(I love lighting effects).

No kidding ;)

In the picture of the wall panel it looks like you are using the rope lighting to create a 'floating' effect? I'm planning something similar for my columns and am struggling to find suitable lights. Rope lighting just does put out enough (directional) lumens... any ideas?

This is the most amazing theatre build I have ever seen. Mario, art is a gift and you truly have a gift.

My only question, is when do we all get the invite to fly out and attend? :D

Thank you for your interest AndreasMergner,
Nothing would have been more of a pleasure than to send this out to my CNC department which seems like another lifetime ago. But that luxury has come and gone SOOOOOOOOO................here's how I did it.

http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae170/marioarts_photos/3rdcut.jpg

Once again, thank you for your interest.

Mario, I find it endlessly fascinating to see your vision and, especially, how you make that vision come to life. You're using techniques I have never seen to achieve results I have never imagined!

I do, however, have a fair amount of experience with big routers. My advice to you, Mario, is to put that monster into a router table. Flush-trimming with long bits is a lot safer with a table-mounted router (still not entirely safe, especially not on tight inside curves like this).

For really thick workpieces, you can cut half-way from one side using a bit with the guide bearing mounted on top. Then flip the workpiece over and use a bit with a bottom-mounted guide bearing to finish the cut. I think this is a little safer, too, since the bits always stay below the top of the workpiece.

Mario, I find it endlessly fascinating to see your vision and, especially, how you make that vision come to life. You're using techniques I have never seen to achieve results I have never imagined!

I do, however, have a fair amount of experience with big routers. My advice to you, Mario, is to put that monster into a router table. Flush-trimming with long bits is a lot safer with a table-mounted router (still not entirely safe, especially not on tight inside curves like this).

For really thick workpieces, you can cut half-way from one side using a bit with the guide bearing mounted on top. Then flip the workpiece over and use a bit with a bottom-mounted guide bearing to finish the cut. I think this is a little safer, too, since the bits always stay below the top of the workpiece.

Thank you and ALL excellent points but I haven't been able to mount that router in a table since I almost took my left thumb off using that technique.
:eek::(:eek::(:eek::(:eek::(:eek:
What I have found is that the weight of the router is almost always much heavier than the piece I'm routering so I have more control of the router due to gravity. What I do now is router on a 2" thick piece of foam therefore increasing the balance and never having to worry about the bit catching on anything except the piece I'm working on ESPECIALLY on those tight curves. Thanks for the comment though.

No kidding ;)

In the picture of the wall panel it looks like you are using the rope lighting to create a 'floating' effect? I'm planning something similar for my columns and am struggling to find suitable lights. Rope lighting just does put out enough (directional) lumens... any ideas?

Ya Moggie I've got a few but I'd just be shooting my mouth off if I didn't know the design of your columns. Looked at your thread (awesome job) and couldn't find the columns. Got any photos you could email or send me by private message here?
mario@marioarts.com
Got that Jet drill press too. Love it.

Ya Moggie I've got a few but I'd just be shooting my mouth off if I didn't know the design of your columns. Looked at your thread (awesome job) and couldn't find the columns. Got any photos you could email or send me by private message here?
mario@marioarts.com
Got that Jet drill press too. Love it.

I'll PM you since I don't want to hijack the thread. BTW I noticed your technique of routing on a foam block so I tried it today .. I used some double sided tape to hold my template to the stock and routed all the way around without stopping -- I've never done that before but it worked great. Thanks!

Your talents do not cease to amaze!!! You work is beyond incredible.

Dr. Mr. Michigan,
You have made several comments about my work. Thank you. I put in 12 to 14 hour days and to come home to your comments, totally spent, and it is very encouraging.
Sincerely to all who have complimented my work. Thank you.
I have alot to learn. I have been reading many threads and so many of you strive to "make it right", I admire your dedication and respect your hard work.
Let the show begin because in this insanity, one's home theater is a great place to hide for a couple of hours.
As it is said, "the devil is in the details" :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):cool: HA ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ROLL IT ! ! ! ! !
Mario

For those interested, John and family are on vacation this week. So I have been working on the side wall panels which I have posted pics and the back wall sculpture (below) which is approx. a 50 piece collection of 3D shapes to deflect sound and give contrast to the back wall. The deck on the rizer has been installed and on their return I will install the baseboard, which will be a task unto itself. After which the carpet can be installed and the remaining panels, sculptures, and screen wall details will be installed. They chose an incredible carpet pattern. It's going to be very cool.

