Barrett’s Technology Solutions Wins ASID Illinois Design Excellence Award
An Expert Collaboration of Smart Home Technology and Smart Design
Barrett’s Technology Solutions has always believed in form and function. As a smart home company in the Chicago area since 1966, we’ve seen a lot of forms and an equal amount of function come and go. But one thing remains constant: We believe great technology and design go together, and we strive to achieve the balance of each with every project.
This year, we’re very proud to have been chosen by ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Illinois chapter for a 2020 Design Excellence award. The home theater project was a collaboration between our company, CinemaTech (home theater design, seating, and acoustics), the client, the contractor, and some skilled local craftsmen.
Often in any successful endeavor, the devil is in the details. Keep reading to learn more about this award-winning project; we hope it inspires you to embark on yours!
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The Award
ASID is a national organization that represents and advances the interests of interior design professionals across the country. In Illinois, membership includes over 1100 design firms, students, and industry partner members. The award is part of ASID Illinois’ Celebration of Design, where projects are submitted for consideration across 25 categories.
The Project
The client wanted a custom home theater that evoked some of the design characters of classic movie houses, but also one that was clean and not “over the top.” The client had specific ideas about what they wanted, like a candy and snack bar area, a starry ceiling, dark wood wall panels like a classic theater, and comfortable and adjustable chaise seating. Barrett’s worked with the team and CinemaTech to put together a design encompassing the client's desires. Using computer graphic modeling, the client was able to envision what the finished product would feel like and quickly gave the go-ahead.
The home theater includes the latest technology, like a Sony 4K projector and a full Dolby Atmos surround system. As the client had an existing Crestron smart home control system, theater operation is via an intuitive Crestron touch screen for easy control of lights, equipment, temperature, and more.
The Details
In many projects, it’s the details big and small that make the finished result special. This theater includes acoustical treatments to optimize the surround sound quality in the room. This room was also constructed with sound insulating materials to make the room quiet, so you might hear some ambient sounds that you may not have noticed otherwise. This theater includes a ducted mini-split HVAC system so that neither the unit's compressor nor the airflow intrudes on the enjoyment of the movie or the sound.
The client's desire for a starry ceiling above was made possible by efficient and beautiful fiber optic lighting. The custom seating has leather surfaces and power headrests that rise and adjust at the push of a button. Other custom touches include leather-covered porthole double doors that conjure the feel of old-time theaters. In the “lobby” area outside the theater room, hanging light is shaped like a movie reel complete with filmstrips around the edge.
Barrett’s is proud to have been an integral part of this award-winning theater. If you would like the same attention to detail on your smart home project, call the company that has been doing it for 50+ years. Reach out to us at (630) 898-2850 or contact us here to get started. We look forward to working with you!
