Lighting Up The Lagoon | Best Integrated Home, Finalist

Located in a beautiful coastal setting in Florida, USA, this home not only meets the highest standards of luxury living but also showcases the seamless integration of smart home technology.

From the outset, the developer, a long-time client of ETC, had a clear vision: to create an extraordinary home that not only stood out for its beauty and attention to detail but also incorporated cutting-edge technology that would be future-proof. This ambitious goal required meticulous planning, innovative solutions, and flawless execution. ETC rose to the challenge, bringing together a variety of smart home technologies within a cohesive design that met the aesthetic and functional demands of the project.

One of the critical aspects of this project was its emphasis on creating a home that was not just technologically advanced but also user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. The developer wanted a space where the technology was unobtrusive, allowing the home's design and natural beauty to take center stage. This meant hiding the technological installations so effectively that guests would be unaware of the extensive smart systems in place. To achieve this, ETC recommended and installed invisible speakers that blanket the home in music without any visible hardware, and unique landscape lighting solutions that highlight the waterfront location, creating dramatic visual effects.

Collaboration with the builder, Aquantis Group, was crucial in integrating these systems seamlessly into the home’s architecture and interior design. One of the standout features of this project is the extensive use of automated window treatments. With many floor-to-ceiling windows, including a challenging 25-foot-tall window in the living room, the installation required precision and innovation. The primary bedroom posed another significant challenge with dual treatments on windows that cover three sides of the room. These window treatments, designed to disappear when not in use, required custom solutions to ensure they were both functional and hidden from view.

Security was another critical component of the project. The home is equipped with advanced security measures, including perimeter security beams that cover both the east and south sides of the property. If someone enters the property from the intracoastal waters, the alarm system triggers a voice announcement warning the intruder and notifying the homeowner that the police are being called. This level of security ensures peace of mind for the residents while maintaining the unobtrusive aesthetic of the home.

The technological backbone of the home is a Control4 automation system, chosen for its ability to integrate seamlessly with other systems and provide a user-friendly interface. This system serves as the hub, coordinating the Elk security system, Lutron lighting control, Lutron shades, Coastal Source landscape lighting, Stealth Acoustics hidden speakers, and more. By centralizing control, ETC created a turnkey solution that simplifies the user experience while offering extensive customization options for future owners.

One of the key achievements of this project was its forward-looking approach. ETC ensured that the home was not just equipped with the latest technology but was also prepared for future advancements. This meant installing additional connections for future audio solutions, extra wireless access points, and video and network outlets throughout the home. By planning for future needs, the team ensured that the home could adapt to new technologies and changing preferences, making it a truly future-proof residence.