This was an extensive, whole-of-house smart home project encompassing multiple audio and video entertainment zones both inside and out; also a dedicated Dolby Atmos Cinema, dedicated night club-grade sound system and a dance zone.
Sydney Harbour Views and the Ultimate in Cutting-edge Home Automation
Knockdown-rebuild projects provide homeowners with the opportunity to create a home that is perfectly tailored to their individual needs and for many, this includes state-of-the-art home automation. Such was the case here in this stunning new home built in the sought-after Sydney suburb of Vaucluse.
Following the demolition of the previous residence, a large new executive home was built on the site, a sloping block of more than 1000sqm. The newly-built home takes in views across picturesque Hermit Bay to Sydney Harbour beyond – and it is an excellent example of a modern, fully automated home.
This was an extensive, whole-of-house smart home project encompassing multiple audio and video entertainment zones both inside and out; also a dedicated Dolby Atmos Cinema, dedicated night club-grade sound system and a dance zone. Another feature of the fully-automated home is a sophisticated security, CCTV and intercom system with biometric entry and remote access capability. There is also integrated climate control, lighting and automated blinds, remote pool control and solar power management systems.
Key Features of this Project
Over 30 Kilowatts of amplification (that’s over 30000 watts of power!)
A high resolution music distribution system managing 25 zones of audio > Featuring 76 loudspeakers and 11 subwoofers from nine manufacturers
A dedicated Dolby Atmos 7.2.4 home cinema
12 zones of 4K video over IP
A professional night club sound system
Integrated security system with CCTV and access control
Integrated HVAC, lighting, blinds, pool and spa control
Managed by Savant Automation Systems
Built for Ultimate Ease of Use
The home is completely monitored and managed remotely with a fully protected and filtered power management package. Various notification settings have been enabled to alert stakeholders of any network or power anomalies to allow for pre-emptive service intervention.
Future technologies have also been considered with a comprehensive fibre optic backbone. This has been specified to cater for the expansion of video or network bandwidth as needed.
Every audio zone was calibrated and volume-limited to minimise risk to speakers from over-driving whilst ensuring the best possible audio reproduction.
This fully-integrated smart home really does represent the cutting edge of technology. The Savant automation platform has over-riding control of almost every electronic system in this expansive home. This includes audio-visual, lighting, shades, louvres, irrigation, fireplaces, motorised windows, access control, VOIP phone, CCTV, security, HVAC, power management, pool/spa and solar. Each of these systems interacts with one another and trigger various automated scenes. Whilst the system itself is complex, it is specifically designed to make living in the home simple and effortless.
In regards to audio-visual, there are 12 video zones utilising the latest 4K video over IP solution. Each display is capable of the finest picture quality and also video tiling. There are 25 tailored audio zones incorporating 61 loudspeakers, 11 subwoofers and over 30 kilowatts of amplification.
A fully calibrated Bowers & Wilkins Dolby Atmos 7.2.4 Theatre is featured as is a Martin Audio Nightclub sound system. The landscaped outdoor areas and pool zone also feature extensive audio capabilities.
Importantly, the entire home system is able to be controlled reliably from one app.
Savant Automation Platform
The Savant automation platform has over-riding control of almost every electronic system in this expansive home. This includes audio-visual, lighting, shades, louvres, irrigation, fireplaces, motorised windows, access control, VOIP phone, CCTV, security, HVAC, power management, pool/spa and solar. Each of these systems interacts with one another and trigger various automated scenes. Whilst the system itself is complex, it is specifically designed to make living in the home simple and effortless.
Dolby Atmos Cinema
This smaller theatre is a 7.2.4 Dolby ATMOS configuration using B&W 700 series custom install speakers and JL Audio Fathom 12” subwoofers. It has a Sony 4K laser projector with Severtson 141” acoustically transparent screen. A Lumagen 4K video processor is used for a calibrated image in the space. Full acoustic room treatments have been employed.
During the four-year evolution of this Savant control-centric project, frequent re-assessment and fine-tuning of the design was necessary to stay abreast of the latest technologies. This necessitated Len Wallis Audio working closely with top Sydney architectural firm KA Design Studio and the team took great pains to get every last detail right so nothing would detract from the strong architectural design elements.
All local equipment was discreetly specified into its space while the majority of the system is centralised within two equipment racks located in the cellar. These are displayed behind back-lit fridge doors, mirroring the multi-fridge layout. The result is a showpiece that remains serviceable and one in which heat displacement was carefully considered.
The client had an interest in dance music and selected premium full-range performance in many of the audio zones. This resulted in 11 subwoofers being utilised. LWA specified models from six manufacturers to tailor our bass into each space; under beds, in-ground, inside cabinetry etc. Also, a night club sound system was designed for the garage.
As to the house itself, it was designed to make specific connections with Sydney Harbour’s iconic landscape. The orientation and configuration of the house offers a series of viewing points that link the domestic realm to the environment outside while subtle level changes reveal new aspects of the harbour landscape and delineate the space within the home.
The design is formally geometric but is punctured by courtyards and breaks that offer unexpected vistas. Stripped of enclosing walls, living spaces orient outward, diffusing thresholds through a series of operable glazed doors.
As with all successful projects, the end result is a collaborative effort and in this instance, Len Wallis Audio would not only like to extend its thanks to KA Design Studio but also to Horizon Building and Main Power Electrics.
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