Pro-Install

This award-winning media room, built in a modern extension on a not-so-modern cottage, gives its owners somewhere to enjoy films, music, games and TV in comfort. The challenge for Bristol-based install outfit ConnectedWorks was to make the best use of the limited space available, and integrate AV hardware while retaining a neat aesthetic.

The bespoke front-wall cabinetry was therefore key. Not only does it act as a home for the room's source equipment and processing hardware – 'there was nowhere to put a traditional rack cupboard,' says installer Owen Maddock – but it also provides a visual frame for the 65in Sony OLED and L/C/R speakers, and hides a drop-down projector screen, with channels on either side to conceal the screen's cloth edges.

The opposing wall features a bulkhead to discreetly mount an Epson projector, plus on-wall surround speakers and a comfy-looking corner sofa. An additional pair of speakers are fitted in-ceiling, bringing the room's array to 5.2.2. Two compact Definitive Technology subwoofers are squirrelled away in the kit cupboard. Viewing angles and speaker locations meet industry standards.

For lighting effects, the installers collaborated with Matt Zachrisson-Smith of Total Solutions. The eventual design includes strip LED lighting and recessed spots (some integrated into the wall cabinet), but none in the ceiling itself. Very slick.

The project won the Media Room: £20,000-£75,000 category in this year's CEDIA Awards.

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Installer Info

Connected Works
connected.works

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Kit Checklist

Arcam: AVR390 AV receiver
Epson: EH-TW9300 4K upscaling projector
Screenline: Motorised micro-perforated 2.2m-wide projector screen
Artcoustic: 2 x SL 4-2s (L/R); 1 x Multi SL Soundbar (centre); 2 x Target 2.1s (surrounds); 2 x Architect 2.1s (height)
Definitive Technology: 2 x SuperCube 6000 subs
Sony: 65in A1 OLED TV
Sony: UBP-X800 4K Blu-ray player
Sky: Sky Q PVR
Apple: Apple TV streamer
RTI: XP3 processor with PCM4 module; controllers
Rako: Lighting control
Darklight Design: Lighting fixtures