Historic Home Reimagined
A Historic Oyster Bay Home Reimagined With Modern Audio Design
When a historic home in Oyster Bay, Long Island, underwent a full-scale renovation, the design team needed an audio system that could match the project’s bold new vision. The homeowner's aesthetic meets at the intersection of modern funk with curated lighting and statement artwork. Naturally, it required sound that felt as intentional as every architectural detail.
Architech Designs, led by Ernie Wholleben, collaborated with Benjamin Oliver Design and Boad Studios to shape an environment where audio, lighting, and modern art could coexist without overwhelming the home’s restored architecture. The homeowners needed the system to work seamlessly with their two-channel stereo system from McIntosh, creating a listening experience that blended stereo performance with whole-home sound.
The entire system needed to maintain the clean lines of the remodeled interior while still delivering impact. K-array was chosen for three defining reasons: form factor, aesthetics, and performance. The slim profile loudspeakers provided a clean, architectural look that supported the home’s Ketra lighting design, bold textures, and standout artwork. The goal was for the speakers to disappear visually, but with an undeniable presence once powered on.
The audio design centered on a full K-array ecosystem built for clarity, power, and minimal visual footprint. The installation included three Rumble KU44 I and six KU26 subwoofers to create low-frequency energy throughout the home. Twelve recessed Vyper KV52R II loudspeakers and four Vyper KV25R II were placed strategically to maintain even coverage without disrupting the interior design.
For areas requiring overhead audio, the team added four KGEAR recessed GH4R ceiling loudspeakers in white to maintain the same sound quality across every space.
Power and processing came from a mix of Kommander K-array amplifiers: two KA68 units, one KA14 I, and one KA34, giving the system the headroom and control needed for both high-performance listening and everyday use.
The finished project creates a balanced living space: architecture, lighting, art, and audio working as a single design language. The home’s classic design now contains a thoroughly modern, sensory-forward interior where audio elevates the daily experience without dictating the aesthetic.
