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When historical splendor meets modern technology

2021, September 23

Le Petit Garnier: where historical operatic splendor and elegance meet modern technology

A room inspired by The Opera Garnier

Although the interior of this impressive theater was inspired by the Opera Garnier in Paris, a historical entertainment venue, the equipment powering the playback system behind it is composed of the most cutting-edge technologies available on the market. As soon as you step into this theater, with the rich and sumptuous red colors interspersed with gold, the heavy luxurious fabrics and the meticulous decoration details all transport you to opera theater experiences of a bygone age; being surrounded by this, you know that you will have a unique entertainment experience in this theater.

Design behind the smallest details

The room was designed by Michael Robinson, Project Director at Perfect Integration. No detail was spared in the design of the room. The curved ceiling is reminiscent of curved and domed structures of historic opera theater halls, and just like these inspirations, the shapes are not just for a stunning visual effect, just as importantly, it disperses the sound waves for better acoustics in the room. The ceiling speakers are hidden behind custom grilles, creating a seamless visual design that emulates architectural roundel details at the same time. A lot of care was also taken in the choice of the fabrics and materials used in this room- they had to convey the luxury of an opera theater, and act as acoustic absorbent treatment as well.

No compromise on the equipment

In terms of equipment, Michael Robinson explains that no compromise has been done to deliver a reference-grade cinema.

To achieve this, at the center of it all is a StormAudio ISP3D.16 Elite processor powering the cinema, Bowers and Wilkins speakers forming a 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos system, a Barco Balder CinemaScope 4K projector, a motorized masking screen (complete with a theatrical carpeted red curtain), Kaleidescape and Oppo Blu-ray sources, all controlled by a Crestron system that has also been programmed to be a central point of control for the rest of the house. The LCR Bowers & Wilkins speakers are bi-amped to fully playback with headroom the high-quality content that is delivered from the StormAudio processor.