Full Force - Best Home Cinema Level 3, winner, APAC 2024

A masterpiece of home cinema design, the ‘Full Force’ project in Sydney redefines the boundaries of private entertainment spaces. Orchestrated by the integrator Denote, this venture is a tribute to the owner's passion and the meticulous skill of a highly capable ensemble. Collaborating with the astute architectural firm Smith & Tzannes and the adept interior designer Brendon Wong Design, the project transforms a typical room into an exceptional high-performance cinematic realm.

From the outset, the client, affectionately known as ‘The Doctor’, displayed an intense enthusiasm for his vision: a home screening room that could rival those in the residences of Hollywood elites. He embarked on the project armed with extensive research and a presence in numerous home cinema and audio forums. His preference for high-end brands such as Barco and Trinnov signalled his commitment to an extraordinary entertainment experience. The term 'reference' was frequently mentioned, highlighting his pursuit of the ultimate audiovisual fidelity, with cost being a secondary consideration.

Navigating through spatial constraints was a core challenge. The cinema’s compact layout, approximately 5m by 8m by 2.9m, initially seemed to limit seating arrangements and acoustic treatments. Complications such as large windows at the back and a master bedroom located directly above added layers of complexity in achieving optimal acoustics without disturbing the peace upstairs. The necessity to reconfigure a door leading to a pool plant room further underscored the need for meticulous planning.

In response, Denote introduced a collaboration with Officina Acustica to deliver a world-class acoustic environment. This marked the debut of Australia’s first Officina Acustica-enhanced room, incorporating a full acoustic package that integrated seamlessly with the intended interior design. Handmade in Italy, the acoustic panels enveloping the walls and ceiling were precision-engineered to ensure flawless sound management. They harmonised absorptive, diffusive, and reflective acoustic treatments behind an elegantly tailored fabric, adjustable for varying sound absorption needs.

The construction of an isolation ceiling was a technical marvel. Employing an array of 110 Akustik + Sylomer mounts, the ceiling's structure included multiple layers of marine plywood, fibreboard, and acoustic membranes, all designed to mitigate sound transmission. This arrangement created an effective barrier that absorbed the vibrant soundscapes produced within, without leaking to the residential space above.

Installing 145 meticulously measured acoustic panels presented a unique challenge. Each panel had to align perfectly, requiring precise placement to achieve a coherent and functional aesthetic. The colour scheme also played a critical role: black panels at the front to enhance screen contrast and lighter shades towards the back to give an illusion of depth, alluding to the cinematic classic 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Adjustments were necessary when the RP22 Immersive Audio Design recommended practice was introduced mid-project. These changes refined speaker placements and optimised the acoustic environment, ensuring compliance with the latest industry standards. The strategic focus on the front seats for primary calibration underscored the personalised approach to this bespoke installation.

The collaborative journey with The Doctor made the project highly personalised and fulfilling. His involvement and feedback were integral, turning his dream into a reality that surpassed his grandest visions. Reflecting on the project, he remarked, "I cannot imagine any way this cinema could be better; it is far better than I ever imagined it could be."

Full Force exemplifies the fusion of state-of-the-art technology and sophisticated design, celebrating the collaborative spirit between Denote, Smith & Tzannes, Brendon Wong Design, and technological partners like Officina Acustica and Meridian Audio. This project has successfully merged bespoke aesthetics with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to create a space where every film screening is transformed into an immersive, cinematic event.