Interior Design for Residential Cinemas Part 2: Interior Design Choices
Finishes
Soft Finishes
With a lot of effort going into the audio specification, layout, acoustic treatment and seating position it is clear to see that audio is a key part of a residential cinema. It is important to carry this into the interior design by favouring softer surface finishes such as fabrics over harder finishes such as metal or stone.
Considerations
Carpet is ideal for flooring for its acoustically absorbent qualities. Wood can be used as a border or paired with rugs. Stone, concrete and ceramic flooring should be avoided. Limit hard surfaces to details and trim where possible. If using hard surfaces for furniture or architectural details, try to add soft finishes in the same area to balance the impact on acoustics.
Reflective Surfaces
In the same manner as hard surfaces, reflective surfaces should be kept to a minimum. With the primary purpose of the room being consuming visual content it is important to avoid distracting reflections. Reflective surfaces that face a projector should be even more limited and completely avoided on and around the screen wall.
Considerations
Limit reflective surfaces and avoid entirely where they will detract from the viewing experience.
Acoustically transparent fabrics
As discussed much of the walls and ceiling will be made up of stretched fabric panels. Unlike when choosing finishes for flooring and furniture where they should be acoustically absorbing, for these panels there is a requirement for them to be acoustically transparent. The fabric wall and ceiling panels will hide speakers and acoustic treatment. It is necessary for audio to pass from the speaker, through the fabric panels and into the room, then any returning sound needs to pass back through to meet the acoustic treatment
SRND specify two brands of acoustically transparent fabric, Camira for soft, wool-based fabrics and Ultrasuede for high quality imitation suedes, both of which have been tested by SRND at our testing facility to ensure the best possible acoustic results.
Considerations
Where hiding audio equipment and acoustic treatment, fabric finishes should be acoustically transparent. To aid with selecting appropriate fabrics SRND have done the work and recommend a range of Camira and Ultrasuede products.
Furniture
Seating
A wide range of cinema specific chairs are available with many different options, add ons and features from cup holders to LEDs. At SRND we believe that while these cinema specific chairs deliver for those looking for that style cinemas shouldn’t be limited to these types of seating. Sofas, chaise longues and armchairs designed for traditional living rooms can work just as well. Footstools/ottomans can be used where reclining features aren’t available.
Considerations
Let the design scheme and client preferences lead seating choices rather than opting for cinema seating automatically. If choosing cinema seating explore the full range of options available.
Coffee and side tables
Coffee tables can be popular however they can often result in a large, reflective surface centralised below the screen. Side tables on the other hand will result in less distraction and can also be added to rows of seating where space is tighter.
Considerations
Opt for side tables over coffee tables, side tables that overhang arms of chairs can be particularly useful when space is at a premium.
Media units and sideboards
Media units sat under the screen can prove distracting. Instead utilise sideboards for storage either to one side of the room or behind a row of seating.
Considerations
The amount of storage and surface top area required in a cinema room will likely be less than in a traditional living room. Media boxes and other technology will likely be stored in a media rack hidden elsewhere in the room or in a service room.
Cocktail Bars
A popular choice within residential cinemas, cocktail bars can however present challenges. Made up of hard surfaces, glass bottles and loose inventory they can prove distracting. Position cocktail bars at the rear of the room behind seating. Bars can be built as fitted furniture as part of the wall design or as freestanding units. If free standing, consider ways in which sound can be deadened, for example by adding weight.
If the bar contains a fridge supply a model with the least possible sound produced.
Considerations
Stick to the principles of avoiding reflections and disruption to the acoustic design as much as possible. Fitted units will achieve better results and take up less space. Position the bar away from screen sight lines.
Lighting
Natural Light
Residential cinemas are often built in spaces without access to natural light. Lofts, basements and converted garages are popular locations to be converted. Where there is natural light, it can be blocked permanently or covered with black out blinds and/or curtains. Ideally no natural light should be present during screenings, however end clients may which to retain the option.
House Lights
Whatever lighting scheme is designed it is important to factor in house lighting bright enough for cleaning and maintenance. This can be provided by the lights used in the scheme, dedicated lights for this purpose or a mix of the two. This is especially important in residential cinemas due to a lack of natural light.
Dimmable, programmable, reactive
There are a wide range of options available for elevating lighting beyond simple on/off or zonal schemes. Dimmable lighting is recommended as a minimum, allowing for a scheme that works before, during and after screenings. Programmable and reactive light shows can add an extra dimension to the viewing experience. As part of SRND Group Light Walls is ideally setup to aid in recommending hardware and software to achieve these goals.
Light Fittings
Due to audio technology and speakers lowering the ceiling height, staging raising the floor height, projector and viewing angles to consider it is recommended to avoid hanging lights or large ceiling lights unless the room is very tall to begin with. Instead opt for recessed spots and LED strips in ceilings. Wall sconces are easier to accommodate and offer character, especially in more traditional design schemes, it is best to opt for sconces that wash light onto walls rather than into the room itself.
Diffuse lighting
It is recommended that lights that are easily visible such as sconces are diffused to avoid glare.
LED Lighting: LED strips and panels are hugely popular in cinema designs. There a re different options available and can be laid out in many ways, front on or as a wash. Designing with LED strips and panels is a great way to be creative with light. Light Walls provide a range of solutions for LED Lighting.