As you can see, the ceiling cabinets are in production on the right of the photo so this is a very early stage of the sculptures. They will be as smooth as the ceiling teardrops on completion.

http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae170/marioarts_photos/backwallsculpture.jpg

Ok, I know it has been said many times here, but INSANE!!! Just plain incredible work and attention to detail, and those pale in comparison to your creativity! Many thanks for sharing your gift with all of us here. We are all envious of John and his family for being able to undertake such an awesome project with you! If I ever hit the lotto, I'll be calling to fly you to Michigan so you can create my dream theater!

Thanks again!

have you come up with a good way to finish machined MDF to a glossy, high quality finish?

Two pack poly finished with this (http://www.ubeaut.com.au/eee.htm) (or similar, but this is the best I can find anywhere) will do it - dont need a spray gun, just a good quality artists mohair mop...well and a swandown polishing mop....erh and a drill, and a......

This is a an extremely impressive build - Mario must love his MDF - man you need a decent extractor....or are you like me and often cant be bothered? :D .......not that I can compare my humble work to this excellence, that riser is freakin incredible - cant wait to see it in

man you need a decent extractor....or are you like me and often cant be bothered?

My dear Elill,
I seldom have time to do it the conventional way.
Thank you for your comments.
Mario

[QUOTE=ripcord87;18793638]If I ever hit the lotto, I'll be calling to fly you to Michigan so you can create my dream theater!
QUOTE]

Can't wait. Hit the lotto and call me, I'll have a bag packed and ready to create your dream.
Thank you very much for your comment.;):);):);):);):);):):cool:
Mario

http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae170/marioarts_photos/baseboardprogress.jpg


http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae170/marioarts_photos/baseboardinstalled.jpg


http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae170/marioarts_photos/BaseboardHitTheLights.jpg

http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae170/marioarts_photos/BaseboardSideWallCloseup.jpg


http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae170/marioarts_photos/ceilingandbaseboard.jpg

BOTTOM LINE. Push the limit.
Baseboard doesn't have to be a straight line.
The "box" is such a boring place to be.

A couple small details and we are ready for CARPET ! ! ! ! !
Can't wait to see the carpet that John selected. I think John made the best choice. I love it and can't wait to see it installed.
Mario

Mario, what'd you cut the dowels in half with? bandsaw?

Mario, what'd you cut the dowels in half with? bandsaw?

I used 1/4 inch MDF. Put a 1/4 inch router to the edge. Then set up a jig that handled a 3/8 inch width. Routered one side. Cut it on a table saw to 3/8 inch width but here's the trick, you don't cut it at the gate but from the outside of the material. When you cut a very small width on a table saw it changes width on every cut. So reduce the gate by the cut and add the blade width and cut from the OUTSIDE to the INSIDE and your material GUIDE will remain the same EVERYTIME. Put it in the jig after routering and sanding one side and do the same to the other side. It's all about patience. You can get impatient and make the cut short or take your time and make it right. By the time you router and sand a 3/8 inch width it comes down to the "apperance" of 1/4 inch. I've learned that after many years of trying to make it right from the start. IT DOESN'T WORK. Always leave room for HUMAN ERROR beacause the only person behind the tool is YOU.
Good to hear from you Elill.:cool:
I've wanted to live on your side of the rock for many years.
Mario

Ah I see now....that seems awefully time consuming, I mean I have patience when it comes to some things like finishing for example, but something like this.......6 million small cuts...... I'm impressed.

Yeah Aust. is a great place to live - I prefer New Zealand, but things are about 10 years behind there (in all seriousness) and their economy is terrible. Sydney is a good balance (very expensive though - housing affordability is generally the worst in the world, worse then NYC, Toyko and London.....its a complete joke).

Awesome local hardwood species though - for any woodworker its a dream. Hard, big, beautiful timbers - its almost a national past time.

