Bowers & Wilkins Solution From AWE Drives Audio Excellence In Stunning Home Cinema

A recent home cinema installation by Sussex-based integrator Dr Smart Homes has transformed a dedicated room in a newly built, ultra-modern home in Hove into an immersive entertainment space where the whole family can relax, unwind and enjoy their favourite movies. The client, a successful property developer, had already worked with Dr Smart Homes on numerous buy-to-let projects but had now built their own dream residence. Designed with luxury in mind, this striking, contemporary home now boasts a state-of-the-art home cinema powered by high quality audio from premium brand, Bowers & Wilkins from AWE Europe.

The Brief

From the outset, the client had set aside a windowless room off the common area as the location for the cinema.

“The client knew they wanted a cinema that both looks and sounds good, but beyond that, they were happy to be guided by us, and were open to suggestions on projection, sound and fabric within a set budget,” explains Daniel Cannard from Dr Smart Homes. “The only non-negotiable was the starlight ceiling.”

*Inside the completed Dr Smart Homes cinema, showcasing Bowers & Wilkins in-wall and in-ceiling speakers.*

Expert Guidance from AWE

Having worked with AWE on previous projects, Daniel knew the team’s expertise would be invaluable in designing the right system. “We have been working with AWE since we first entered the world of home cinema,” he says. “They make the process straightforward, helping with everything from speaker placement to selecting the right AVR.”

To help the client make an informed decision, Daniel arranged a visit to the AWE Show Apartment. “We met with the AWE team and experienced the two demo cinemas there,” he recalls. “Our project wasn’t aiming to match the high-spec AWE Reference Cinema, but seeing and hearing the different options really helped the client understand what was possible within their budget. We always use Bowers & Wilkins speakers – they’re fantastic – so it was great for the client to experience them in person and see why we recommend them.”

The Solution

A Dolby 5.2.2 surround sound set-up was created delivering an immersive audio experience, expertly designed to complement the room’s layout. Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2 in-wall speakers handle the left, centre, and right channels, while two CWM7.5 S2 in-wall speakers power the rear. Overhead, a pair of CCM662 600 Series in-ceiling speakers add height, and two ASW610 subwoofers provide deep, impactful bass. With AWE’s expert guidance, speaker placement and calibration were fine-tuned to maximise performance, ensuring rich, cinematic sound despite the room’s high ceiling.

“We were concerned about volume loss due to the room’s height and the number of speakers,” Daniel explains. “To counteract this, we fabric-tracked the ceiling outside the starlight area and worked closely with AWE to ensure the AVR and speakers delivered the right balance of power. The equipment AWE specified fills the space perfectly.”

Driving it all is the Marantz Cinema 60 AVR, known for its warm, dynamic, and spacious audio – perfect for creating a luxury home cinema experience.

For projection, a high-performance Epson EH-LS12000B projector was installed, delivering crystal-clear 4K visuals onto an acoustically transparent 3m wide 16:9 screen. This long-lasting laser light source features Epson’s 3LCD technology, so that vivid colours can be enjoyed thanks to a high White and Colour Light Output of 2,700 lumens.

*(L to R) Epson EH-LS12000B projector, driven by the Marantz Cinema60 AVR*.

Overcoming Challenges

Seating placement was an area that required careful consideration. While the team typically identifies a single ‘sweet spot’ for sound optimisation, the client requested two rows of seating with four reclining chairs, to create a family-friendly space. This required precise fine-tuning to ensure a balanced experience for both seating rows.

Managing costs without compromising performance was another challenge. Throughout the build, the team collaborated closely with MSP Details, a trusted contractor, to construct the timber staged seating area at the back, as well as the projector housing, speaker locations, and fabric track mounting. This partnership ensured that every element was expertly integrated, delivering both a high-performance setup and a space that met the client’s vision on budget.

The Final Build

The collaboration between Dr Smart Homes and AWE on this project proves that top-tier performance can be achieved within budget limitations. With the starlight ceiling, and a pick ’n’ mix corner for the full movie night experience, the result is an enchanting space made for unforgettable family moments. It’s also a shining example of how visiting the AWE showroom and leveraging expert support can make all the difference.

Reflecting on the project, Daniel sums it up best: “The client was blown away when we demonstrated the finished space; it delivers incredible performance and looks fantastic.”

Want to see what’s possible? Book a visit to the AWE Show Apartment at awe-europe.com.