Kings - Best Integrated Home, Global winner, APAC 2024

As the first rays of the Australian sun pierce through the morning haze, a masterpiece of modern living rises proudly in Sydney's prestigious eastern suburbs. The newly rebuilt family residence, known as ‘Kings’, epitomises luxury and cutting-edge technology, harmoniously blending architectural elegance with the ultimate in smart home integration. The visionary minds behind this project include Andrew Tzannes from Smith & Tzannes as the architect and Brendon Wong Design crafting the exquisite interiors.

The journey to create Kings was as intricate as it was ambitious. Denote, the integrator behind this marvel, was tasked with transforming the residence into a technologically advanced sanctuary, where every system — from lighting to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control — works seamlessly under one overarching control system. This wasn't merely about convenience; it was about creating a living space that catered to the client's professional and personal needs, ensuring both security and high performance.

The client, a radiologist with a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for technology, had specific requirements. With a career that involves dealing with sensitive patient records, network security was paramount. Denote employed Fortinet’s high-level security features, offering real-time threat assessment and a fully managed network that ensured peace of mind. This enterprise-grade network, fortified with multiple virtual local area networks (VLANs) and a 2.5G firewall, was meticulously designed to meet stringent security standards. The entire system, licensed and managed, provides robust protection while maintaining optimal performance.

But security was just one aspect of the project. The client's passion for technology meant they were deeply involved in the planning process. Numerous consultations were held to explore the possibilities of each subsystem, eventually leading to the decision to integrate them all into a single, intuitive Savant interface. This choice was solidified after touring homes showcasing various smart home options, with the client drawn to Savant’s user-friendly design and robust performance.

The challenge of incorporating satellite television into the sleek cabinetry design was elegantly overcome with Savant's VoIP solution, ensuring high-quality picture performance without compromising the room’s aesthetics. This attention to detail extended to every corner of the home, from the high-performance audio systems in the living room and gym, featuring Meridian Audio loudspeakers, to the carefully calibrated displays that met the exacting standards of the client’s radiologist-trained eye.

Kings is not just a home; it's a hub of high-end audio-visual experiences. The outdoor terrace, with its beautifully integrated audio system concealed within custom-designed pots, offers an immersive sound experience without detracting from the architectural beauty. The integration of the client’s Bösendorfer grand piano into the home's audio system exemplifies the project’s commitment to blending luxury with functionality.

Given the family’s diverse needs, the system was designed to be effortlessly operable by everyone, from young children to grandparents. Denote’s solution included multiple Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) with varying levels of access, ensuring the children’s internet usage was safe and appropriately filtered. The Wi-Fi shutdown schedule further demonstrated the thoughtful consideration of the family's well-being, reducing exposure to Wi-Fi radiation during sleeping hours.

Management of the home’s extensive technology suite was another crucial aspect. The client, with a demanding professional life, required a system that operated flawlessly with minimal intervention. Denote’s comprehensive remote management package, bolstered by a service level agreement, ensured that all systems, licences, and subscriptions were maintained seamlessly, freeing the client from the minutiae of technological upkeep.

In Kings, every technological advance and architectural decision converges to create a space that does more than house its inhabitants — it enhances their daily lives. This project is not just about the technical specifications or the high-end installations; it's about crafting a space where each day is lived to the fullest amidst sophisticated, secure, and effortlessly operable surroundings.