I'll add a few pics of the baseboard too...


http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0110.jpg?t=1277654899


http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0102.jpg?t=1277655052



http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0114.jpg?t=1277652161

WOW....just...WOW

OK John,
You Win.
Your pics are WAY better than mine.
LOL
Thanks for posting them.:p

This weekend the front stage bass trap internal structures were built. The structure in the photo is the internal support stucture for the decorative fascade. The base and cap are SOLID MDF. 6 inches at the cap and 7 1/2 inches at the base. The curved structure will be filled with highly compacted cellulose insulation, thus the holes in the ribs. The fascade will be 3" ABS pipe cut in half and covered with a simulated black velvet material with a quarter round copper piping between each 3" round from top to bottom (the second picture shows the slices of half rounds on the fascade at the base for sizing). The cap and base will be flat black with the recessed bar in the blue highlight. The pipes are also filled with insulation. Total height of the columns is 8 feet.

Productive Weekend.

http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae170/marioarts_photos/BT1Small.jpg

http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae170/marioarts_photos/BT2Small.jpg

So I'm multi tasking at this point. Side wall sculptures, Side wall panels, Back wall sculpture, Screen wall base traps, etc..
The first photo below is the side wall panels. The big blue things.
The next photo is the grille that will go in front of the light box. The grille is made of 1/4 inch MDF (I know, what else would it be made of). But I wanted the sides of the curly lines to have a VERY soft edge to them. So the only way to accomplish this is by the "hand job" method. I've got them all done after just under 28 hours of sanding.
No pain, no gain.

I think the soft edge is far superior to the straight cut.


http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae170/marioarts_photos/wallsculpture.jpg

http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae170/marioarts_photos/SandingTheGrilleSmall.jpg

[COLOR="Blue"][SIZE="4"][I]So I'm multi tasking at this point. Side wall sculptures, Side wall panels, Back wall sculpture, Screen wall base traps, etc..
The first photo below is the side wall panels. The big blue things.
The next photo is the grille that will go in front of the light box. The grille is made of 1/4 inch MDF (I know, what else would it be made of). But I wanted the sides of the curly lines to have a VERY soft edge to them. So the only way to accomplish this is by the "hand job" method. I've got them all done after just under 28 hours of sanding.
No pain, no gain.



This is why hiring an artist totally rocks! :) Thank you, Mario!!!!!!

This is why hiring an artist totally rocks! :) Thank you, Mario!!!!!!

So the cap and base parts received second coat of primer today and ready to install this week for carpet. Tomorrow final sand and color. Nothing like solid MDF. Good thing it's not sold by the pound ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae170/marioarts_photos/SoldiersSmall.jpg

Nice and clean - what sort of primer is that?

Nice and clean - what sort of primer is that?

Oil based primer from Home Depot. Sort of a Killz All product. I've been very pleased with it. It acts as almost a putty type of primer when applied at the right viscosity. Low thinning and high pressure spray level. That's the trick though, thin it too much and it's your worst nightmare.

Mario, I noticed a gap at the side walls to the stage on the baseboard. Is there a reason for this?

Mario, I noticed a gap at the side walls to the stage on the baseboard. Is there a reason for this?

Hi Adam,
The gap on that wall will match the gap on the wall that has the entrance door, which has the same lit baseboard at the bottom of the door. In order for the door to open, the baseboard at the bottom of the door has to have clearance for the door to swing open. When the entrance door closes, the baseboard that will continue across the bottom of the door will look the same as the wall you are looking at. BOY, I hope that made some kind of sense. The goal is when the door closes to the theater you can't see where you came in.

Hope your theater is going well. I assume that the lack of recent updates is just a sign of you enjoying your summer...I would hate to hear that you have run into issues with such a beautiful project!

Mario, words cannot describe how amazing your workmanship is. I look forward to future updates!

Hope your theater is going well. I assume that the lack of recent updates is just a sign of you enjoying your summer...I would hate to hear that you have run into issues with such a beautiful project!

Mario, words cannot describe how amazing your workmanship is. I look forward to future updates!

Thank you very much for that compliment. The next 2 to 4 weeks will be very cool. The side wall sculptures were installed yesterday (I didn't have my tripod so I wasn't able to take pics) and several other pieces are near completion and will be installed very soon. The carpet is on it's way.

Hope your theater is going well. I assume that the lack of recent updates is just a sign of you enjoying your summer...I would hate to hear that you have run into issues with such a beautiful project!


Thanks. You assumed correctly, we've been out of town so much during the past 30 days, that Mario hasn't had the opportunity to come in and work on the theater. We're back and as Mario said, the next 2-4 weeks should be very exciting!

