No Coal Street - Best Integrated Home, Level 1 winner, APAC 2024

A sanctuary of innovation and freedom emerges in Newcastle, NSW, where Custom Integration and Electrical, in collaboration with Derive Architecture & Design and Harrison Building and Carpentry, have transformed a residence into a model of accessible living at No Coal Street. This project redefines the interplay between architecture and technology, demonstrating that a home can significantly empower its residents.

The transformation is centred around Stewart, a resident living with progressive Multiple Sclerosis. His daily challenges and restrictions formed the foundation for his forever home. Previously constrained by his physical environment, Stewart envisaged a residence where technology would restore his autonomy. The resulting home allows him to control lights, doors, curtains, and even the lift with a simple touch on his smartphone, revolutionising his interaction with his living space.

The design of No Coal Street carefully accommodates both communal and private areas. The ground floor is dedicated to Stewart, featuring accessible living, dining, and kitchen areas that integrate seamlessly into the outdoor garden spaces that are vital to their lifestyle. Upstairs is a retreat for his wife, Lesley, and a versatile carer/guest flat that offer privacy yet remain easily accessible. The home not only supports their needs but also showcases their extensive art collection, with technologies installed to highlight rather than overshadow their array of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.

Technology is subtly woven into the fabric of the home, ensuring it enhances rather than intrudes. This integration extends to the structure itself, which reflects the historical essence of its industrial-commercial neighbourhood with extensive use of Corten steel. This material choice links past and present but also introduces unique challenges for maintaining robust Wi-Fi and Zigbee networks.

The home’s smart systems enable Stewart to move freely around his home. Motorised doors and windows, a bespoke lift interface, and sophisticated control systems allow him to navigate his residence independently. These systems are intricately tied to both the functional and emotional aspects of the home, enhancing daily life through programmed lighting scenes that illuminate their art and create ambiance throughout the space.

Beyond functionality, the technology serves as a lifeline. Security systems, surveillance, and fire detection are all integrated into a central network that Lesley can monitor from any location, ensuring safety and providing peace of mind. The adaptive audio-visual system caters to Stewart’s background in film and television, offering not just entertainment but an immersive experience tailored to his preferences.

This project was a collaborative endeavour, shaped by extensive consultations with Stewart, Lesley, their carers, and occupational therapists. Custom Integration and Electrical tailored every technological element to enhance not just physical access but also the overall quality of life, ensuring that each feature was robust, scalable, and responsive to their evolving needs.

No Coal Street transforms the conventional understanding of a residence into an exemplar of smart, accessible living environments. Through its innovative design and commitment to enhancing human lives, the project redefines residential architecture, integrating it with cutting-edge technology to craft a living space that not only accommodates but anticipates the needs of its inhabitants. The home is a showcase of how thoughtful design and technology can coalesce to create not just a dwelling, but a dynamic environment that supports and enriches the lives of those within.