As part of a large integrated home automation project our clients had some very specific design parameters and integration wishes that they wanted to incorporate into their build.
The Bar area design called for a completely hidden large screen TV. The direction was that the TV was to be totally hidden and undetectable when not in use. This precluded us using traditional methods of concealing a TV (lifts, ceiling drops, floor raisers all leave telltale signs that something is hidden within).
We turned to the industrial world and engaged trades that do this type of a project on a grand scale; companies that build roller coasters and design robot painting systems for automotive production. Working with them we designed and built a true one off hidden TV mechanism.
Behind the scenes, the automated stainless steel mechanism is welded to a 10 foot tall I-beam which is bolted to the foundation; structural integrity was paramount on this install. All materials and devices used to put the mount in motion on all three axes are all of the highest grade industrial quality.
To create a truly hidden installation, existing design elements from the bar area were utilized to mask the location of the TV. Upon close inspection, the mirror panel in question resembles the other mirror panels used throughout the space. However, activating the TV sets multiple actuators and linear bearings in motion to reveal the surprise. The mirror panel silently slides out of the way. The large screen TV is rotated out from the wall into its horizontal position. A final adjustment tilts the TV to the ideal angle for viewing throughout the bar area. A myriad of coordinated efforts contribute to a masterpiece of engineering.
As with any custom project, extensive collaboration and teamwork was required to conceive, design and implement this one of a kind installation.
U.S. Publisher Electronic House magazine awarded this installation Gold for Best Hidden Installation at the Cedia industry trade show.
