Millennium | Best Media Room, Highly-Commended

The project, aptly named ‘Millenium’, showcases the power of vision, expertise, and resilience. Led by integrator Blackroom, with builder Alexander Zotov and interior designer Alyona Kiosya, this space has received high commendation.

The journey began with a client's ambition: to create a reference home cinema room in a 90.5m² basement. As construction of the house progressed, only the second-floor walls had been completed, and Blackroom was faced with the challenge of transforming a waterlogged basement into a luxurious cinematic space. The initial three months were dedicated to meticulous planning and designing, resulting in a 34.5m² home theatre, equipped with a 9.4.6 speaker configuration, a separate technical room, and stunning interior design.

However, just as the design was approved, an economic downturn put the plans on pause. When the client returned months later, their vision had shifted towards converting the entire basement into a versatile media space, prompted by the needs of their young children and a tightened budget.

In response, Blackroom adapted their plans to accommodate the new requirements. The previously constructed cinema separation wall was demolished to create a space capable of hosting a variety of activities: from watching movies and streaming shows on Apple TV, to children’s events, celebrations with friends and family, gaming, and future karaoke contests. Despite the broader scope and reduced budget, Blackroom remained committed to delivering high performance. They partnered with Alcons Audio, known for their pro-ribbon sound technology, to ensure the room delivered reference-level Sound Pressure Level (SPL) and pleasing sound quality, even in this challenging, open-back space.

Although some design compromises were necessary, such as omitting ‘surround back’ speakers due to room geometry and budget constraints, the project was executed with meticulous attention to detail. The result was a high-performance media room that exceeded the client’s expectations. The choice to install a slightly smaller screen was pragmatic, balancing budget limitations without compromising the immersive viewing experience.

Throughout the installation, Blackroom managed significant challenges effectively. One issue was the absence of a stronghold plywood plate for securing the projector mount in the ceiling, resolved by adding a tread stud fixation into the concrete. Additionally, an audio-visual pre-processor that emitted loud cracking noises when switching between audio codecs was corrected by resolving a ground loop issue, further demonstrating the team's technical proficiency.

The collaboration between Blackroom, Alexander Zotov, and Alyona Kiosya, supported by partners like Alcons Audio, has yielded a space that transcends its original cinematic purpose. It is now a multi-purpose, high-performance entertainment hub tailored to the evolving needs of the family.