CASA TCC | Best Integrated Home, Finalist

Located on the shores of Cancún, Mexico, this beachfront property embodies the life’s work and achievements of its owner, who sees the home not just as a living space but as a lasting gift for his family. Grupo MAi, the integrator behind this architectural masterpiece, has crafted a landmark in sophisticated home integration.

Javier Fernandez from 1975 Arquitectos, the architect tasked with bringing Casa TCC to life, was given a challenging brief. The house, covering more than 32,000 square-feet (3,000 square-meters), had to epitomise elegance intertwined with cutting-edge technology. With a budget that prioritised quality without unnecessary extravagance, every facet of the project demanded the involvement of top experts in their respective fields. Interior designer Rodango played a crucial role in translating the client’s vision into tangible reality, ensuring that every corner of the home exudes sophistication and warmth.

The integration of technology into Casa TCC was no small feat. Grupo MAi coordinated the electrical, audio, video, and lighting specifications, designs, and installations with precision, ensuring seamless functionality and ease of maintenance. Lutron, Savant, Nexia, iGuzzini, Community, Nexo, Rotel, and Sonance were among the key partners whose products and solutions were integral to achieving the desired outcome.

One of the primary objectives was to make the house not only a work of art but also a haven of comfort and convenience for its residents, including the staff. This meant that the lighting had to accentuate the architecture and interior design while being user-friendly. High color rendering index (CRI) fixtures were chosen for their ability to render colors accurately, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. The lighting design incorporated light layering, cove lighting, and futuristic lines, with scenarios that could transform the ambiance of different areas at the touch of a button.

The client’s specific requests added layers of creativity and complexity to the project. For instance, fibre optic lighting was installed in the pool, spa, and cinema to resemble the ceiling of a car he had recently purchased. This element, introduced late in the project, required meticulous coordination between the interior design team and the architect. The cinema’s ceiling design was particularly unique, with circles representing each family member and fibre optic arrangements depicting their zodiac signs.

The audio-visual design posed its own set of challenges, primarily concerning sound coverage and quality. Given the client’s love for hosting parties, the house needed versatile and high-performance sound systems. The roof garden features a top-tier sound system with DJ inputs, perfect for live performances. The game room, equipped with a high-performance sound system and a DMX driver integrated with LED strips, offers a nightclub-like experience with six different audio-rhythmic light scenes.

Security was another paramount concern. Despite being located in a monitored compound, the beachfront location and the presence of a large staff necessitated robust security measures. A CCTV system covers strategic areas of the house, accessible 24/7 via a control app. Access control keypads with facial recognition and biometrics ensure that only authorized individuals can enter the premises, with specific permissions for different staff members.

Casa TCC is more than just a home; it is a symphony of design, technology, and personal legacy. The collaboration between Grupo MAi, Javier Fernandez, and Rodango, has resulted in a residence that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of its owner.