We were briefed by the client, local GP Dr Atif Ghaffar, with delivering a high performance, fully acoustically treated ‘reference’ cinema (in a neglected double garage) that had to be more than just ‘a room with some cinema kit in it’.

The client wanted a dedicated space that was cosy and inviting with equipment hidden from view, interior design was also to be undertaken by The Big Picture.

We were handed a sketch of how the room might work but we saw an opportunity to use the space more economically, achieve better video performance/acoustics/sound envelopment, and deliver more floor space to increase potential audience size.

The water tank was moved. We put it tight to one corner and shrouded it in high density Rockwool to act as a bass trap for a more controlled low frequency sound. All windows and doors were bricked with concrete block to help pressure load the room (for a better bass respond) and contribute to sound proofing – neighbours were nearby. The floor was raised to prevent trip hazard and, once insulated, boarded over - ceilings were levelled too.

A room within an room was built. Between those rooms, 400mm of Rockwool was added to further prevent sound transmission - nothing could be heard from outside.

The rear wall was built as a huge diaphragmatic bass absorber for further sound control. All speakers and projectors were recessed into specific locations within the wall space. Once acoustic treatments were added to the walls and ceiling, the room was stretched out in fabric panels.

Our lighting design included Lutron Grafik Eye control and several circuits of mood lighting creating a wonderful ambiance. As soon as the room was detail-decorated and carpeted and the client had shopped for his own sofa, we added curtains to give an old-school cinema feel – this also hid the entrance and balanced the room’s aesthetic.

The finishing touch was of course was discretely hiding the AV equipment (electronics, speaker and even radiators) before calibrating the system. A job well done.
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This is what Dr Atif Ghaffar had to say:
Luxuries do not come cheap. Fact. So when you decide to have your own dedicated home cinema, certain principles are crucial: room design, acoustic preparation, equipment specification, installation, calibration, commissioning, and post-installation service and advice. The Big Picture delivers all of the above with the addition of an essential ingredient and the genuine secret of their success…. an uncompromising passion for achieving the best audio-visual experience possible within the limits you set.

When we decided to re-decorate and improve our house rather than move, our interior designer suggested that we transform our “junk-storing” double garage, into a lounge or home cinema…. as he had done the same recently. When we saw his dazzling example, we were totally convinced about the idea and he kindly put us in touch with Ciaran from The Big Picture. Although I was aware of a few installation companies who could lay cables, hide speakers in ceilings and fit plasma televisions to walls, I hadn’t come across a dedicated custom design AND installation team. And it was to our pleasant surprise that Ciaran took a genuine interest in how we lived as a family, what we hoped to achieve, what building and financial limitations we had and most importantly, he provided essential advice on which factors would influence the overall performance. It was refreshing to learn that something amazing could be achieved by making certain room improvements, without having to spend a fortune on expensive technology.

Ciaran is a visionary artist with an adept knowledge of audio-visual science – so his room designs combine the natural laws of physics and what looks amazing and feels comfortable. Equally, his recommendations of audio-visual equipment are based on field testing and experience and he will ensure that you choose the best performing equipment within your budget.

It is the gasps of friends and family upon entering the room and the wide gazes and grins of delight during a demonstration which is testament to the project’s success.