Here are a couple of pictures of a few wall sconces (three on each side...). An Axiom QS8 surround speaker will be mounted approximately where you see the white Jbox above the squiggly thing...

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0124.jpg?t=1279842406

Backlight on...

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0126.jpg?t=1279842799

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0147.jpg?t=1279842855

Awesome pictures John,
Thanks for posting them.
Mario:)

Unreal! The more I see of the progress the more amazed I am. I wish I had JScrifes money so I could fly Mario out to do a theater for me too! TIme to start stocking the piggy bank.

Very cool! I saw in a previous post that there were three outlets on the wall so you could plug the rope lights in. Did you just make some custom length rope lights an install them around the inner and outer edges of each piece? And how are they hung, in a more permanent fashion or more like a picture frame so they can easily be taken down?

Keep up the great work! It's always exciting to see a new update!

Very cool! I saw in a previous post that there were three outlets on the wall so you could plug the rope lights in. Did you just make some custom length rope lights an install them around the inner and outer edges of each piece? And how are they hung, in a more permanent fashion or more like a picture frame so they can easily be taken down?

Keep up the great work! It's always exciting to see a new update!

I get rope light on 150 foot spools with any kind of "plug" design that meets my needs. The manufacture that I use has the cut line every 2 feet. As far as the hanging method..............I make male/female "hooks" from various thicknesses of MDF that keep each piece firmly in place. There is no moving them from side to side. The challenge is to mount the male part to the back of each piece and manage to place the female part in exactly the right spot on the wall to make the connection. The two smaller pieces have 3 hangers and the large piece has 5. That allows each piece to stay 1 inch evenly from the wall.
Have a great weekend.
Mario

Unreal! The more I see of the progress the more amazed I am. I wish I had JScrifes money so I could fly Mario out to do a theater for me too! TIme to start stocking the piggy bank.

I've never been to Michigan. When do we start? :):):):):):):):):):):)

I've never been to Michigan. When do we start? :):):):):):):):):):):)

Hey, I'm still playing powerball, so maybe you'll be coming to CT :)

heh, because if I ever win (or get that dream job), you would be the only one I would call for a custom theater....

Hey, I'm still playing powerball, so maybe you'll be coming to CT :)

heh, because if I ever win (or get that dream job), you would be the only one I would call for a custom theater....

Well that's one of the highest compliments I have EVER received.
Thank you Dave. I will be waiting for your call.
Mario

Today, the Axiom speakers arrived and Mario and I set them up in the room for a quick visual.

We've put off finalizing the design of the screen wall till now. The corner bass traps are not on their proper pedestal in this photo (which matches the top cap)

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0159.jpg?t=1281132393

Speakers include: 2 Axiom M60's for the L/R, 1 Axiom VP150 center, and one SVS PB 13 Ultra sub.

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0150.jpg?t=1281132766

The bass traps closeup...
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0153.jpg?t=1281132872

View of the room with more ceiling too...

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0161.jpg?t=1281132930

I like those traps. They are very clean looking. Short and sweet on my phone comment,;)

Hi everyone...

Mario's been sick, I've been busy, and we had a carpet installation problem in the rest of the house which kind of slowed us down the last few weeks (when we thought we were going to be getting SO much done...).

Anyway, sometimes a delay is good for you. In this case, I've been trying to decide just what we can do with the screen wall to make it work, both decoratively and functionally.

My wife really wants the stage preserved so our two young boys can go in there and have some quality imaginative play. I want the speakers to kind of blend into the wall. I never really considered putting up a false screen wall to hide the speakers behind because the room is kind of length challenged as it is, so preserving some depth on the stage is nice.

Anyway, Mario knows about all this and has been presenting ideas along the way, but nothing really jumped out at me until today, when I found this online...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/2980232294_a32d8c6c49.jpg

I'm thinking something like this (modified for the screen wall size) could work well in this room... One cool thing about it too, is that masking the screen could be REALLY easy.

