Aurora Terrace - Best Integrated Home, Level 2 finalist, APAC 2024

Aurora Terrace emerged as a canvas of immense potential when the clients first discovered the four-story townhouse in Victoria, Australia. Having seen their children grow up and move on, the couple was driven to reshape their living environment to suit their new phase of life. Their vision was clear: to craft a modern home that seamlessly blended sophisticated design with the latest in smart home technology.

Their ambition, however, was met with considerable challenges from the start. The couple had grand plans for their new abode, including a plunge pool, high-end kitchen upgrades, and an advanced lift system. Most critical to their dream, though, was the integration of smart technologies that would allow every system in the home — from lighting and climate control to entertainment — to be managed through a single, intuitive interface. Despite their clear vision, this goal initially encountered scepticism and resistance from both the builder and the developer.

The initial thrill of crafting their dream home soon shifted to frustration as these professionals hesitated to embrace the couple's innovative proposals. Having battled with fragmented and unreliable smart technologies in their previous home, the clients were more determined than ever to achieve a unified, user-friendly smart home environment. Their needs were explicit: while the wife was well-versed in technology, the husband preferred simplicity and ease of use, desiring a system that would not intimidate but instead enhance his daily life.

It was under these complex dynamics that Wired By MJD stepped in to realise their ambitious project. Despite facing ongoing resistance and the pressures of rising construction costs and market fluctuations, Wired By MJD committed to transforming the couple’s vision into a living reality. The clients’ requirement for a discreet yet effective security system was paramount, given their home’s proximity to a public park with numerous access points. They sought not only to protect their property but to do so in a way that would allow them peace of mind, particularly during their regular travels.

Wired By MJD crafted a solution that was a perfect amalgamation of luxury, convenience, and cutting-edge technology. They ensured that the technology within the home was not only advanced but also accessible, allowing the self-described ‘dinosaur’ of technology to manage his environment with confidence. This integration created a user experience that was seamless and straightforward, removing the complexity and irritation of dealing with disparate systems and controls.

In the realm of entertainment, the couple’s desire to impress and entertain their guests was met with specially tailored solutions. Customisable KNX switches enabled them to effortlessly set the scene for gatherings, managing everything from garden lighting to indoor ambiance with ease. Furthermore, with multiple AV zones installed across the property, the couple could ensure entertainment consistency throughout their home, allowing for sports and media to be enjoyed in any room.

Addressing energy efficiency was also vital for the couple, who were conscious of the rising costs of living. Wired By MJD implemented smart schedules and a vacation mode within the building management system, ensuring that energy consumption was optimised and that no resources were wasted when the property was unoccupied. This thoughtful approach not only fulfilled the clients' needs but also aligned with broader environmental sustainability goals.

Navigating through the complexities of modern building requirements and the couple’s specific needs was not straightforward. Wired By MJD had to adjust their usual methods to accommodate the builder's and developer's constraints, opting for retrofit-style installations even in this new build. However, through persistent negotiation and innovative problem-solving, they managed to keep the project within budget and exceed the clients' expectations.