Project Feature: Hawthorn Apartments Clubhouse (Part 1) - The Design Process

Hawthorn apartments, a luxury apartment complex in Somers, Wisconsin got in touch with Modern Media Tech in 2020 with an exciting prospect: design the audio, video, security, and automation systems for their new state-of-the-art 8,000 square foot clubhouse. Equipped with a swimming pool, weatherproof outdoor entertainment area, resident co-working space, demonstration kitchen, and more we had one goal in mind: intuitive ease of use. This is the first entry in our 4-part project feature series.

What does it take to bring your vision to life?
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MMT work directly with the customer to determine their needs and priorities, in this case modular design and working within their budget constraints. With the building mockup in hand, we begin the design process.

This project included 47 speakers and 4 subwoofers across eight indoor and outdoor zones driven by Sonos Port streaming devices and an integrated mixer to allow independent audio in each zone; 8 televisions, including 3 integrated surround sound audio systems and outdoor television, controlled by 8" touchscreen controllers; An interior and exterior network system for staff and residents, provided by 5 indoor and 2 outdoor WAPs; A 15-camera CCTV system for monitoring the property; and more.

Before construction even begins we are making considerations for your system. Where is optimal placement for user experience? Will there be potential interference, human or electromagnetic? How much wire do we run to optimize performance and the customers budget? Each component is interconnected and requires careful thought.

Like many projects, designing an AV system is a collaborative process that evolves over time. After our customer is satisfied with our design, construction begins. We start the installation process by running the lines that integrate your system and installing the structures that protect them.

Hawthorn broke ground in 2020 and involved architects, interior designers, carpenters, roofers, electricians, fire and security specialists, drywallers, painters, and more. In a multi-season construction process, each service involved affects your design and system, so we work closely to communicate and coordinate with them every step of the process.

​AV is just one component of a larger design process involving hundreds of people, components, changes, and challenges. At Modern Media Tech we are always up to the task.

For more on this exciting project, read Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 of the Hawthorn Clubhouse Project Feature!

Products Used:

• ​8 Televisions
• 47 Speakers
• 4 Subwoofers
• 15 Security Cameras (10 indoor + 5 outdoor)
• 3 Touch Screen Controllers
• 4 Key Pad Controllers
• 7 Wireless Access Points