Here are a few more pics of this cool design.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/2979376697_01cdf0d3dc.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3071/2979390867_3b1de2fd73.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2980242090_a6ccfa3b95.jpg

John, I missed your earlier post with the corner base traps, those are the sexiest traps I've ever seen. Hope Mario is feeling better -- too much MDF dust ;-)

John, I missed your earlier post with the corner base traps, those are the sexiest traps I've ever seen. Hope Mario is feeling better -- too much MDF dust ;-)

Yeah, Mario outdid himself again on those traps. And the way they turned out is making me want to highlight them a little more...by deleting something meant for the side walls that Mario had about 95% complete. Sorry Mario!!!

Mario installed 2 out of 3 back wall diffuser sculptures today and I've done a quick photoshop job to check out the somewhat finished look back there...

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/backwall2.jpg?t=1282763065

This is what it really looks like right now...

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0167.jpg?t=1282763477

The sculpture on the back wall is intended to absorb and diffuse sound, so the sculpture is mounted on top of MDF backed foam. Here are some closeups...


http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0188.jpg?t=1282763886

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0190.jpg?t=1282764051

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0191.jpg?t=1282763922

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0194.jpg?t=1282763954

Mario had designed some really amazing side wall panels with 3 lighting effects, but both my wife and I just didn't like the way they looked in the room.

Mario took our input and has come up with a more traditional wall panel which will still match the room. For the sake of showing us the design, and helping us pick the color... Mario built more models!!! LOVE THIS!

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0170.jpg?t=1282764816

This mostly black one is the one I'm tempted to do.
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0171.jpg?t=1282764844

This one is Mario's favorite... and I should probably listen to him... :)
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0168.jpg?t=1282764905

Here's to rudimentary photoshop!!!

Black crushed velvet fabric with Faux copper V
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/backwall3.jpg?t=1282765084

Brown and light brown velvet fabric with Black V
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/backwall5.jpg?t=1282766334

Brown and Black velvet fabric with Black V
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/backwall4.jpg?t=1282765817


I think any of these combinations will look good, just wondering if there's a good, better, best thing going on here...

Man, I drool every time I see these pics...what a sweet theatre it will be when done. My vote is for the all dark one, it seems to flow best IMO. Regardless, "she's a beauty"

I agree that the pics seem to say black fabric with the copper faux V... But at the same time, that is the easiest one to photoshop and color correct...

One more thing I forgot to mention... The V on the panel will be backlit just like the squiggly wall sconces (see previous posts for pics)

I'm gonna vote the black crushed velvet and the v to match the rear diffusors. I cant help but feel you are venturing on over color/texture in the room. Like too many colors/ shapes. You cant tell until the room is finished though.

I'm not sure what the round white dot is in the panel but I would recommend doing that in the same color as the v as well.

Agree on the overload, which is why we went back to the drawing board on the sidewall panels in the first place. My Photoshop is only so good, soeven though it may not look it, none of the three fabrics are 'new' colors for the room... The dot is a light.

I like the black for making the room feel bigger, among other things. BUT, the screenwall will be mostly black and there could be a little black overload...

That said, I've always liked that one black and yellow gold theater here on the forum (can't remember the name right now)

John, any of those color schemes work for me .. I'd be tempted to go with the artists opinion.

Your theater is a work of art all right. If I were invited for a movie I'd be standing in the back fondling those bumps :D

Simply awesome... great look.

Robert

I agree its starting to look cluttered.

There is something about the panels that bothers me. I like # 3 best, but I think as panels they chop up the wall too much. I'm wondering if they would look better if they flowed all the way from the baseboard to the ceiling. The way the V is chopped up on the top and the bottom make it not flow as well as it could.

But, i'm just looking at the photo shopped pictures...

Cluttered?! Bah!

I'd go with Mario's recommendation. He's certainly proven himself, and then some. I like the way the colors he suggests tie into the ceiling.

Too many cooks spoil the broth.

Cluttered?! Bah!

I'd go with Mario's recommendation. He's certainly proven himself, and then some. I like the way the colors he suggests tie into the ceiling.

Too many cooks spoil the broth.

Oh definitely, Neither Mario nor I will let comments here ruin the soup... :) Much like I told my wife (not one of my brightest moments), 'even if I don't appear to use your input when I chose something else, your input is still a valuable part of the PROCESS.'

I'm also not worried about appearing cluttered in this theater. Obviously, there is a lot going on, but aside from that being kind of the POINT... with lighting control, we get to control what your eye is drawn to and when.

The panels as they are proposed here are a nice way to tie in the rest of the room's design without overpowering the primary elements (ceiling, back wall sculptures and the future screen wall) all while still providing good absorption properties.

