How
ASC Helped Build This High End Custom Home Theater
Designer Lowell/Edwards did everything right when the Strom
family commissioned them to build the best possible home theater.
As soon as the design was finalized, and before any construction
had begun, they contacted ASC for acoustic design.
First, we designed a soundproofing
plan, since the theater is situated next to a bedroom. ASC specified
WallDamp and IsoWall for maximum full spectrum soundproofing and
sound conditioning. This was quickly shipped, and allowed the project
to proceed through the structural stage.
Originally, the design called for a
stretch fabric approach for the walls. However, due to several factors
along the way, the design was modified to accept individual fabric
wrapped panels. The interior designer specified a French silk fabric
that was $140.00 per yard!!! The room used 120 yards of material
- $16,800.00 of material!!!!! Lowell opted to trim and fit each
panel, then wrapped them on site. All acoustics had to be 2.5"
thickness or less, and had to provide lots of absorption as well
as diffusion.
Arthur Noxon, ASC's Acoustic Engineer,
had this to say about the project. "We wanted participants
to experience the movie and not the room. To do this, we needed
lateral diffusion built into 2 inch thick absorption panels. The
two human ears like to hear side-to-side diffusion, creating a spacious
sound. We needed the full 2 inches of absorptive semi-rigid fiberglass;
1 inch is not enough to get the job done. A controlled but ambient
and well diffused home theater is the way of the future"
In addition to the wall mounted acoustics,
we included bass trapping and control built into the pilaster beams.
We designed special back vented SoundPlanks, allowing the space
behind to absorb and trap bass.
Most high end home theaters include
a soffit and this one is no exception. Standard drywall soffits,
however, can become sonic racquetball courts and create troublesome
flutter echoes. We got rid of this phenomenon by using poly diffusors
to create an overhead spaciousness. This also helped to even out
the sound to all 10 seats.
After
all the components were fabricated in the ASC factory, they were
loaded onto palettes and shipped across the country to be installed
by Lowell/Edwards at the Strom family's home. Everything fit perfectly
thanks to excellent communication, excellent planning and accurate
measurements. The Strom family is also thrilled to own an incredible
sounding as well as beautiful home theater.
After
all the components were fabricated in the ASC factory, they were
loaded onto palettes and shipped across the country to be installed
by Lowell/Edwards at the Strom family's home. Everything fit perfectly
thanks to excellent communication, excellent planning and accurate
measurements. The Strom family is also thrilled to own an incredible
sounding as well as beautiful home theater.