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The clients had recently purchased atraditional property with plans for a full renovation. They were excitedaboutintegrating smart technology but unsure how far to go. Their goal was tostrike the right balance, enhancing comfort and modern living while keepingthings simple and intuitive for their elderly parents, who would also be livingwith them. They wanted a centralised system that made daily routineseffortless, a media room that transformed into a true cinematic space, and aproperty that felt cohesive and connected without any tech overwhelm.
The family initially struggled to visualisehow far to take the integration. They needed guidance to understand what waspossible without making the system overly complex. They also had concerns aboutmaintaining a clean, modern aesthetic while adding technology, particularly inthe lounge, which would double as a cinema space. And with multiplegenerationsliving together, usability across all ages was a major priority.
Contello carefully consulted with the familyto map out their routines, preferences and style. The living room wastransformed into a hidden home cinema, complete with a motorised drop-downprojector screen and projector lift, using a 7.1 Dolby surround system poweredby an Arcam AVR and Sonance Reference Series in-ceiling speakers.Lightingcontrol was implemented throughout the property using Control4 wirelesskeypads, with scene-based presets tailored to key rooms. A custom programmeddoorbell not only rang through the ceiling speakers, but also triggeredadiscreet light flash in the cinema room, a thoughtful touch to avoidmissedvisitors. Automated blinds were fully integrated with day-night logic.Forexample, during daytime screenings, blinds would lower automatically whenthe cinema system activated, and stay retracted in the evening depending on user settings. Heating control was added throughout the home for optimal comfort and efficiency.
The result was a home that truly adapts to everyone’s lifestyle. The younger family members benefit from the immersive cinema, intuitive lighting scenes, and seamless shading and heating control. Meanwhile, the elderly parents enjoy the simplicity of clearly labelled wall controls and voice-triggered routines. Guests often comment on the hidden cinema setup and how effortless the entire home feels. The technology now works behind the scenes, making the environment feel intelligent, personalised and calm.
We didn’t know how much smart home tech we wanted until Contello walked us through it and now we couldn’t imagine living without it. The way everything just works, especially with multiple family members under one roof, has made life easier, calmer and more enjoyable.