Thanks for the feedback. It's all part of a process, even if it goes totally ignored! :)

Hey I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds but I showed my wife the "V" panels and now she wants to incorporate a similiar look into our columns. Then I showed her the ceiling and she thinks an overlapping teardrop shape would look really cool on our columns. Do you mind me pulling some concepts from your design ideas? I definitely won't have the same workmanship as yours.

Hey I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds but I showed my wife the "V" panels and now she wants to incorporate a similiar look into our columns. Then I showed her the ceiling and she thinks an overlapping teardrop shape would look really cool on our columns. Do you mind me pulling some concepts from your design ideas? I definitely won't have the same workmanship as yours.

I can't speak for Mario (I'll let him know you asked about it) but I don't mind if people get design ideas from any element in the theater. I personally collected hundreds of pictures on my hard drive for a year before even hiring Mario. And I shared some of my favorites with him during the design phase - even if it was just to show him a minor detail that I liked. Of course, he took it all and came up with something new in each case - which is truly a talent in itself.

I think the V panels are an excellent and flexible design - especially when we light them up. I also believe Mario's currently looking into creating a customizable line of artistic acoustic panels or other wall mountable decorative products. So ask him about it and perhaps he'll either help you understand how to construct it, or you might also find that he could build it for you to simply install.

Carpet is going in right now! So far so good! Pics will be posted this evening...

Installers put in the carpet today... Love it...

Here are a few pics. You can also see the color combo we selected for the acoustic panels in a couple shots...

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0197.jpg?t=1283561789

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0211.jpg?t=1283561934

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0207.jpg?t=1283562021

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0202.jpg?t=1283562068

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0209.jpg?t=1283562164

i love the curved panels at the front. very nice. you have one of the nicest rooms here... im sure it will be spectacular once its all finished. i would go with a bigger screen though. :p

The carpet really brought this build together. Good choice. Excellent all the way around.

Just when I think this can't get any better ... awesome! And I can tell the kids approve as well. :D I can't wait to see the acoustic panels installed - nice choice!

Love that carpet and that color combo on the side panels looks very nice. Can't wait to see all that up and lit.

Still wondering how the screen wall is going to work though...

Amazing how this is all coming together. The attention to detail in the artwork, fabric, and color is truly an understatement.

The six acoustic panels are up now. They have a sconce (circle) and a backlit 'V' mounted on them. The pictures unfortunately aren't doing it justice.

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0219.jpg?t=1284757617

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0220-1.jpg?t=1284757812

Looks great!

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0222.jpg?t=1284757617

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0233.jpg?t=1284758204

What, you couldn't have been a little more original?? :p

j/k obviously! Great vision, and equally outstanding execution (unless you just photoshopped the whole thing! lol).

Looks great!

Thanks! I'm so glad I had Mario rework the the sidewall panels. This is a nice match and much more understated (in comparison).

.....drool... wow!

Robert

There's been a switch in the audio portion of this theater. We were going to go with a SVS PB13 Ultra sub and Axiom VP150 center, but the combination was forcing the screen to be mounted too high on the wall. When Axiom recently released their VP180 HUGE center channel, it was too cool to pass up so we wanted to find a way to fit it all on the front stage. We decided to replace the SVS PB13 Ultra with a Axiom EP800 laid on it's side. It is a LOT shorter than the SVS sub and allows us to put the VP180 on top of it while still keeping the screen at the right height. Axiom was nice enough to take back the VP150 even after the 30 day trial period (ordering a VP180 and EP800 probably helped) so that was great. I love their customer service. The SVS PB13 Ultra is still up in the air. I might take it off his hands, but we haven't contacted SVS yet, or we might find another location in the house for it.

The VP180 looks like a winner. It is huge for a center channel!

The SVS PB13 Ultra was a pretty well known sub with great performance, but I don't know as much about the Axiom EP800.

Yeah, I'll need to post a Craigslist ad or something for the SVS PB13 Ultra. The window to return it is closed and the shipping charges are pretty high as they are.

Anyway, the next step is installing the screen and masking system, along with the Runco LS-5 Projector.

Still don't have the receiver, or Blue-ray player yet. Gotta sort that out pretty quick and install along with the HTPC and Sage TV stuff.

