Historical Private Residence - Best Integrated Home Winner, Level 5, EMEA, 2024

Entering this home is akin to stepping into a world where luxury, technology, and art blend in perfect harmony. Masterfully crafted by Aloud AB, this project has transformed two historical units in central Stockholm into a seamless, elegant living space, exuding the charm and sophistication of high-end international hotels. Guided by the visionary expertise of Punto Equise Studio, the architect behind this marvel, the residence exemplifies innovative design and advanced integration.

Right from the initial meeting, the client presented a clear vision, heavily influenced by their extensive travels. They aimed to mirror the opulence and functionality of luxury hotels within their private dwelling. The undertaking was formidable: incorporating state-of-the-art technology into a building dating back to 1861, all the while preserving its historical integrity and crafting a space suitable for grand dinner parties and art displays. The age of the building and its central location introduced significant challenges, especially in accommodating audio-visual and lighting equipment within the constrained space.

Aloud AB joined the project at a crucial stage, with construction underway and the client previously unaware of the vast potential of custom installations. Initially, the plan was modest — simply to hang a few television screens. Yet, through meticulous consultations and innovative presentations, the team unveiled the full possibilities of a fully integrated smart home. Their proposal included a new concept for lighting — focusing on indirect lighting using custom-made stucco, which not only highlighted the architectural features but also perfectly illuminated the client's art collection.

The overhaul of the lighting became a fundamental aspect of the project. The stucco facilitated hidden light sources that elegantly accentuated artworks and created a warm, inviting atmosphere. Grazers and light niches were added in bathrooms and other areas to enhance both comfort and aesthetic appeal. A particular feature was the installation of a silhouette fixture in the kitchen to precisely light a specific painting, showcasing the project's attention to detail.

An innovative solution addressed a specific request from the client for closet lighting. Inspired by their global travels, the team modified the placement of magnetic contacts to ensure the lights remained on, even when obstructed by something as minor as a shoelace. This highlighted their commitment to merging functionality with convenience.

The shading system also saw a significant transformation. Although the original ambition for extensive controllable shades was tempered by structural and timing constraints, the team managed to forge an elegant ambiance. In the entrance, a sheer shade with side channels recreated the luxurious feel of a high-end suite. In the master bedroom, a combination of motorized sheer rollers and manual blackout curtains was used, while the living room featured motorized curtain tracks with thick blackout fabric, enhancing acoustics and providing a dark environment when necessary.

A significant technical challenge was sourcing spotlights with tunable white or dim-to-warm capabilities and a high Color Rendering Index (CRI) to create dynamic lighting scenes reflective of seasonal changes. Coordinating the placement of technical equipment with the architect and carpenter was vital to maintain the aesthetic integrity and functionality of the furniture and carpentry, ensuring that technical spaces were service-friendly without compromising the design vision.

The client's pursuit of the optimal audio-visual experience led to numerous ‘design versus function’ discussions with the architects. This collaborative effort ensured that every element, from heat management to the silent operation of Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches and amplifiers, was meticulously planned and executed. The outcome is a home that not only meets but surpasses the client's expectations, seamlessly blending luxury, technology, and comfort.