Hygge Smart Home | Best Integrated Home, Finalist

This project, crafted by the talented integrator IndigoZest, is more than a home; it is a sanctuary of tranquility and innovation located in the United Kingdom, brought to life through the vision of builder Urban Matrix, Caitlin McCann Interior Design, and an array of esteemed partners including Artcoustic, Snap One, Lutron, Grants Blinds, Carter Group Security, Detail Lighting, Future Automation, and Faradite.

Hygge, a Danish concept that transcends mere cosiness, evokes a profound sense of well-being and contentment, often fostered by simple, elegant surroundings and meaningful moments. The Hygge Smart Home encapsulates this ethos, offering a retreat where a family of four can revel in the harmony of their environment while benefiting from cutting-edge smart home technology. This blend of high-tech and Hygge, so skillfully orchestrated by IndigoZest, ensures that technology enhances rather than intrudes upon the family’s daily life.

At the core of this home lies a comprehensive automation system, unifying the control of lighting, audio, video, climate, and security into a singular, intuitive platform. Through touchscreens, keypads, remotes, and mobile applications, the family can effortlessly manage their environment from any room, or even remotely, ensuring that convenience and comfort are always at their fingertips. This user-friendly interface is paramount in ensuring that the technology serves its purpose without demanding attention, aligning perfectly with the minimalist Danish design principles cherished by the homeowners.

The challenge of integrating such advanced systems without compromising the aesthetic integrity of the home was met with meticulous planning and innovative solutions. Wiring and equipment are meticulously concealed within the walls, ceilings, and cabinetry, preserving the pristine lines and uncluttered spaces envisioned by Caitlin McCann Interior Design. Speakers, for instance, are recessed into ceilings or colour-matched to blend seamlessly with cabinetry and wall finishes, while outdoor entertainment systems are discreetly integrated into the landscape. A standout feature, the outdoor television lift, ingeniously emerges from a planter, swivelling to face the seating area before retreating back into its concealed abode, demonstrating the harmonious blend of form and function.

This project also underscores the importance of collaboration and customisation in achieving such a refined outcome. When faced with the need for an ingress protection (IP)-rated outdoor television lift, IndigoZest and the manufacturer worked hand-in-hand to create a bespoke solution that met the family’s specific requirements. This dedication to client satisfaction not only fulfilled the homeowners’ vision but also expanded the manufacturer’s offerings, illustrating the ripple effect of tailored innovation.

In this home, technology does not overshadow but rather complements and enhances the Hygge lifestyle, creating a space where every moment can be savoured in comfort and security. The careful coordination between technology and interior design creates a dialogue between modern conveniences and traditional values, ensuring that the soul of Danish design breathes life into every corner.