The Paramount is part of a recently completed 4,000 sq. ft. underground Theater wing added to an existing country estate. Lavishly proportioned and intricately detailed in the Beaux Arts style, the Theo Kalomirakis-designed complex includes a grand staircase, marquee, two lobbies, box office, bar, fireplace, and, as final destination, a 4-tier, 24-seat auditorium.

The theater's size and, especially, its intricate architectural detailing, held out the possibility of achieving extraordinary sonic impact, and very good articulation, even without recourse to the acoustical treatments—absorbers, diffusors, reflectors, compound devices—that residential entertainment venues must generally rely on to "harmonize" the A/V system and its acoustic setting.

The foyer (top) achieves an outdoor feel, featuring a solid brass marquee electrified by incandescent lighting, terrazzo flooring, and a fiber-optic night-sky ceiling. The life-sized ticket-booth mannequin is by Lisa Lichtenfels. The auditorium's architectural detailing (right) calls for materials of varied types, shapes, sizes and surface textures; this variety is a key element in the promotion of natural, immersive sonic experiences during movie screenings.

Project design by Theo Kalomirakis, NY; A/V by AudioVideo Interiors, NY. Acoustic consulting by Keith Yates Design Group. Photos by Phillip Ennis.

Performance-Based Room Design (sm)

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