Ciel | Best Integrated Home, Finalist

This vision, brought to life by local integrator Wenner, has positioned the project, named Ciel, as a standout example of modern living. The collaboration of architect Etienne De Villiers from Etienne Designs, builder TS Williams Construction, and interior designer Sandy Nygaard from Nygaard Interior Design has resulted in a luxurious, fully automated home that stands as a testament to what is possible when technology and design harmoniously blend.

The client’s vision was clear: a fully automated luxury waterfront home, where smart home automation takes center stage. This vision was realized through an intricate integration of the latest in smart home technology, ensuring that every aspect of the home’s functionality is effortlessly controlled. From lighting and multi-zone audio-visual systems to advanced security features, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), shading, and even plumbing, every element has been meticulously designed to offer unparalleled convenience and comfort. The Crestron control system, serving as the centralised management hub, ensures seamless communication between various devices, allowing for an intuitive and user-friendly experience.

Ciel’s contemporary design, marked by floor-to-ceiling windows, provides ample natural light and unobstructed views of the stunning surroundings, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and the outdoors. The architectural design by Etienne De Villiers complements the natural landscape, ensuring the home blends into its environment rather than disrupting it. This sensitivity to the surroundings is further exemplified by the outdoor features, including entertainment areas with climate control, mood lighting, and advanced security systems provided by partners like interface programmer Intuitiv and landscape designer Joslin Enterprises.

The home’s luxurious amenities are a reflection of modern living at its finest. The smart kitchen, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and intuitive controls, makes culinary tasks a breeze. Spa-like bathrooms offer automated temperature settings and ambient lighting, turning everyday routines into rejuvenating experiences. A lifestyle home theater provides an immersive audio visual experience, making it perfect for both intimate family moments and entertaining guests.

Privacy and personalisation were paramount in the design of Ciel. Automated privacy features, such as smart blinds and privacy modes, ensure that homeowners can control their environment to suit their preferences and routines. The collaboration with Sandy Nygaard ensured that the home’s interiors reflect the client’s unique lifestyle and personality, offering a bespoke living experience that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

A key objective of the project was to optimise energy usage and minimise waste. The intelligent automation system tracks energy consumption patterns, providing insights that help in reducing overall energy use. The advanced lighting and shading designs play a significant role in this, using energy-efficient fixtures and smart controls to create an ambiance that enhances comfort while conserving energy.

The location’s proximity to water presented unique challenges, particularly concerning the longevity and performance of electronic components in a potentially corrosive environment. Wenner’s solution involved incorporating robust, weather-resistant materials and implementing redundancy measures to ensure the reliability of critical systems like security and HVAC, even in unpredictable weather conditions.

Ciel represents the pinnacle of smart home living, where technology, design, and respect for nature converge to create not just a house, but a sanctuary. It exemplifies convenience, comfort, and sustainability, set against the backdrop of a stunning natural landscape.