STAR THEATER
Design Firm : DIA
Collaboration : BAPO Design
Location: Knoxville, TN
Project: This homeowner sought a one-of-a-kind home theater experience—an immersive environment inspired by the night sky. Our design features a galactic star pattern that adds sensory richness and visual sophistication.
To create this dynamic setting, we meticulously studied the layout and density of each point of light to achieve the desired atmospheric impact. Due to the project’s technical complexity, we partnered with local craftsman BAPO Design, who expertly translated our vision into reality.
The final installation includes 1,200 fiber optic star points, precisely mapped to the visible night sky as it appeared from the home on a specific date. Five color-changing illuminators feed approximately 14 miles of fiber optic cable, all hand-cut, dressed, and routed to a nearby utility space where they integrate with the room’s AV system.
BAPO engineered and fabricated the ceiling panels, finishing them in a custom material (airbrushed) so black and light-absorbent that it visually erases any sense of scale or distance. A key design challenge was to arrange the star field so that the ceiling grid disappeared entirely, creating a seamless visual experience while also maintaining acoustic transparency for the surround sound system.
A series of mockups and extensive onsite testing led to a spectacular result—an environment capable of infinite scene setting and dynamic color shifting, elevating the theater experience to something truly celestial.
