Comfort plus

Staying home on Saturday night to watch a movie can be a surprisingly high-tech and sophisticated experience. The home theatre featured here includes seating for nine people in automated recliner chairs, a 110in screen, plus lighting and sound that are wired so they adjust automatically when a DVD is being played.

Custom audiovisual specialist Home Theatrix designed, built and installed the audiovisual equipment and its management system, as well as other automation systems throughout the home.

Don MacKenzie of Home Theatrix says the home theatre was the key to the project.

"The owners wanted a sanctuary where they could go and relax and entertain their family and friends with an unbelievable movie experience," he says.

Home Theatrix used AMX products, which provide the owners with a high level of direct management of the system. Simple, fully automated control is provided by a mobile touch panel, which is designed to be used by all family members and can be operated anywhere in the room. Alternatively, the equipment can be operated from the docking station in a cupboard, where the panel is recharged when not in use.

Most of the audiovisual and other equipment is hidden in a small 2m x 2.5m room, mounted on a specially fabricated floor railing system that rolls out for instant access. Speakers are concealed in the cabinets below the screen or built into the walls.

To create the plush look the owners wanted, interior designer Warren Street used a quilted suede fabric to upholster the upper walls. The quilting was designed to match the swirls of the carpet, and the fabric also conceals the acoustic batts and electric wiring. Timber panelling below the suede is angled so sound is directed down into the carpet, rather than reverberating round the room.

Story by: Trendsideas