The new, luxurious 100 Kensington residential development by SevenCapital and MARK Capital Management hosts an array of high-spec 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, boasting exquisite interiors and world-class amenities across several buildings. The Oria is the first apartment building available for new residents, which will be the tallest residential building in Kensington and Chelsea, making its iconic mark on the skyline and offering stunning, uninterrupted views of London.
In an industry where first impressions matter, an accompanying marketing suite occupies the site of a former bank building on Kensington’s busy high street, ready to greet prospective buyers. Comprising a range of stylishly designed spaces, including two mock apartments, it perfectly showcases the 100 Kensington lifestyle to high-net-worth clients. Prospective buyers expect elevated lifestyle standards, from interior design right through to smart home technologies, so it was important that the show apartments reflected these expectations. SevenCapital sought an integrated audio setup to welcome viewers at the door and enable them to experience what life could look and sound like in their new home.
Following a review of premium audio options, SevenCapital selected Sonos as the integrated audio solution for the marketing suite, ensuring a seamless, multi‑zone experience the moment visitors arrive.
The client wanted an audio solution that was high-performing, stylish and intuitive so that the teams working on site could easily operate it. The solution was also a sales tool, allowing the team to showcase the audio packages available to prospective buyers. The team, who have used Sonos in previous projects, felt confident that Sonos could deliver the performance and user experience required.
The audio in the marketing suite had to be simple to use and easy to navigate, with zonal sound that would allow for gentler volumes in different areas, at different times. For example, the team wanted audio to be louder at the entrance space to welcome guests, whilst being quieter in demonstration areas. It was also important to be able to reduce volumes to better facilitate conversation with prospective buyers.
Given the large number of reflective surfaces, including the impressive glass-fronted façade, it was important that the speakers could easily adapt to the acoustics for clear, consistent and targeted audio. Speakers also needed to be powerful enough for SevenCapital corporate partner events to be held in the space.
Following a site inspection, Sonos Platinum Installer Musical Images specified a simple Sonos solution comprising six Era 100 Pro and two Era 100.
The Sonos Era 100 Pro speakers were installed across the main area of the marketing suite, high up in the exposed ceilings. Due to their easy to install properties, the mount was fixed to the cable trays that carry the electrical wires, downwards from the ceiling instead of off the walls so as not to obstruct the existing aesthetic. The ceilings have been painted black, and in order to create a seamless aesthetic the team chose the Black Sonos speakers to match the modern, sleek interior.
Pat Shah, director at Musical Images, explains, “The site was already completed when the install took place, and the process was pretty simple. Using the preexisting CAT cables, with PoE+, we were able to connect to the network as well as power with a single cable. It made the installation incredibly easy and tidy, as it offered plug-and-play capabilities in a commercial space. This means there is a huge opportunity in the commercial retrofit market.”
The challenging acoustics of the glass exterior meant that Sonos Trueplay™ technology was integral to deliver the correct audio balance in each area of the marketing suite. Sonos’ software measures the acoustics of the room, then instantly fine-tunes the EQ to suit the space. Equally, to ensure the immersive audio journey of the customer and optimise the zonal audio feature from the Era 100 Pro, the speakers were adjusted to project downward, directly onto the customer below.
The two Sonos Era 100 speakers are featured in the model apartment showrooms – one in a bedroom, and the other in a kitchen and dining area – offering a wireless audio solution for high end clients should they wish to implement audio in their new home. These speakers also operate with zonal audio, enabling an immersive experience across the living area. Integrated Sonos sound systems are available in the apartments on a scalable basis, with opportunities to invest in larger multi-room audio systems, integrated in-ceiling speakers, or home theatre Sonos systems.
All team members have smart phones and tablets with the Sonos App, enabling them to play soundtracks and control the audio zones at the tap of a button. Users are able to change the audio being played and attenuate volume up or down for each individual speaker. This allows for sound to be turned down when discussions are taking place, or turned up to create a more lively atmosphere when the space hosts promotional events. The Sonos App enables audio playback from multiple streaming applications, including Sonos Radio, Spotify and Apple Music. Musical Images also worked with SevenCapital to create a combined system with Sonos sound and Rako lighting, enabling operational synergy and combined control.
“The team love it,” adds Sarah Morris, Group Marketing Director at SevenCapital. “It’s quick and really easy to connect to. We wanted to partner with Sonos as not only are the systems easy to integrate into an existing site, but I also think it’s the best for music and sound. It’s great to be able to work with the new Era 100 Pro.”
The Sonos system is used daily in the new office. Staff can easily transition between radio stations without any disruption. Zonal audio means the team can ensure that visitors have an immersive experience as they move through the marketing suite to the model flats, with Sonos sound supporting their every step.
Impressed with the new Sonos Era 100 Pro, Shah concludes, “Sonos is a brand that a lot of people are aware of. The Era 100 Pro will be a game changer in commercial applications, like the project at 100 Kensington. This new setup has helped SevenCapital to deliver the right experience and ambience for the business.”