WOW...just WOW

A few of the elements would be a bit much for me, but I absolutely love the other 95%. The workmanship is impeccable and the end result is nothing short of amazing.

Screen and masking system by Dalite.

Screen size = 113" width
AR = 2.35:1

Seats are in. Stressless line by Ekornes.

Projector is in, but not calibrated yet. It is a Runco LS-5. Also have the 4 Axiom QS-8's installed on the sidewall and back wall.

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0243.jpg?t=1285822759

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0246.jpg?t=1285822791

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0244.jpg?t=1285823365

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0241.jpg?t=1285823458

Pics are just so so. I need to clean the room up and get some nice shots. Also need to set up a tripod to take some low light pics. So far so good.

Nice. Very nice

John,

You truly have a wild theater. A pure piece of art that will never be replicated. Kudos to you and Mario!

Thanks guys. There's still work left on the screen wall and then some odds and ends to tidy up. Then it will be on to the equipment.

That is out of this world. Awesome!!

How about some better pictures? Where's the picture of the movie playing?

The seats are beautiful. Well, the whole thing is beautiful, but you know what I mean ...

Thanks for the kind words guys.

The final touch in the room design is finishing off the screen wall. We left it open to interpretation along the way, but ultimately, I'm liking a blacked out wall. Here's a photoshopped concept.

Had this room not be length challenged for two rows, I would have put in a false wall and had the speakers behind it, but the room was just too short front to back to do it comfortably, so this mock up is probably close to the likely result...

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/screenwallblackfinish.jpg?t=1286239619

It looks a lot better with the black screen wall. The lighting of the room and camera are probably bringing out the gold in the walls more than in person, but the clean look of a dark screen wall don't distract from the show playing on the screen.

Stunning!

Wow, I just read through every page! :) Normally, I lose interest after a few pages of a build and flip to see the end result but this one has had me captivated.
If anything I would hope that Marios vision and his willingness to share his techniques would be an inspiration to the rest of us that are DIY'rs. Obviously we aren't going to be able to duplicate all of the artistry in this build but some of the smaller wall panels and details would be the ideal projects to learn on.
I remember back in the early '90's, when I was into car audio installations, that learning the tip's and tricks of the trade was a closely held secret. Remember the internet didn't exist then and as a DIY'r it often took me three or four iterations to get some part of my install looking "decent". After my third build though I had people coming to me to do installations in their cars... Mario has inspired me now to maybe incorporate a lighted panel or two! :)
Thanks Mario and John for showing us what can be done when you think outside the box a little....

I now have all the speakers in my possession! :)

Wow, I just read through every page! :) Normally, I lose interest after a few pages of a build and flip to see the end result but this one has had me captivated.
If anything I would hope that Marios vision and his willingness to share his techniques would be an inspiration to the rest of us that are DIY'rs. Obviously we aren't going to be able to duplicate all of the artistry in this build but some of the smaller wall panels and details would be the ideal projects to learn on.
I remember back in the early '90's, when I was into car audio installations, that learning the tip's and tricks of the trade was a closely held secret. Remember the internet didn't exist then and as a DIY'r it often took me three or four iterations to get some part of my install looking "decent". After my third build though I had people coming to me to do installations in their cars... Mario has inspired me now to maybe incorporate a lighted panel or two! :)
Thanks Mario and John for showing us what can be done when you think outside the box a little....

Chris,
Thank you very much for your thoughts.
One of my largest and favorite clients said to me after 9 years of contracts..........Mario, I never know what I'm going to get, it's always different, and I always love it.
Thinking outside of the box has been the nature of my game for years. My clients would tell me "you're hired, but I never want to see ANYTHING close to what you've done for my competitors". It certainly kept me on my toes, not to mention pins and needles at every walk through.:eek: LOL.
Thanks again Chris.
Mario

The final pieces have been installed today. I'll have pics up shortly.

Turned out VERY nice. Mario has outdone himself again with the screenwall design. With no room for a false wall to hide the speakers (and also a massive sub), he expertly tied the screenwall design into the rest of the room and made a huge box look kinda cool! You gotta see the pics.

You gotta see the pics.

Waiting ... impatiently ... ;)

Oops, sorry to be a tease... Pics won't be up till 10pm, PST

Here's the final shot (with flash) of the screen wall. Pics are up in the album, but I'll try to put an organized post with the highlights up by 10pm PST tonight...

