Creating a work and living environment in one building is not a simple task, particularly when you want the areas to have a completely separate feel with contemporary design and advanced technology.

Stephen found the perfect building in a decommissioned Sunrise Confectioner’s Factory from the 50s which was derelict and rundown. His vision was to have an office and home incorporated in the one building that could meet the needs of his young professional, growing family (including his wife, a cardiologist and his two sons).

Designing an architectural masterpiece
The project took three years in total to construct from the design phase to building. The exterior was kept to retain a unique urban edge, whilst the interior was demolished leaving only the four walls.

On the ground floor is the architectural studio which accommodates 15 employees. The planning of this space is open throughout to enable communication and discussion between all staff members. Based on a modular system the workstations can move to accommodate a number of variations that may be required, including the size of layout space.

The living area is reached via a floating ribbon staircase which becomes the transition between the derelict factory façade and the polished interior. Areas including kitchen, living and dining are divided into zones and there is also a north-facing private garden with a steel bonfire and water feature.

Spectacular city views are framed by the original factory windows. The upper floor contains the main bedroom with en suite bathroom and walk in robe, two children’s bedrooms, a main bathroom, storeroom and gym.

Stephen engaged Urban Intelligence from the outset to assist with designing the technology aspects to fit in with the overall design of the property.

“We have been collaborating with Urban Intelligence for eight years on many residential homes. They are a one-stop-shop for home automation solutions. I knew they were more than capable of meeting my brief and expectations. I put complete trust in Director Lior Rauchberger and his team of technology architects to deliver,” Stephen says.

Lior and his team worked closely with Stephen over several design meetings to develop plans to deliver a seamless, clean design with no signs of any technology when not in use. Urban Intelligence researched and recommended the best products to meet the brief.

“It was important that the technology wasn’t seen as a hindrance for Stephen. He said from the outset that he didn’t want the technology to dictate his family’s lives. Our aim was to make it really simple to use and operate hide it from view,” Lior says.

The home is controlled via a touch screen located in the kitchen/family area, which shows a floor plan of the whole property. The touch screen controls the audio visual system, security, lighting, blinds, water feature and steel bonfire.

There are certain settings, such as ‘goodbye’ that automatically turns off all devices or ‘entertaining’ that has specific lighting and music programmed, and works with one touch. The theme of the house is also controlled by the Jolsons depending on the time of day.

Stephen credits the security system as one of the highlights of his home and office creation. Access to both levels is by a biometric fingerprint reader which identifies studio / office staff and family members and can also be programmed by time and day for cleaners. He believes it works particularly well for the office.

“This eliminates excess keys which may become a security risk. Security to me is vitally important and this system is really reliable,” Stephen explains.

The most innovative part of the project for Lior was the entertainment system. “In the living room there is no sign of any audio visual hardware. The plasma screen is installed using a motorised descender and comes down in front of a firewood storage area when they want to use it.”

“The latest Phillips Pronto remote runs all the audio visual systems. For the surround sound we used Stealth Acoustic speakers that have been installed in the ceiling and wall cavities and painted over so they are invisible. A media server stores a large music collection that can be selected utilising a remote,” Lior says.

“Having my music all stored in the one place is another highlight for me. I used to hate going through CDs, selecting a song or artist only to find when I opened the case the CD was gone. I love the fact that any music I decide to listen to can be played,” Stephen says.

“We’re pleased Stephen is thrilled with the outcome. In our eyes it was a very successful project and we think this can be attributed to the time our company takes from the beginning to make sure we’re both on the same page in terms of all the design and technology elements,” Lior says.

Sharing the dream
Home automation has many benefits, but Stephen believes people might be resistant because they believe it’s too hard to operate and understand.

“I think the approach to home automation is slowly shifting with designers and architects now understanding that items such as steel bonfires and water features can be incorporated with automation. This will only increase on a consumer level with companies, such as Lior’s educating people.”

“I’ve had a lot of experience with home automation and I’ve consulted with Lior on many occasions. Urban Intelligence is excellent at simplifying technology for the user so it’s not seen as a hindrance. They consult with clients and make sure what they offer is understood before proceeding,” Stephen explains.

“I’d highly recommend Urban Intelligence because they understand home automation and the relevant products intimately. They manage client expectations and we’ve always found them to be great.”