Integrated Technology: Concealed Projection

Design for Disappearance

Within the Bedford Residence, the design intent for the lounge area required that a projection screen, when not in use, vanish from view. This objective guided the spatial thinking and coordination between architectural elements and technological components. The column at the lounge ceiling was designed not merely as a structural or decorative feature, but as a concealment device for the projection screen's mechanism, ensuring a clean aesthetic when the screen is retracted.

Premeditated Integration

The successful integration of a concealed projection system is fundamentally a testament to forward planning. Decisions impacting such systems are made during the framing stage, long before finish materials are selected or installed. This includes detailed rough-in for electrical and low-voltage, as well as structural considerations to support the mechanism and ensure proper alignment with architectural elements. The strategy allows for the ceiling plane to remain uninterrupted and visually uncluttered, preserving the minimalist language of the interior.

Millwork Continuity

Complementing the concealed screen, the bar millwork was conceived as a continuous, cohesive element across the lounge wall. This design choice underscores the preference for clean lines and an uncluttered environment, where functional elements do not detract from the overall aesthetic. The integration of the projection screen had to accommodate this millwork, ensuring that when deployed, it operates without conflict and, when retracted, allows the millwork to define the space. The in-house millwork shop at iBuild contributes significantly to achieving such precise alignment and finish.

Material Selection and Craft

For the Bedford Residence, the material palette of white oak, walnut, marble, and porcelain slab informs the warm contemporary character. Blackened metal provides a counterpoint, while cedar and standing-seam roofing define the exterior. The craftsmanship evident in details like the bar millwork and the precise integration of the projection system reflects a commitment to quality that permeates all aspects of the project, from building envelope to the specialized millwork for areas like the office, library, and dressing suite.