When our client in Higgovale, Cape Town reached out to us, their vision wasn’t for a typical home theatre tucked away in a dark, enclosed room. Instead, they wanted a high-performance cinema experience in a striking open-plan space,one that flowed naturally from a stairwell and cigar lounge, yet still offered the emotional impact and clarity of a purpose-built theatre.

This wasn’t going to be a plug-and-play installation. It needed a thoughtful, tailored approach - one that respected the architecture while transforming the room into a high-fidelity entertainment zone. And so began the three-week journey from concept to completion.

Understanding the Space

Right from the start, we knew this wasn’t a conventional project. Open-plan layouts present acoustic and lighting challenges that demand careful planning. Without the benefit of four solid walls and a door to contain light and sound, we had to engineer control into the design.

We began by creating a new ceiling drop of 280mm. This served multiple purposes: it allowed us to manage cabling, ducting, and lighting in a clean, concealed manner while also giving us the structure to add acoustic insulation and dedicated climate control above the seating area. Additional acoustic treatments were integrated around the space - including purpose-placed paneling, heavy curtains, and soffit-mounted speaker housings - all designed to reduce echo, manage reflections, and enhance sonic detail without visually dominating the room.

Choosing the Right Screen and Projection System

Our client wanted a cinematic screen that didn’t overpower the space but still delivered the wow factor. We selected a 150-inch acoustically transparent screen in a 16:9 aspect ratio - the perfect match for their Apple TV and Kaleidescape systems, which primarily serve content in this format.

To bring that screen to life, we installed Epson’s EH-LS12000B 4K laser projector, capable of producing a crisp, vibrant image even in ambient lighting. With 6000 lumens of brightness, it ensures that movie nights, sports events, or live concerts look stunning no matter the time of day.

Building a Precise Soundstage

Audio is where the room truly came to life. With limited wall space and architectural challenges, we designed a custom front wall to house a total of six Bowers & Wilkins CT 7.3 LCR speakers behind the screen - three mounted high and three low — creating a seamless front soundstage. This configuration provided dynamic energy and excellent localisation for dialogue, music, and effects.

In-ceiling audio was just as important. We installed six Bowers & Wilkins CCM7.3 S2 in-ceiling speakers from the 700 Series, each carefully soffit-mounted and anchored for stability and safety. These units are weighty - nearly 10kg each - and their performance lives up to their build. By installing them at carefully calculated positions and angles, we were able to produce a smooth, enveloping sound field that makes every seat in the room a prime spot.

Along the side and rear walls, we integrated Ascendo Passive 6 wedge-style surround speakers. Their angled form allowed us to mount them higher up on the walls, directing sound toward the listening area for a precise and enveloping surround effect - all while blending elegantly into the room’s design.

Bass duties were handled by two Bowers & Wilkins CTSW15 subwoofers, each with a 15-inch driver. These were installed up front and driven by a pair of CDA-2HD amplifiers delivering 1000 watts of power per unit. The result? Deep, clean, tactile bass that anchors every soundtrack and shakes the room without overpowering it.

The Electronics Behind the Magic

At the heart of the system sits a Marantz AV 10 processor paired with the powerful Marantz AMP 10 - a 16-channel amplifier that brings control and detail to each speaker. Together, these components manage a total of 18 channels: six speakers behind the screen, six in-ceiling units, four side/rear surrounds, and two subwoofers.

This setup delivers cinematic impact without compromising finesse. Whether you're watching an action blockbuster or a subtle drama, every nuance is presented with clarity, depth, and realism.

Seamless Control for Effortless Use

A system like this should be as easy to use as it is powerful. That’s why we integrated Control4, giving our client intuitive control over every aspect of the room — from the AV system to lighting, HVAC, and window coverings.

With a single touch on the Control4 Halo remote, our client can dim the lights, close the shades, turn on the air conditioning, and cue up their Kaleidescape movie library or Apple TV interface. No remotes scattered across the couch, no complicated menus — just seamless control designed for daily enjoyment.

Final Touches That Matter

We believe that true performance is not just about equipment, but also about how it's installed. Our team meticulously calibrated the sound and picture, adjusted lighting to eliminate glare, and ensured all components were tuned to the acoustics of the space.

The ceiling drop not only made the space look beautifully finished, but allowed us to discreetly integrate services, lighting, and climate control outlets placed directly above the seating for comfort and performance. Every cable was concealed. Every detail was deliberate.

A Cinema That Fits the Way You Live

In the end, what we created was more than just a cinema room. It’s a space that elevates everyday living, a place for entertainment, connection, and unwinding - without sacrificing design integrity or usability.

This Higgovale home now has a cinema that’s as functional as it is beautiful, delivering performance that rivals commercial theatres, right in the heart of the home.

Contact us today to help you with your cinematic journey