Screen in front of Bifold Doors, Whitchurch, Shropshire

Creating a home cinema in a bright, open-plan living space can present a few challenges, particularly when the room features large bifold doors, windows and roof skylights. For this project in Whitchurch, Shropshire, the solution was to install a ceiling-recessed projector screen in front of the bifold doors, allowing the room to retain its open, airy feel while transforming into a home cinema whenever required.

The result is a versatile living space that combines everyday practicality with an immersive big-screen experience, without the need for a permanently installed television.

At the heart of the system is a 220cm Pure Theatre ceiling-recessed projector screen, positioned in front of the bifold doors. When the screen is not in use, it retracts neatly into the void, leaving the glazing unobstructed and the room looking much as it did before.

The screen is paired with an Epson EH-TW7300 home cinema projector, discreetly housed in a custom-built box-out on the opposite wall. This keeps the projector integrated into the room's design while providing a dedicated setup for watching films and other content on the big screen.

For audio, the system features Monitor Audio in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, supported by a Monitor Audio WS-10 subwoofer. Three WT265 in-wall speakers positioned above the screen provide the front soundstage, while two CT265-FX in-ceiling speakers deliver surround sound from the rear of the room. The subwoofer adds depth to the soundtrack, bringing greater impact to film effects and music.

• 220cm Pure Theatre ceiling-recessed projector screen
• Epson EH-TW7300 projector
• 3 × Monitor Audio WT265 in-wall speakers
• 2 × Monitor Audio CT265-FX in-ceiling speakers
• Monitor Audio WS-10 subwoofer

A projector screen in front of bifold doors

One of the main considerations was finding a way to enjoy a large projected image without permanently covering the property's bifold doors. A conventional fixed screen would have restricted the view and compromised the room's open feel. A ceiling-recessed screen provided the ideal solution. When movie night is over, the screen retracts into the ceiling, allowing the doors and natural light to take centre stage again. The screen's blackout fabric helps prevent unwanted light passing through from the windows behind it.

Working with skylights and natural light

The room's skylights and extensive glazing create a bright, welcoming environment, but they also introduce challenges when watching projected content. The homeowners addressed this by installing blinds to both the bifold doors and skylights, giving them greater control over the light entering the room. This means the space can remain bright and open during the day, while the blinds can be closed when conditions are better suited to watching films.

This installation demonstrates that a dedicated cinema room isn't essential to enjoy a big-screen home cinema experience. With careful planning and the right equipment, even a bright living room with bifold doors and skylights can accommodate a large projection screen and immersive surround sound.

The retractable screen allows the room to switch effortlessly between an everyday living space and a home cinema, while the integrated speakers keep the technology from dominating the interior.

For homeowners who love the idea of a projector but don't want a television or permanent screen to dictate the look of their room, this project is a great example of how entertainment can be integrated around the architecture of the home.