Project Type: Hospitality Audio Design
Location: Soho, London
Year: 2023
Client: Chotto Matte Group
SDS Role: Architectural Audio Consultancy
Project Context
Chotto Matte's Claude's is an intimate basement members' lounge beneath the Soho restaurant, defined by atmosphere rather than scale. The interior, designed by Nadia Sousa of Superfutures, combines sculptural seating, saturated colour, muralled surfaces, and a highly controlled lighting scheme. The brief to Sonic Design Studios was aligned closely with the architectural intent: sound treated not as an overlay but as an embedded spatial component expected to carry weight and physicality while remaining visually and perceptually discreet.
Design Constraint
The primary design constraint was creating an intimate yet energetic space where the sound could adapt seamlessly across various service periods. We had to ensure the audio system supported the critical transition from a relaxed dinner service to high-energy late-night events without requiring sudden or jarring volume adjustments.
Sonic Concept
Full sound design was delivered from concept through to commissioning. This included acoustic consultation during the design phase, custom loudspeaker specification from Pequod Acoustics, and a DSP signal architecture designed to support the transition from dinner service to late-night energy without manual reconfiguration.
Integration Approach
Our integration strategy focused entirely on maintaining a perfect balance and atmosphere throughout the evening. By specifying exact custom loudspeakers with distinct sculptural forms, we ensured the audio carries the necessary physical weight for late-night DJ sets while enhancing the interior design during early dining hours.
Project Outcome
The system maintains consistent atmosphere and sonic pressure across all service periods. It was featured in Mondo-DR magazine as a case study in [design led audio integration](/architectural-audio-consultancy-london). The result is a room where sound is felt rather than heard, present, controlled, and native to the architecture.
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