North Lodge - Best Integrated Home finalist, Level 4, EMEA, 2024

The North Lodge project, located in the UK, is an exemplary display of the fusion between opulence and practicality, masterfully executed by integration outfit Clarke Infinity. This initiative was driven by a family’s desire for a home that could provide entertainment, relaxation, and stress relief in equal measure — a sanctuary as practical as it was luxurious. The brief was ambitious, aiming to create a space where the family could engage in a variety of activities: from watching films together and hosting guests, to exercising, working, relaxing, recharging, playing, and praying. The challenge lay in weaving these diverse requirements into a cohesive, intuitive design that epitomised both style and functionality.

Entertainment spaces are a core element of North Lodge. The property boasts a luxurious cinema room, a dedicated space where the family can enjoy movie nights together. Additionally, the design incorporates a pool room and spa with an extraordinary feature: a moving floor that transforms the space from a luxurious spa into a lively event venue. This ingenious design maximises the utility of the space while adding a dramatic 'wow factor' that impresses guests. Clarke Infinity’s meticulous attention to detail shines through in every aspect of the property, from the adaptable acoustics in the pool room to the high-tech gym and spa facilities that cater to the family’s health and wellness needs.

Energy efficiency was a key concern for this large property spread over four floors. Clarke Infinity introduced a sophisticated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) automation system, capable of remotely sensing and adjusting temperatures throughout different areas. The lighting control system is equally advanced, utilising motion sensors, pressure pads, and timers to reduce energy consumption. Automated blinds and curtains serve a dual purpose in this setup, harnessing solar energy during the day and providing insulation at night. These solutions ensure that North Lodge is both comfortable and environmentally conscious, aligning with the family's commitment to sustainability.

The family’s professional requirements were also a priority. Equipped with a robust network and reliable Wi-Fi, North Lodge offers the ideal environment for home-based work and meetings. The dedicated home office space is seamlessly integrated with the home’s smart systems, providing an efficient workspace.

One of the standout features of North Lodge is its seamless integration of technology. Clarke Infinity designed the solutions with user-friendliness in mind, ensuring that every aspect of the home is intuitive and accessible. Pre-programmed lighting options, automated blinds, and security systems are all tailored to the family’s daily routines. For example, upon entering the billiards room during the day, the previously closed curtains automatically open, safeguarding the furniture from light damage and enhancing the gaming experience. At sunset, all window treatments close and external lighting comes on, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

The heating system in North Lodge is a marvel of engineering, constantly adjusting based on the time of day and temperatures within each independent heating zone. External sensors activate a trench heater to demist windows when temperatures fall too low, ensuring comfort and clarity at all times. Such meticulous attention to detail extends to the smallest touches, like automated towel rails that ensure warm towels are ready at precisely the right moment each morning.

In partnership with builder Woodstone Homes, Clarke Infinity has crafted a home that marries beauty with intelligence. North Lodge is a vivid illustration of how cutting-edge technology can be harmoniously integrated with thoughtful design to create a home that not only meets a family’s varied needs but also enriches their daily living.