L-Acoustics connects a media room, studio and living spaces in a London residence

In Putney, South-West London, a 7,000-square-metre residence has incorporated a comprehensive audio system. The project, which began with a single 5.1 media room, eventually expanded throughout the entire home. Cinergy handled the integration using L-Acoustics sound systems.

The project began when Cinergy introduced the owner, a high-fidelity audio enthusiast, to L-Acoustics solutions at the brand's Highgate showroom. Following the demonstration, the initial concept was expanded to cover different areas of the property.

The result is an installation that covers 80% of the residence. From a media room with an integrated recording studio on the top floor to the various living areas, each space has been designed to provide an audio experience tailored to its different uses. The solution allows family members to enjoy music independently, share listening sessions or use the system during gatherings and social events.

From day one, it was very clear that the owner had a great appreciation for music. His main media room is a space dedicated exclusively to audio, without even a television. We also realised that achieving consistent sound was important to him, so using a single brand throughout the home made sense: from private areas to spaces for parties and social gatherings, as well as the garden. He appreciated the richness and level of detail of the L-Acoustics sound and wanted to maintain those characteristics throughout the property, explains Tom Jarvis, founder of Cinergy.

To develop the project, Cinergy used L-Acoustics Soundvision 3D sound design and mapping tools to optimise loudspeaker selection, placement and performance.

"The right system design can be carried out using L-Acoustics Soundvision software. It allows us to determine precisely what is needed, eliminating much of the guesswork from our job", explains Jarvis. "It gives me a predictable system capable of delivering the same sound performance that the client experienced in the showroom".

The installation integrates a range of L-Acoustics solutions. In the main living room, 1.5-metre-tall Syva colinear loudspeakers were installed alongside Syva subwoofers. These medium-throw colinear source systems, capable of reaching levels of up to 137 dB, are complemented by five X4i in-ceiling loudspeakers, two surface-mounted X4r loudspeakers and two SB10r subwoofers, one installed in the ceiling and the other in the wall.

It is configured as a two-channel zone with the main Syva loudspeakers. The other loudspeakers can be brought in or taken out as needed to distribute music throughout the rest of the space, depending on personal preference and how the room is being used, adds Jarvis.

The ground-floor audio installation continues into the library with a Syva-based 2.1 configuration that includes an ultra-compact SB10i discreetly integrated into the joinery.

In the adjacent spaces, the TV room features a 5.1 system with X4i in-ceiling loudspeakers for the rear surround channels and an SB10 also integrated into the joinery. Meanwhile, the kitchen and dining area features four X4r in-ceiling loudspeakers together with an SB10i subwoofer.

One of the main areas of the installation is located on the top floor, where a media room and studio have been created with a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration. The system incorporates seven X4 loudspeakers, some of which serve as the LCR channels behind a fabric wall, while four X4r loudspeakers provide the surround and height channels. The configuration is completed by an SB10r subwoofer and two LA2Xi amplified controllers.

Integrating the recording studio required a specific solution. "The rear-right loudspeaker had to be moved because it was located in the space where the client wanted to place the recording studio desk", recalls Jarvis. "We designed a 150 mm-thick desk leg so that we could integrate the loudspeaker into the edge of the desk while keeping it in the correct position. The recording studio also features a 2.1 L-Acoustics configuration, with its amplifier installed in the same leg".

This solution made it possible to integrate the professional audio system into a multi-purpose space without altering the required loudspeaker placement.

The installation is controlled through its integration with the Control4 platform, which is used to manage the entire audio system.

He is delighted with the result, as is the whole family, who now spend much of their time playing and listening to music. The L-Acoustics sound quality is exceptional and remains consistent throughout the property. We are now taking the project one step further by bringing L-Acoustics outdoors as the main component of a new garden entertainment system, concludes Jarvis.