It All Starts With a Dream | Best Integrated Home, Finalist

The creation of this dream home, tailored for the ultimate retirement experience, was as much about the intricate details as it was about the overarching vision.

The client, previously impressed with Verbinnen's craftsmanship from a collaboration on a secondary residence in Tenerife, once again entrusted the integrator to transform a newly purchased piece of land into a luxurious sanctuary that marries modern conveniences with aesthetic purity. The villa’s ethos centres on comfort, user-friendliness, and an uncompromising commitment to luxury. Every device and cable was meticulously concealed to maintain a clean and elegant environment, including a hidden television in the living room that epitomises subtle luxury.

Central to the villa's appeal is its commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle. The easily operable multi-purpose space, dual swimming pools, and hammam are not merely architectural features but essential elements of the client's wellness journey. Each component is designed for ease of use, ensuring that the luxurious amenities are both accessible and enjoyable. The swimming pools, equipped with child-proofing and secure code locks, provide a safe environment for family gatherings. The hammam, initiating relaxing music automatically, offers a spa-like atmosphere at the touch of a button. Customisable lighting in the pools allows the client to set the mood with their chosen colour.

The integration of technology within this villa showcases Verbinnen’s expertise. Two gas fireplaces, seamlessly controlled for activation and intensity, add warmth and ambience. Gigabit networking throughout the house ensures robust internet connectivity, future-proofed with provisions for fibre optics to accommodate technological advancements. Multiple access points ensure excellent coverage, making the home a hub of connectivity. Music automation extends the luxury experience into the bathroom, offering a personalised audio atmosphere. Sunscreens automatically adjust based on environmental conditions, maintaining comfort and protecting the interiors from harsh sunlight. The thoughtful inclusion of acoustic plasterwork, using BASWA, in the pool area and the entire lower-level addresses potential sound issues, ensuring that the space remains a calm retreat free from bothersome reverberations.

Collaboration was key in realising this project. Laury Van Dyck, the interior designer, played a crucial role in ensuring that the automation systems complemented the villa's overall design. The partnership with Selectrics, the electricians, was vital for seamlessly integrating the sophisticated electrical systems. Close collaboration with the total contractor, furniture builders, pool company, electric window specialists, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) specialists ensured that every subsystem and technology was harmoniously integrated into the overall construction.

This villa, with each element designed with purpose and executed with precision, offers the client a perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and cutting-edge living — an exemplary model of how contemporary architecture can enhance lifestyle and functionality.