Designing to Disappear
Custom technology solutions that blend seamlessly with a modern design.
Background
Brands Featured
The challenge
All technology had to be out of visible sight- shades, speakers, amplifiers and more needed to be cleverly concealed in casework and millwork to blend completely into the surrounding space.
The goals
- Provide shades recessed into custom wood pockets throughout the home for easy control of natural light and glare
- Create custom TV treatments to conceal all wiring and mounting hardware
- Install all speakers into the custom millwork on the ceiling with grilles that are custom cut into the planks
- Conceal a subwoofer and amplifier in the floorboard with hidden ventilation in a custom trim piece
- Simplify and streamline lighting controls with elegant, engraved keypads
- Unify all technology control into a single application with multiple interfaces (touchpanel, mobile app etc).
Our approach
The wood ceiling anchored the space, but provided a unique challenge for hiding equipment. Wipliance's team of experts worked closely with the builder and architect to engineer solutions that would amaze, and they were all about what you don't see. Lighting and shading are an integral part of everyday operation, but are not front and center- the Lutron shades magically disappear into the custom tongue and groove wood pockets, and coordinating engraved lighting control keypads blend seamlessly with the finishes of the space.
When it comes to audio/video, this home does not sacrifice performance for aesthetics- a full 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos home theater system comprised of James Loudspeaker small aperture speakers is concealed in the ceiling, along with a subwoofer buried in a custom-designed cabinet. It's all the bass, but not in your space! Most of the gear powering the AV and automation system is hidden completely out of sight in a dedicated and well-ventilated equipment closet. A full suite of AudioControl amplifiers and Control4 audio matrixes allow for the sound to flow throughout the home, and everyone can listen to their favorite tunes in any space. The bedroom's clean design is complimented by a Samsung Frame TV that appears as artwork when not actively viewing, with all wiring out of sight. By planning for the homeowner's technology needs during construction, Wipliance was able to provide the necessary wiring infrastructure to keep large AV gear tucked away and out of main spaces.
Comments from the team:
"When it comes to home automation and entertainment, you do not have to sacrifice performance for aesthetics. By starting your project early, your technology can compliement your design, it doesn't have to dictate it."
