This large, World War I era plantation-style estate on Oahu recently underwent extensive remodeling to add a large swimming pool and ambitious entertainment to its 2,000 sq. ft. basement. The owner envisioned a high-performance private theater to enhance the entertainment experience while he, his family and guests are in the pool, spa and surrounding areas.

Keith Yates responded with a design that enables the sophisticated A/V, lighting and motorized systems to be controlled by touchscreen and/or voice command anywhere within the complex—especially critical given how hostile the watery environs would be to a conventional remote control.

The audio playback system packs the dynamic wallop to fill the entire space, but with excellent dialog intelligibility and musical clarity due to careful control of speaker radiation patterns, minimizing sonic reflections off the many hard surfaces (including the water). Special in-pool speakers enable the audience to follow the soundtrack even while underwater.

The video design includes an HD-capable Vidikron video projector, Faroudja processor and Stewart video screen. Core audio components from Drawmer, Mark Levinson, Proceed, Klark-Teknik and Klipsch, as well as custom, Keith Yates-designed high-output, THX-type surround speakers and a pair of custom, amplified professional-type subwoofers directly below the main speakers. Similar componentry is also installed in the Salon and Master Suite.

The Pool Theater's walls and ceiling were extensively treated acoustically to reduce the venue's lengthy reverberation time—a challenge, given the high humidity in the room and the need for the absorption not to support mildew growth.

Success in meeting the project's daunting technical challenges can be gauged by the sheer entertainment value it now provides its enthusiastic occupants.

Performance-Based Room Design (sm)

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