March 31st, 2012

Hot Properties: Grovenor House, #1506

Grovernor House is Coconut Grove’s most luxurious building, offering unparalleled convenience and amenities. We were lucky enough to get a tour of this newly listed unit recently, here are a few of the many highlights.

Grovenor House is located at 2627 S. Bayshore Drive, within walking distance to The Fresh Market and Marinas:

This unit features a private elevator lobby, 9′ ceilings, and a 379 s/f balcony that showcases panoramic bay views. Here’s a quick look at that amazing view:

It is a roomy two bedroom, two bath, with an additional powder room. The hardwood floors are immaculate, and the Snaidero kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances:

The bathrooms are beautifully done in tasteful marble:

Even with all of these features, our favorite was the roomy balcony overlooking the bay and marinas:

The unit is a blank slate for your own personal touch, and is the perfect layout for the hottest Smart Home technology.

To learn more about this unit, or to schedule an appointment to view it, you can visit the listing page here:

http://www.grovenorhouse1506.com/

September 27th, 2011

What is a Smart Home? Part 2

The term Smart Home is tossed around a lot, but what, really, does that mean? We’ve decided to showcase one of our favorite projects to take away some of the mystery.

If you haven’t read Part One, where we tour the residence, you can do so HERE.

There are many different products you can use as the “brain” in your Intelligent Home. Its important to hire a company you trust to make sure you have the right system for you and your budget.

The system we used here, on the Continuum project, was Crestron. Creston is definitely on the high end of home control, and may not fit into everyone’s budget. However, in recent years, Crestron has made a few advances in creating more affordable products.

Luckily, budget wasn’t a concern for this particular client. They wanted to be able to tie all of their home together:

They also had some interesting designer touches they wanted to be able to control, such as an automated in-ceiling projector, and screen:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And a custom LED lighted wall, with a motorized privacy curtain:

All of these systems and separate technologies are programmed and connected to the Crestron “brain”. Now the homeowners can control everything from several locations in the home, and even remotely from anywhere in the world.

Within the home, the system is controlled via Touch Panels, like this one:

The touch panel above can either be used in-wall, where it charges, or be removed for portability. There are also several keypads throughout the house, like the one shown below the touch panel. The system can also be controlled via iPad & iPhone, for the ultimate in portable convenience.

This particular property is owned by a very generous individual, who allows it to be used by extended family, friends, and clients. This means the system has to be easy to use, and pretty self explanatory.

Now that we’re familiar with the equipment, and how to control it, lets move on to what it can do, next time in Part 3.

Give us a call for a complimentary consultation:

305-652-1138, or click to Contact Us.

 

July 29th, 2011

What is a Smart Home? Part 1

The term Smart Home is tossed around a lot, but what, really, does that mean? We’ve decided to showcase one of our favorite projects to take away some of the mystery.

This residence is located in the posh South of Fifth (SOFI) neighborhood of South Beach, in the Continuum II. It features incredible views, and some very sweet amenities.

Our clients wanted to have total control of all the technology in their home:

  • Lighting
  • Air Conditioning
  • Security & Surveillance
  • Motorized Window Treatments
  • Audio & Video

It was important for them to not only have flawless control on the property, but to be able to access & control the entire condo from anywhere in the world.

First, we’ll tour the residence; then, we’ll talk details.

 

The Main Living Area:

As you can see below, there’s a lot going on here. We needed to provide seamless performance for a very intricate lighting plan, Motorized Window Shades, & Motorized Projector & Screen. Plus the things you don’t really see, like the Air Conditioning, & Security System.

Note how many different lighting sources there are:

  • Hanging Fixture Over the Dining Area
  • Cove Lighting in the Ceiling
  • Floor & Table Lamps
  • Spotlights in the Ceiling

These can all be controlled separately, or together, in pre-programmed scenes (more on that later!).

The Interior Designer chose to hide the Speakers, Motorized Screen, & Projector in the silk fabric covered ceiling. This is what we mean when we say you don’t have to lose your design! We worked with the Designer every step of the way throughout the project, to make sure our installation kept the spotlight on the overall design:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of the shades throughout the house run on silent motors, and can be controlled at the touch of a button from several different devices. They can also be programmed to go up or down throughout the day, shading your home from the heat and sun, automatically:

 

This residence also boasts a large open kitchen, which hides a few secrets. That backsplash is a two-way mirror, which hides a 32″ LCD TV. When the TV is off, you see nothing. Turn it on, and it plays clearly through the mirror:

 

On To The Guest Suites:

The client chose to keep the guest suites very simple & elegant in design. Nonetheless, both guest suites feature full automation of Audio & Video, Motorized Window Treatments, and Lighting.

 

 

 

The Master Suite:

The Interior Designer on the project custom designed and built the wood pillar TV mount. We think it’s an inspired design, we’ve certainly never seen anything like it before. We ran wiring underneath the floor, and in the soffit above, and through the wood supports holding the TV:

 

 

The Master Suite has a sitting room that leads into the Master Bath. There’s a privacy curtain which is motorized and linked to the system:

 

 

At the touch of a button, the curtain opens, revealing an LED lighted wall:

 

 

Once in the Master Bath, there are several different lighting sources, all controllable through the system. The Smart lighting control can transform the space from a standard bathroom to a relaxing spa environment:

 

 

Now that we’ve got a feel for the property, in our next post (Part 2), we’ll talk about how the system is controlled, and all of the possibilities it has to offer.

 

Questions? Give us a call:

305-652-1138, or click to Contact Us.


 

 

 

May 20th, 2011

Hot Properties: Boulan South Beach

As you can imagine, we get to see some pretty hot properties in South Florida. But, even we were surprised by what we found when we stopped by this exclusive South Beach sanctuary. Boulan, located on Collins Ave & 21st Street, has great views of both the ocean & the city, as well as the newly renovated Collins Park across the street.

Walk to the Miami City Ballet, Public Library, & Bass Museum of Art for a taste of culture; or stroll to The Setai, STK, Nobu, Mr. Chow, or Solea at the W for a taste of anything else.

The residences themselves are lovely. Spacious, light filled, & Designer Ready, with universally beautiful & convenient touches such as:

  • Lagos Azule Portuguese Limestone Flooring
  • Energy Efficient Glass Sliding Doors & Windows
  • Designer Lighting
  • Washer & Dryer in Every Residence
  • Translucent Glass Pocket Doors
  • Oversized Balconies
  • Spa Inspired Baths (these must be seen!)

We can’t wait to create the ultimate lifestyle & entertainment systems at Boulan – completely automated, to be controlled at the touch of a button of course! These units really are ideal for the full Smart Home treatment.

Boulan features all of the conveniences of full service living, including Concierge, 24-hr Valet & Private Fitness Center.

All of the (anything but) common areas are designed with a restrained & tasteful touch, imparting the feel of a private oasis.

Our soothing, relaxing experience started in the understated lobby, continuing outside to the Meditation Garden & Courtyard, featuring lush tropical landscaping.

There is a beautiful rooftop, with a pool, jacuzzi, cabanas & barbecue area. They are currently installing a state of the art music and projection system for poolside entertainment under the stars.

There are fewer than 55 units, so you’ll want to move quickly to see these!

www.boulansouthbeach.com

305-538-7661