Leon Speakers and Calgary-based design firm Mera Studio Architects have co-created the all-new Mera Sound Sconce, a wall-mounted product that offers both full-range audio and dimmable integrated lighting. Its artisan-inspired design is supported by Leon’s 33UX audio platform and components, and diffused LED lighting by American Lighting.
Considered design leaders in their respective industries, the two teams began collaborating together following a high-design project where Mera utilized Leon’s art-oriented Ente SoundTile.
“Our idea for the sound sconce was to highlight and not hide the speaker — to think of it as an element in the room capable of transforming the experience via sound and light,” said Mera Principal Architect Tara Marshall. “All too often, speakers are the last element considered in a space. We wanted to rethink the speaker and come up with a design that would shift the concept of the speaker from an afterthought to a forethought, and the duality of a speaker that can illuminate a room just seemed to make sense. Why not integrate sound where you might already install a light? From there, we set out with Leon’s team on the challenge of creating a speaker that was equally as beautiful as a light.”
“We’ve learned so much through our collaboration with Mera,” said Leon Founder and President Noah Kaplan. “Both of our organizations are committed to ending the disconnect between design and technology. Through our work with Tara and Meghan, we have gained a new perspective on modern architecture and the possibilities for the future of AV and technology — a future led by thoughtful, collaborative design.”
Contributing to both the character and materiality of its surroundings, the Mera Sound Sconce provides dual illumination — emanating light from behind both its shell and its grille. Its magnetic grille attachment ensures a seamless aesthetic that is suitable for both retrofit and new applications.
Celebrating where Mera’s intentional, natural approach to elegant materiality meets Leon’s commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, the new sconce collection is available in three coordinating colorways: Linen, Black Sand, and Clay. Each sconce features a cast-aluminum shell, handmade high-performance audio components, custom-knit bouclé grille fabric, and a textured powder-coat artisan-inspired finish
Perfect for architectural audio in dining rooms, entertainment spaces, and bedrooms, or as an elegant addition to a piece of art, the Mera Sound Sconce elevates the character of any residential space while visually complementing textiles and colors — both trending and classic. Commercially, the sconce’s myriad lighting possibilities and high-end audio make it ideal for restaurants, hotels, lobbies, and storefronts.
Pre-orders for the Mera Sound Sconce have begun. Designers and integrators across the country will have the opportunity to experience Mera Sound Sconce alongside Leon’s portfolio of design-led AV products May 19-21 at ICFF 2024 in New York City.
Related: Leon Speakers Names Annual Install of the Year Awards