A Seamless Blend of Design, Engineering, and Performance
At Hifi Hunter, we approach every project with a single priority. Create a space that looks beautiful, performs at a reference level, and suits the way real people live.
Our Piara Waters home cinema project, which received the Cinema Design Gold Award at the Sound and Image Awards 2023, reflects exactly what our team works hard to deliver.
Thoughtful design, precision engineering, meticulous installation, and close collaboration with the homeowner.
A purpose-built cinema that feels integrated with the home
The project began with a simple brief. Deliver a cinema room that feels refined and minimal, yet capable of delivering true commercial-level performance for movies, sports, and everyday TV. The family wanted incredible sound, clean architectural lines, and a room that would age gracefully. This meant every choice had to be deliberate, from the acoustic layout to the cabinetry, technology selection, lighting design, and ongoing usability.
Our role covered the complete process. Design, equipment selection, acoustic modelling, cabinetry coordination, wiring, installation, calibration, and handover. The result is a room that invites you in the moment the lights dim.
Acoustic design that works hard behind the scenes
Exceptional cinema performance always starts with the room itself. We worked from the early stages of construction to map speaker positions, seating layout, and low-frequency behaviour. The walls and ceiling were designed to accept treatment without visually impacting the room.
Behind the minimalist finishes sits a carefully balanced acoustic package. Absorption and diffusion are positioned to create clarity, impact, and spatial accuracy. Low frequency control was front of mind because bass behaviour determines the true feel of a cinema. Our modelling ensured subwoofer placement, seating positions, and treatment depth would work as a system.
Everything is concealed within the room’s architecture. Clients often tell us they are surprised at how invisible the engineering is, which is exactly the point.
A speaker system built for scale and precision
For this project, we selected cinema-grade loudspeakers that perform effortlessly in a dedicated room. High output, low distortion, and consistent dispersion were essential requirements. The front stage uses a trio of premium LCR speakers installed behind an acoustically transparent screen, which preserves correct sound imaging and allows cinematic scale without visual compromise.
Surround and height channels were placed to create an accurate Dolby Atmos performance. Our team prewired and installed every speaker location during construction, confirmed stud spacing, and coordinated depth for in-wall enclosures. Once the room was built, we aligned and calibrated the complete system to reference playback levels, ensuring the client experiences the exact mix intended by filmmakers.
A seamless visual experience with a custom projection setup
A cinema room deserves a true cinema-sized image. We specified a large-format projection system that maintains brightness and contrast even during daytime sessions. The projector is ceiling-mounted with precision alignment. The screen is acoustically transparent and tensioned for perfect uniformity. The combination creates a sharp, vibrant image with strong HDR performance, suitable for films, sports, and streaming.
We also engineered the cable pathways, ventilation clearances, and service access so the system can evolve without modification to the room.
Smart lighting and control that make the room effortless
Cinema rooms perform best when the lighting and control system are simple to use. We designed a smart lighting layout that includes indirect LED washes, pathway lighting, and low-level accents. Scenes are programmed so the entire room can shift mood at the touch of a button. Movie mode, intermission, cleaning, and entry scenes ensure the room feels intuitive to anyone who walks in.
All equipment is integrated with a central control system. The family can start a film, adjust lighting, switch inputs, and manage volume through a single remote or touchscreen. Reliability and ease of use were key priorities. We have set everything up so that the system works consistently without requiring ongoing adjustments.
Cabinetry and finishes that support the performance
Our team included our in-house Interior Designer, who collaborated closely with the cabinetmaker to achieve a refined look. The custom media wall houses the speakers, acoustic treatment, and equipment while maintaining clean lines and a warm, architectural feel. Ventilation paths were engineered during design, not after installation, which protects gear and preserves longevity.
The result is a room that hides the technology without limiting performance. Every grille, timber panel, and fabric surface was chosen to complement the acoustic design.
Why this project stood out
This room was recognised because it demonstrates what a well-executed cinema can be. Not just loud, not just stylish, but truly balanced. Our design approach always considers the entire experience of how the sound interacts with the room. How the lighting supports the story. How the technology integrates with daily life. How a client walks in, sits down, and feels transported.
Thinking about your own home cinema
Whether you are building a simple media room or a full-scale dedicated cinema, early planning will make the biggest difference. Hifi Hunter offers full design and installation across Perth and Western Australia, working with homeowners, architects, designers, and builders.
If you want a room that looks beautiful and performs at a true cinematic level, we would be glad to help.