Grey Haven | Best Home Cinema, Winner

The cinema began as a mere concrete structure within the Russian Federation, and its transformation into a home theatre of unparalleled quality was as much a journey of human connection as it was of technological precision.

The initial spark for this cinematic sanctuary came from Andrey Zmeyev, the interior designer. Recognizing the complexity and specialised nature of high-end audio-visual rooms, Zmeyev sought the help of Blackroom. This was uncharted territory for him, and he needed a partner who could not only navigate the technical intricacies but also understand the emotional and functional aspirations of the space. The client, a young family man with a growing brood, envisioned a room that was as much a place for family gatherings and children's performances as it was a haven for movie aficionados.

The vision was clear: a versatile space that could transition seamlessly from a private cinema to a stage for the kids' theatrical ventures. At around 46.5m², with an adjacent dressing room for the little performers, the canvas was set. Despite being located in the basement, the room boasted a window that the client and designer were adamant about retaining. Blackroom, ever the problem-solvers, devised a solution that preserved this feature without compromising the room's performance, installing an automatic motorised blackout curtain to maintain optimal viewing conditions.

From the moment the client visited Blackroom's showroom and saw the potential for their home, there was a shared excitement. The handshake that sealed their collaboration marked the beginning of an intricate design process. The challenge was to create a well-balanced, high-performance solution within a reasonable budget. The client, though new to the world of home cinemas, had clear priorities: practicality, quality, and value. Blackroom's proposal, centred around Procella Audio speakers, their own brand subwoofer, and a JVC projector, struck the perfect balance.

The technical challenges were met with innovative solutions. The projector, integral to the room's functionality, could not be placed outside the room perimeter. Instead, it found its home in a sealed, ventilated hush-box within the ceiling soffit, ensuring optimal cooling and performance. A museum-grade anti-reflective glass protected the projector lens, maintaining the room's aesthetic and technical standards. The entire setup was professionally calibrated using Image Science Foundation (ISF) and Home Acoustic Alliance (HAA) standards, maximising the capabilities of the available processing power.

Vyacheslav Tikhonov, the builder, played a crucial role in shaping the space to meet the exacting standards required for such a project. His craftsmanship ensured that the technical room adjacent to the cinema was perfectly configured to house all necessary equipment discreetly. The room's shape, almost serendipitously suited for a perfect baffle wall, allowed Blackroom to save space and enhance the acoustic environment.

Ultimately, Grey Haven offers a sophisticated blend of technology and architecture, seamlessly integrating family life with entertainment. It exemplifies how dedicated craftsmanship and innovative design can transform a basic structure into a multifunctional space that caters to a variety of entertainment needs.