When the client is a true audiophile, so much so that they regularly invite world-famous DJs to play in their home, then, a premium, high-quality audio system is a must. And, when that home also features glass walls, double-height ceilings, a series of unique design features and an outdoor party area that has to cope with the wide temperature fluctuations of the Canadian climate, then finding the right audio solution presents significant aesthetic and performance challenges too.

This was the sizeable task facing the home technology project team of AVI Consulting, Niagara Falls-based integrator, Design Electronics and 5 Element Sales & Marketing at an awe-inspiring Ontario home, known as the Iceberg.

It’s an incredible property, with a set of demanding AV requirements, that has driven the team to new heights, according to Glen Amell, chief design officer for Design Electronics. “This transformative creation invites you to redefine modern living through technological sophistication and artistic refinement, transcending boundaries and leaving an indelible mark on luxury AV and technology.”  

For the most challenging spaces within the property, the team quickly decided that K-array was the only speaker brand capable of delivering the incredible audio performance required whilst meeting the interior goals of the client.

Nowhere is this more clearly the case than in the Iceberg’s stunning basement nightclub. Measuring approximately 18m in length and 4m width, this area featured hard surfaces and clean, modern lines, presenting a challenging canvas for any audio system. The team specified four Python-KP102 pure line array speakers and three Rumble-KU212 passive subwoofers for the nightclub which routinely hosts world-renowned DJs and all-night parties. At 1m long and just 89mm wide, with twelve closely spaced neodymium magnet woofers to produce a really long throw, the Python speakers not only pack a real audio punch for this space but their sleek, linear design also blends well with the futuristic party room vibe. They can reproduce the entire vocal frequency range with high intelligibility, starting from 120Hz and integrate with the Rumble subwoofers to provide excellent coverage of the entire musical frequency range.

Elsewhere, the contemporary look and feel carries on throughout the Iceberg, notably in the office and dining room where excessively high ceilings and modern materials also drove the use of K-array. In the dining room, the walls are glass and the ceiling is high so a traditional architectural speaker was out of the question. Instead, four Vyper-KV52 II ultra-flat passive loudspeakers and four hidden Rumble-KU26s subs are fitted to give the perfect soundtrack for any occasion. The office has similar challenges, thanks to its two-storey-high ceiling. Here, K-array Vyper-KV52 II speakers were again called upon to deliver effortless, pristine audio throughout the space. Purpose-designed for elegant, super-discreet installations, the Vyper-KV52 II measures just 500mm height x 40mm width x 22mm depth and is perfect for this type of clean, bracketless application on any flat surface.

It’s not just inside where K-array has proven to be the right choice. In the stunning, minimalistic garden, which includes a pool, cabana, waterfalls, fire features and an underground botanical garden, the team opted for four weather-resistant K-array linear speakers, two either side of the two TVs in the cabana, along with concealed subwoofers. This time Kobra-KK52s were paired with Rumble-KU210s. In addition, six larger Kobra-KK102s and four Rumble-KU212s are hidden behind bushes and trees to optimize coverage throughout the garden. The outdoor system is used year-round for parties and gatherings, often featuring professional music, dance and theatrical performances.

The setup, which has been operational for almost a year, also features a full Crestron control system which handles the multiple zones of audio throughout the property. Lutron lighting and shading control has been chosen to further enhance the aesthetic.

“Our adaptability to the homeowner’s multifaceted lifestyle, spanning professional work to DJ performances, highlights our responsiveness,” Amell says. “The precision-engineered DJ area, hosting world-renowned DJs, exemplifies our commitment to peak performance while maintaining the residence’s aesthetic. Our audio solution is only achievable thanks to the exceptional products provided by K-array.”

Photos by Rohan Dayal