Qh spring 14 electronic living

Electric Feel A love of all things tech and the latest in home electronics combine to create a contemporary home that’s full of class.

WORDS: Natasha Pavez

Stepping inside this East Brisbane home is like looking into the future, or at least into the best the modern world has to offer. Not many people dream of incorporating a fully-functioning technological system into their home, but for owners John and Colette Hayes (and their two sons), doing so was inevitable.

"We've always been interested in technology, both its use and its application in day-to-day living," explains John. "We've also been fascinated by smart home technology, controlling many features of the home from near and far."

These self-confessed 'tech junkies' knew there was only one way they could complete this project, and that was by handing the reins over to Damian Cavanagh at Electronic Living. This long-standing relationship had always been forged around a mutual love of electronics. "Damian had worked on our cinema installation at our previous home," says John. "We had great confidence in his vision, ability and team to provide a state-of-the-art integrated system for our new home."

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Damian and the Electronic Living team were on-hand to assist John and Colette in deciding what products were best for their lifestyle and needs, through initial client briefs and comprehensive demonstrations.

A number of things had to be considered to create this project thanks to its scope and size. "When we decided to build our new home, there were a number of constraints, including land size," says John.

The brief came in four parts to cushion against budget blowouts, meticulously detailing every step of the process. Firstly, the home had to be smart-wired to future proof it as much as possible. The house also had to incorporate a completely integrated home automation system, controlling various aspects of the home – from lighting to underfloor heating. AV distribution around the home, from various sources to multiple rooms, was also important. Finishing the brief off, a state-of-the-art cinema had to be designed for later installation.

The project was handed over to Angus Munro at Marc + Co Architects, to draft a design that embraced technology to solve logistic issues – as an example, the car stackers in the garage allowing

ELECTRONIC LIVING, MARK + CO ARCHITECTS & JOHN SPEARE BUILDERS | PROJECT

for seven-car parking – while showing as little of this technology as possible. The end result was a clean, modern design, utilising 'invisible' wiring and electronics to keep the house feeling completely like a home, rather than living in a high-end IT showroom. For Damian and his team, this was quite a challenge, yet one he knew they could overcome.

By working with both the architect and the builder, the team were able to come up with several creative solutions that allowed technology to function easily in the home, without compromising John and Colette's desired aesthetic. "Using invisible speakers in main living areas is just one example of the synergy between the interior designer and Electronic Living integrators," Damian explains.

From there, John Speare Builders took charge, building the home over two years. As the entire project took six years to complete (from purchase of land to moving in), the entire team had to be on board with technology changes. "When we started, LED lighting was just becoming a reality," John recalls. "Now, it's widely available so we embraced it in our home as we went along."

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However, keeping everyone up to date with these technological advances was definitely no problem, as Damian explains. "Everyone was on the same page with all aspects of this project," he says. "The synergy between the architect, builder and our team was a highlight, and it was a pleasure to work with such open and wonderful clients that not only loved technology, but understood and valued the benefits in integrating it into their home." Naturally, hurdles had to be overcome, and for everyone involved, they agree communicating with one another was key to continuing to create a home that was utterly perfect for this family of four. Having a four-stage approach also assisted in this, allowing the project to smoothly progress.

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"We completed stages one and two with the builder, completed stage three soon after construction of the building was complete, and have left stage four until finances allow," John says.

John and Damian are in definite agreement when it comes to their favourite space in the home – the entertainment area, housed in the basement. The envy of anyone with a penchant for entertaining, this large, open space features a bar, wine cellar, billiards table, teppanyaki bar and pizza oven. The family (and their guests!) are certainly spoiled for choice in any occasion, and are even treated to views stretching across the Brisbane River and city skyline. "There's nowhere better to sit and relax with friends for lunch on the

ELECTRONIC LIVING, MARK + CO ARCHITECTS & JOHN SPEARE BUILDERS | PROJECT

weekend," says John – and he's definitely right about that. Whether it's music gently streaming through the invisible speakers for a luxe dinner affair, or guests being enveloped by the 5.1-surround sound from films on the large format LED TV, it's a space that suits every type of entertainment.

This smart home might be full to the brim with technology, but one thing is apparent: anyone can use the technology and anyone can comfortably live here thanks to the hard work of all teams involved. John and Colette are thrilled with the living space they come

home to, and it's not only because of its stunning riverside location. "Waking up each day and looking out over the city, walking onto the warm bathroom tiles because the automated system started warming them at 4am and enjoying life is a joy," says John. "We can select entertainment from anywhere in the house on iPhones or iPads and stream to any room.” Thanks to Damian and Electronic Living working as hard on this project as if it were their own home – and their readiness to respond to any need – this is a home that can be enjoyed well into the future.

ELECTRONIC LIVING Phone: 1300 764 554 MARK + CO ARCHITECTS Phone: 07 3844 0880 JOHN SPEARE BUILDERS Phone: 07 3869 1711 127