The Art of Living Connected

With this home, the ocean is the star of the show. Expansive windows frame the coastal landscape, sunlight spills into airy living spaces, and an understated palette allows the architecture to speak for itself. From the open gathering areas to the rooftop deck overlooking the water, this contemporary beach house makes the most of its spectacular setting.

Yet some of its most impressive features are practically invisible.

Window shades disappear into the ceiling. Architectural lighting changes the mood with a touch. Music flows from room to room, then follows guests outdoors. Behind the scenes, sophisticated systems make it all remarkably simple to operate.

For the homeowners, who envisioned a beach retreat where family and friends could gather comfortably, that simplicity was essential.

They enlisted Mike Patille of Overture early in a design process that stretched nearly two years, with one important directive. “Don't let me get done building this house and find out there was something I could have done that I didn't know about.”

DESIGNED TO DISAPPEAR

In the main living area, clean lines and generous windows establish a calm, contemporary atmosphere. Linear tape lighting is integrated into narrow aluminum channels recessed into the drywall. Switched off, the fixtures are nearly imperceptible. Turned on, they cast an even glow across the room without harsh shadows or concentrated bright spots.

The lighting can also shift to suit the time of day.

“You can make it bright like the sun, and in the evening, you can make it a warm, soft light,” Mike explains.

A Lutron lighting control system allows the homeowners to adjust illumination throughout the house, while automated window treatments offer equally effortless control over sunlight and privacy.

In the primary bedroom, shades are concealed above the ceiling, emerging through narrow openings in the drywall. When raised, they virtually disappear, leaving the windows and views unobstructed.

Because structural elements in the kitchen, dining and family areas prevent the shades from being recessed into the ceiling, Mike adjusted the plan. Overture installed exposed rollers, matching the fabric and brackets to the wall color so the mechanisms blend into the surrounding finishes.

Initially, automated shades were planned for just the primary bedroom and main living spaces. But after Mike accompanied the homeowners to a Lutron showroom in Washington, D.C., the plan expanded to include every room, from bathrooms to guest bedrooms.

Many of Mike’s clients find that it’s possible to identify options within the budget for every room. When the homeowners realized putting the shades everywhere was within reach, they told him: “We want the entire house to have Lutron shades.”

MADE FOR MAKING MEMORIES

The home's gathering spaces are designed for more than just taking in the views.

In-ceiling speakers deliver music throughout the interior, while an 83-inch OLED television and Dolby Atmos surround sound create an immersive entertainment experience in the family room.

Outside, the music continues across the decks.

Slim white Coastal Source Razor speakers complement the exterior near the main living and dining areas, while bronze-toned Coastal Source speakers deliver powerful sound on the rooftop deck without competing with the architecture or ocean views.

Integrating high-performance tech into an elevated beach home presents unusual challenges.

“So many times when we try to do quality audio and video, there’s nothing to hide it in,” Mike says.

Overture selected speakers designed to withstand coastal conditions while complementing the home's architecture.

The homeowners experienced the results shortly after moving in, just before the Fourth of July. During a gathering to celebrate the holiday, guests filled the rooftop deck, music played at nightclub volume and fireworks illuminated the sky.

Afterward, the homeowner shared his reaction. “He said it was an incredible experience,” Mike recalls.

EFFORTLESS, EVEN REMOTELY

The home's technology also delivers practical conveniences, including when the family is away.

An extensive camera system monitors indoor and outdoor areas, while automated door locks allow the homeowner to grant access remotely. From his business in another state, he can let service providers inside, confirm their arrival and departure, and control the lighting.

The system also helps monitor parking around the property, located just one house from the ocean.

A commercial-grade wireless internet network accommodates large gatherings, supporting approximately 30 people with phones, laptops and other connected devices.

Even the indoor whirlpool and sauna are integrated into the home's automation.

But bringing such systems together requires close coordination with contractors and custom engineering to connect equipment from different manufacturers. By getting involved early, Overture could integrate the technology without compromising the home's design.

For Mike, whose career in home technology spans four decades, the process begins with conversations about how homeowners want to use their spaces.

“I want to know what functionality they want out of their house,” he says.

His advice for homeowners planning a similar project: “Plan in advance and find out what works for you.” CS