Storybook Home | Best Integrated Home, Winner

This residence is a showcase of how modern innovations can integrate seamlessly into natural aesthetics to forge a living space that is both technologically advanced and organically alluring. Crafted by the expertise of integrator De Opera Domotica, and envisioned by Architenbureau de Vries-Theunissen, with interiors by Designa, this project has earned its recognition on the merit of integration and design alone.

The genesis of the Storybook Home was driven by a vision to construct a villa that would resonate as an integral part of its natural surroundings, as intrinsic as the trees and wildlife adjacent to it. For the client, his wife, their 18-year-old daughter, and their two dogs, the challenge was to embed sophisticated security, audio-visual, and energy management systems while adhering to an ecological ethos. The design stipulated the exclusive use of natural materials and finishes, with a categorical exclusion of synthetic acoustic materials. This requirement led to pioneering approaches to acoustics, often pushing beyond traditional boundaries.

The villa’s architecture is a reflection of thoughtful design and meticulous planning. The basement houses technical rooms and a dedicated space for the dogs, a ground floor that merges effortlessly with the landscape, an upper floor that cleverly conceals technical equipment within or above the bedrooms, and a welcoming pool house complete with a swimming pool and jacuzzi. Every space in this home is crafted with purpose and precision. The oak beams in the attic presented a unique challenge, limiting space and necessitating ingenious solutions for the placement of equipment.

However, the project’s trajectory was not devoid of challenges. The onset of the pandemic resulted in the client and his family being locked down in Indonesia, delaying the project until the end of 2021. This interruption brought significant alterations upon their return. Originally, a wall and a large fabric folding door were planned to separate the cinema from the dining room. These were removed during construction to create an open space, introducing new challenges for audio and video performance. The seating area, initially destined to be filled with hammocks and bean bags, was transformed into a custom sofa arrangement, partially obstructing the speakers.

Security was a paramount concern for the client, who frequently travels to Indonesia. The solution was a robust, multi-faceted system that ensured unparalleled security during their absence. The system was designed to allow their daughter to host pool parties while restricting access to the rest of the house. Advanced monitoring of visitors and packages via cameras, coupled with an alarm system that activates if paths deviate from the main entrance, provided peace of mind. Additionally, a specialised ‘Dog Mode’ was incorporated, allowing the dog walking service to access the property without compromising security. In case of an alarm, provisions were made for the dogs to roam freely, ensuring their safety and the security of the home.

The integration of technology within the Storybook Home is subtle yet profound. Motorised electric windows in the daughter’s bathroom and bedroom close automatically when the security system is armed. The removal of suspended ceilings in the bedrooms required innovative integration of heating, cooling, and home automation equipment. Wireless curtains in the kitchen, controlled seamlessly from hidden units, epitomise the blend of technology and design.

De Opera Domotica's collaboration with Monitor Audio and other partners has ensured that every technological element of the home enhances its ecological and aesthetic values. This villa serves as a vivid example of what is achievable when cutting-edge technology is employed to complement and enhance ecological mindfulness, creating a living environment that is not only futuristic but also intimately connected to its natural setting.