Hidden Home Technology has been recognised with the Best International Installation award at URC’s 11th annual Unsurpassed Awards, announced during CEDIA 2025. The project, supplied through AWE, URC’s exclusive UK distributor, showcases the exceptional standard of design, engineering, and system integration being delivered by leading British installers.
Transforming a Modest Garage into a High-Performance Cinema
Hidden Home Technology’s award-winning project centred on converting a modestly sized domestic garage into a luxury 7.1 home cinema and entertainment space, engineered to deliver premium performance without compromising on aesthetics or practicality.
During our interview, Daniel Crick, Founder of Hidden Home Technology, explained the complexity of the brief. The room demanded a careful balance between music performance, movie performance, and interior design. Space was tight and required strategic, structural decisions including lowering the ceiling, bringing the front wall forward, and embedding acoustic treatment effective down to 35 Hz.
To preserve walkways and sightlines, Hidden Home Technology integrated hidden speakers, optimised seating positions, and ensured that every listener remained within the acoustic sweet spot. “Crowbarring ergonomic space behind for an additional row was difficult,” Daniel noted. “But the end result kept everyone exactly where they needed to be.”
System Design and High-Performance Components
This £250,000 project features a meticulously specified audio and video system designed to maximise performance within the constraints of the space, while integrating discreetly into the interior design.
Hidden Home Technology worked closely with the client to deliver a solution that prioritised acoustic performance, visual impact, and usability. Careful loudspeaker placement, room optimisation, and calibration ensured that the system performs at a reference level, while maintaining the clean, uncluttered aesthetic that the client required.
Lighting also played a vital role in the final experience, with layered, controllable scenes that elevate the atmosphere of the room and enhance the cinematic environment.
Every element of the build was executed in-house, including soundproofing, HVAC, ventilation, bike storage, and the full interior design package.
URC Total Control: Reliability, Efficiency and Simplicity
A key component to the project’s success was URC Total Control, specified and programmed by Hidden Home Technology and supplied by AWE. Daniel explained why URC remains his preferred control platform:
“The reason I chose URC is the same reason I always choose URC – reliability, efficiency and support. URC does its thing with the one-button press, prepares the system, turns everything on, becomes the remote you want.”
The system is powered by a URC MRX-12 processor, paired with a TRC-1080 handheld remote and an iPad interface. Both work seamlessly side by side, offering zero compromise between tactile control and fully featured app-based operation.
Daniel highlighted the stability of the URC app on iPad, the integrated Apple TV with Siri and HomeKit support, and a wide range of effective two-way modules, including Rako and StormAudio. “It’s incredibly responsive, incredibly reliable,” he explained, adding that URC’s intuitive programming and interface design create a consistent, high-quality user experience.
The Role of AWE
As URC’s UK distributor, AWE supplied the system and provided technical support throughout the project. Daniel described AWE’s assistance as “second to none”:
“Whenever you phone them, whenever you need them, they’re always there – even sometimes out of hours. I can’t rate it enough.”
AWE’s support and product knowledge ensured a smooth integration and helped deliver a flawless final result.
A Client Experience That Delivered
The client, Chris, described Hidden Home Technology’s work as meticulous, professional, and deeply personal:
“Dan and Jess treated my project as if they were installing it in their own house. Meticulous attention to detail, excellent project management, and 5-star after-sales service – they were a joy to work with.”
The result is a cinema that delivers reference-grade performance and exceptional everyday usability.
Recognition from URC
URC’s judges were impressed by the technical execution, acoustic engineering, and seamless integration across audio, video, lighting, and control. As part of the announcement, URC emphasised how international dealers continue to drive innovation across the Total Control ecosystem.
For Hidden Home Technology, the award is a landmark moment. Daniel summed it up:
“To have every job outside of the US eligible for the award, and to come out on top… yeah, I think that’s pretty cool.”
This win not only reflects the excellence of Hidden Home Technology, but also the strength of the partnership between installer, manufacturer, and distributor – showcasing the best of what URC and AWE can offer in premium residential entertainment environments.
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