Trusting Invisible Speakers

Great houses and stunning landscapes often spring to mind when you think of England’s National Trust (NT).

But the passion and commitment of the Trust brings rewards even in the smallest, most unusual restorations. Take, for example, a renovated squash court in one of England’s grandest homes. Although in itself, a relatively small project, the technology that the NT team uncovered may revolutionise the way visitors interact with heritage venues worldwide...

Presented as it was in its 1930’s heyday, Upton House is home to one of the UK’s finest art collections and enthrals 10,000s of visitors. The NT recognized, to help visitors get the most from their visit, they needed a dedicated Multimedia Area to inform, educate and entertain. Finding the space proved to be the first major hurdle until they hit upon an inspired solution: transform the dilapidated 1930s squash court into a 21st century media centre!

A very plain problem
Recreating the 1930s interior would be second nature. However, as with the rest of the site it must be in keeping with the period décor. This meant making the technology as discrete and unobtrusive as possible - quite a tall order in large bare room with 20 foot high white walls!

Buried treasure
However help was at hand in the form of Amina Plaster-in-Wall loudspeakers. The video was projected from the balcony and Amina speakers were plastered into the side walls. This provided room filling quality sound, the source of which was totally invisible and the integrity of the 1930’s squash court retained.

“The sound quality is fabulous. We are very proud of the results we have achieved in the squash court” commented Julie Smith National Trust Property Manager Upton House and Garden, “It is brilliant the way we can provide 21st century media technology without compromising its 1^st half of the 20th century appearance.”