden acoustic panels with upholstered fabric wall sections, striking the perfect balance between style and performance.
Behind the fabric panels sit the DALI in-wall speakers, positioned to create a seamless, immersive soundstage without disrupting the clean design.
The carpentry involved was exceptionally intricate — especially due to the number of removable panels required for service access. Our two carpenters executed the work with millimetre precision, ensuring that each section fitted perfectly while maintaining the sleek, continuous lines of the design.
The result is a room that feels cohesive and tailored — every detail serving a purpose, both functional and aesthetic.
Audio-Visual Integration
The cinema system features a 7.2.4 DALI loudspeaker configuration, with in-wall front channels positioned behind a 136” acoustically transparent 16:9 screen, and on-wall surrounds providing balanced, enveloping sound.
The ceiling bulkhead houses four Atmos speakers, as well as the necessary cabling and lighting infrastructure. Within this structure, we installed a fibre-optic star ceiling, giving the room its defining atmospheric glow and a sense of depth and tranquillity when the lights are dimmed.
The system is powered by the Anthem MRX 1140, an 11.2-channel AV receiver known for its clarity, control, and calibration capabilities. Our integration specialist carefully tuned the room using Anthem Room Correction (ARC), creating an acoustically balanced and cinematic sound experience.
To further refine the experience, a secondary sound profile was programmed to reduce low-frequency output and ceiling speaker levels — allowing the clients to enjoy quieter, late-night viewing without transferring sound into the bedroom above.
Lighting, Control & User Experience
Lighting was a vital part of achieving the desired mood. Wall sconces gently illuminate the slatted panelling, casting warm reflections that enhance the art deco aesthetic. LED step lights provide safety and subtle ambience without distraction.
The entire system is managed through Control4, offering a simple, intuitive interface for the family. From this, they can adjust the AV system, lighting scenes, and projector input with ease — ensuring the space is as user-friendly as it is sophisticated.
Projection & Seating
For the visual centrepiece, we installed the Sony XW5000 — a native 4K laser projector that delivers exceptional sharpness, vivid colour, and deep contrast. Its laser light engine ensures consistent brightness and long lifespan, making it an ideal fit for this environment.
The seating layout features two rows: a front-row reclining sofa that can extend into a daybed-style configuration, and a rear tier of plush recliners, all upholstered in rich burgundy to complement the room’s warm palette.
Every material was chosen to contribute to the overall acoustic harmony — soft surfaces to absorb sound, warm tones to enhance comfort, and wood accents to balance texture.
Final Result
The completed cinema achieves exactly what the clients envisioned: a refined, art deco–inspired sanctuary where modern engineering meets classic cinematic charm.
From the star ceiling to the concealed speaker system, every element has been meticulously considered. The combination of craftsmanship, acoustic science, and design detail has resulted in a space that feels both luxurious and deeply personal.
It’s not just a room for watching films — it’s a space for experiencing them.
