Designed and delivered by Denote, the “Blue Note” luxury media suite (located in Sydney, Australia) sets a striking example of what can be achieved when high-performance AV, architectural precision and disciplined project execution come together under pressure. The project encompasses a drastic re-engineering of an underwhelming media room into an RP22-compliant, reference-grade cinema in just under 16-weeks.
While the 16-week timeline may seem reasonable at first glance, the reality of the project was far more complex. Nearly all system components were custom ordered and sourced from five different countries, each introducing potential delays and logistical uncertainty.
Despite careful timeline management, international shipping disruptions required the team to pivot from sea freight to airfreight in several instances. The extra added cost, Denote mentioned, was worth it if it meant the original design vision that had been specified could remain intact.
Re-Imagining an Underwhelming Media Space into a Reference-Grade Cinema
The project began with a full gut renovation before rebuilding the room with acoustic isolation techniques and reorienting it toward the front windows.
According to Denote, the original intent was to invert and position Meridian DSP3200 bookshelf speakers on the ceiling using RSP-01. The decision was grounded in part performance and serviceability, allowing any adjustments to be made easily post-installation.
Denote designed custom steel brackets to angle each speaker within a removable enclosure, which allows the entire speaker assembly to slide out of the plastered ceiling recess for maintenance.
Precision Alignment and Architectural Integration
Integration of Artnovion acoustic paneling throughout the room required close work with the builder, with the team ensuring the panels were spaced evenly off both ceiling and walls, forming a continuous visual plane.
LED lighting channels were recessed into the panels to sit flush, creating uninterrupted lines of light. Side speakers were also integrated directly into the paneling, requiring different construction approaches on opposing walls (brick on one side, plaster on the other).
To account for material differences, Denote said it widened the recesses to allow for fine positional adjustments. The team then fabricated custom mesh grilles to close the gaps cleanly. Powder-coated L-angle edging with mitered corners completed the look, resulting in a cohesive and visually striking finish.
A Fully Integrated Reference Theater System
At the heart of this reference-grade cinema sits a Dolby Atmos 7.4.4 digital-active speaker system, finished in a custom deep blue metallic to complement the room’s design. A StormAudio processor manages a fully digital signal chain from source to speaker, ensuring signal integrity throughout.
The video system is equally refined, featuring a Sony 4K laser projector paired with a Lumagen video processor, Panamorph anamorphic lens and custom hush box. The image is delivered onto a 140-inch Severtson cinemascope screen, achieving 41 foot-lamberts (140 nits) of on-screen brightness.
Sources include 4K Blu-ray, Kaleidescape, Zidoo media server, Apple TV, satellite TV, high-resolution music streaming and even CD and vinyl. Seating is provided by Cineak HARV chairs in high-grade leather, reinforcing the room’s luxury positioning.
Savant automation ties the entire system together, offering intuitive control and remote management capabilities, including power conditioning and surge protection across all devices using shielded AudioQuest cabling.
Built for Performance and Everyday Use
Beyond its role as a dedicated cinema, the room was designed to function as a working home office, reflecting a growing demand for flexible, multipurpose spaces.
The result adheres closely to industry best practices, including CEDIA RP22 layout guidelines, proper cable management, and mechanical isolation. The system has even been calibrated by ISF and HAA-certified professionals, ensuring it performs at the highest level.
Systems & Equipment
Audio
- Meridian DSP8000SE SEL
- Meridian DSP7200SE HC SEL
- Meridian DSP520.2
- Meridian DSP3200 SEL
- Meridian DSW 2 SEL
- Storm Audio Processor
- Artnovion acoustical panels
Video
- Severtson screen
- Sony VPL-XW7000es projector
- Panamorph XM3 lens
Control
- Savant
This project is part of our coverage for the 2025 CE Pro Home of the Year Awards. Presented annually at CEDIA Expo alongside the BEST Product Awards, the Home of the Year Awards represent the best of the best smart home innovations within the CEDIA channel. If you have a project you would like to submit to the Home of the Year Awards, consider following CE Pro on social media or subscribing to our newsletter for when we announce the next submission round.
