Case Study: Rocky Mountain Ranch
Context
Designed as the client’s primary residence, this mountain retreat features an indoor pool, golf simulator, home theater, shaded sunroom, wine cellar, and more.
Challenge
This home would be lived in year-round, and so had to be designed with intentionality and quality standards that exceeded client expectations in all areas. A critical part of the project was the home theater. The client specified that he needed clear vocals from the center channel in the theater, no matter what.
The design of the house was very intentional. More than a ski chalet, it was intended to evoke the traditional style of a mountain cabin while sacrificing nothing in the way of modern amenities. As such, it was determined that things like traditional smoke detectors and light switches interrupted the design, so alternatives that aligned with the design or hid in plain sight were required.
Process
The SAV process is defined by three core steps: Listen. Design. Execute.
It’s not every day that a client wants to take an active role in refining and adjusting their own systems. Our goal was to deliver a foundation of exceptional, design-forward technology that would serve both the home’s aesthetic and the client’s vision for long-term personalization.
As he shared: “My ultimate goal with the technology in the home was to have the infrastructure specified, installed, and integrated when the home was completed, but to evolve the systems and control over time through my own tinkering as I learned how I wanted them to operate.”
Design:
Following the architect’s lead, SAV ensured the system design aligned with the overall intent of the project. One key example was our close collaboration with Paradise Theater and Steinway Lyngdorf to deliver an extraordinary home theater experience.
SAV completed all of the home’s prewiring, including infrastructure for the golf simulator, a grand piano that can be played remotely by the client’s children via distributed audio, over 40 motorized shades hidden within millwork, a comprehensive security and surveillance system, lighting control, and aspirating smoke detectors.
“In retrospect, it is surprising that I completely entrusted SAV with the technology design, especially since that’s the one piece of the process solidly in my wheelhouse. But SAV’s performance on a previous home gave me confidence in that trust, and the end result was exceptional.” — Client & Homeowner
Execution:
The centerpiece of SAV’s whole-home integration is the theater. We partnered with Paradise Theater for the design, CinemaTech for the seating, and Steinway Lyngdorf for the audio system. Thanks to Steinway Lyngdorf’s RoomPerfect™ technology, the system was acoustically tuned to the space, delivering incredibly precise and clear performance, especially from the center channel. The projector screen, a Stewart Vistascope, can change aspect ratio, allowing the client to experience any content exactly as it was intended to be viewed.
To maintain the home’s clean, seamless look, SAV collaborated with Miller-Roodell Architects to build custom-milled framework from which the shades could fully retract when not in use. For shade and lighting control, we selected Lutron Palladiom keypads for their sleek, intuitive design and custom finishes that complemented the home’s interior aesthetic.
Vesda aspirating smoke detectors were chosen for their ultra-low-profile aesthetics. The discreet aspiration points are far less visible than traditional detectors, preserving the architectural and design integrity of each space.
Results
“Overall, I was very pleased with how the systems in the home were built and how they operated at move-in. They’ve continued to perform well as I’ve tweaked them as a hobbyist to match my aspirations for smart home living. My favorite experience by far is the home theater, especially the Steinway Lyngdorf system, which has far exceeded my expectations.” — Client & Homeowner
Our client’s satisfaction speaks volumes. We were honored to help realize his vision and grateful for the collaboration of so many talented teams. Executing a project of this caliber required precision, partnership, and passion, and the results reflect exactly that.
Products Integrated: Steinway Lyngdorf, Barco, Stewart Filmscreen, CinemaTech, Sonance, James Loudspeaker, Sonos, Leon Speakers, Lutron, Ketra, Savant, Sony, Samsung, Ruckus, Vesda, Axis, Sonicwall, 2N, AudioControl, Roku, Furman, Middle Atlantic, Millson, OVRC, FloLogic.