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0339.jpg?t=1288841477

Without flash...
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0329-1.jpg?t=1288841737

I'm not the best at getting a good screenshot. I'll have to work on that...

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0322-1.jpg?t=1288841824

This room was designed to have the speakers exposed from the beginning. I would have liked to have them hidden away behind a false wall for a clean look, but because the room was only 19 feet long, and I wanted two rows (with a 7 foot riser), I knew I had no room for that false wall.

I neglected to take a picture of the speakers before Mario just put in the embellishments, so this pic is all I have to show the size of the SVS sub. The center in the pic is the Axiom VP150, which I exchanged for the much larger VP180 (the VP180 is about the size of my L&R turned on its side).

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0149.jpg?t=1288846704

The prep work before building the framework around the center two speakers...

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0306-1.jpg?t=1288847114

The supports (x2) for the stage embellishment...

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0300-1.jpg?t=1288847225

The hole... before the sub and center move in...

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0312-1.jpg?t=1288847334

Nifty magnetic cover to hide the lag bolts holding the front ribbon in place...
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0314-1.jpg?t=1288847398

Done...
http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0330-1.jpg?t=1288847494

Just thought I'd post a couple of neat picture angles...

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0332.jpg?t=1288847614

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0333.jpg?t=1288847614

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0334.jpg?t=1288847614

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0335.jpg?t=1288847614

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu353/jinrsvl/Silverwood%20Theater/IMG_0337.jpg?t=1288847614

The front looks great! Mario comes through again. :)

A true work of art. Magnificent. Bravo!

Absolutely Awesome - a work of art for sure, CONGRATULATIONS!

So I have to wonder: what would happen if an enthusiastic youth were to decide to use that SubWoofer enclosure as a stage? Sorry I guess that was just my juvenile side daydreaming again

John;

What an outstanding theater. It really looks artistic, functional, yet "balanced" from an observer's point of view.

Your wall ornaments (accoustic dampers??) are really unique and give the whole thing a look that I haven't seen anywhere. I've seen a few unbelievable theaters, and this fits right in with the best. Congratulations. And I wish I had that much imagination.

Tom.

This is truly amazing!! Of all the build threads I've read through this year I have to say that this one stands out by leaps and bounds! You sir have truly gone way outside the box and it paid off big time!
Unfortunately the wife isn't as happy with it, now that I'm starting to talk about sprucing mine up after reading this.. This thread has been an inspiration and a curse :)

John;

What an outstanding theater. It really looks artistic, functional, yet "balanced" from an observer's point of view.

Tom.

LOL, great observation. I think Mario couldn't have said it better. He interviewed us before starting the project and learned that we're biased toward function over form in design but that we are also open to artsy stuff, so long as it's balanced.

John/Mario.. outstanding job! Now enjoy...

All I can say is WOW....Mario pulls it off again, looks awsome ! I hope your really enjoying it.

It looks awesome John and Mario. Nice work. It looks way better in person than in these photos too. The glow from the ceiling is really cool and doesn't reduce the contrast on the screen very much. It feels like you are watching a movie outside at dusk.

It looks awesome John and Mario. Nice work. It looks way better in person than in these photos too. The glow from the ceiling is really cool and doesn't reduce the contrast on the screen very much. It feels like you are watching a movie outside at dusk.

Thank you Autoboy70,
Working for your brother has been a privilege. His standards are high and I feel accomplished to have come close to them. Kristen and their sons have been a pleasure to be with and all have treated me with a great deal of respect which I deeply appreciate. I almost feel like one of their sons feels like I'm some lost weird uncle that you find in the theater!!!!!! Great kid. Thanks K. When the terms "client" and "theater guy" fade and the goal to accomplish something unique become the focus it truly transforms to a passion and I feel like we have reached our goal. A little tweekiing and this journey has come to an end. It's been grand..............truly.

Thank you S. family.
Mario

I’d like to thank everyone for the encouragement and compliments.
My son and I have joined our talents to start a new company that will offer home theater design and build, as well as, accessories such as wall panels, bass traps, lighting effects, sculptures/art, and movie related products.

We will also maintain a picture gallery of current and future projects.
I invite you to visit our website at www.mariopanellistudio.com.
Thanks again and please drop by the website, say hello and join our email list to receive updates on new products.