This high-end condominium in the suburbs of Delhi showcases what can be achieved when client needs translate seamlessly into system design. Layla Laidouci reports.
In this family apartment nestled in the thriving tech hub of Gurugram, cutting-edge automation handles the needs of daily life and blends luxury with seamless control.
After signing off on previous projects, the clients returned to integrator MCBEE for the fourth time in 2022 to realise their multi-zone AV vision. MCBEE oversaw supply and execution across a 20 month-timeline, leveraging the trust that comes with a longstanding client relationship.
Crucial to the concept was practical control automation, supporting a family of five and domestic staff. MCBEE met these needs with a Crestron system, choosing the CP4 four series processor to coordinate media zones with a custom handheld remote in designated rooms. The control engine’s multicore CPU supports AV and lighting integration, specifically with DALI and TRIAC Dimming.
“The client is close to us,” says Sawan Nichani, founder of MCBEE. “We studied both their lifestyle and technology from previous projects to offer informed suggestions. This time we made the decision to upgrade their remote with a custom UI after learning they prefer tactile feedback.”
The Crestron TSR-310 remote offers voice control, but its smooth ergonomic profile and touchscreen interaction provide the chief appeal. Movement sensing and Wi-Fi communications come as standard, while the custom UI personalises commands in the family lounge and master bedroom.
“The family love handheld control,” adds Nichani. “They mostly use the voice commands for fun. We do have other clients who use voice control only, but I think the technology needs adapting to natural language before it becomes the future.”
Purpose-built design
Just as whole-home control is personalised, installations are custom-built into the apartment. MCBEE worked closely with Gaurav Chopra from design firm, Proform Interior, New Delhi, to deliver precision integration.
“During Covid we couldn't order prebuilds from brands,” says Nichani. “A number of custom builds were prefabricated at the Proform Interior workshop.”
One unit stands out: the OLED mirror TV. This centrepiece in the combined bar and living room comprises an LG OLED88Z9PUA TV behind a mirror and custom frame.
An AV Pro Edge HDMI-over-HDBaseT extension kit supplies 4K signals to the unit, covering up to a 70m distance. The tech delivers HDR enhancements and high-bitrate audio codecs to preserve the artistic intent of movies and imagery. The home benefits from a range of entertainment options sourced from an Apple Media TV Streamer and subscription-based content platform, Tata Play.
“The client trusted us, which meant we didn't lose time on approvals,” relates Nichani. “We were given the choice to do whatever we thought best, in conversation with the designer.
“Ensuring the technology did not disturb the aesthetics was a fine balance. In an apartment it can be a challenge to find space for elements like the equipment rack and ventilation, but the designer worked around this for us to maintain the system in future.”
Technology ‘best felt, not seen’
MCBEE and Chopra chose to install K-array for even audio coverage and aesthetic cohesion. “We don't like too much tech in a space,” says Nichani. “It's best felt and not seen. K-array’s sleek Kobra line array was a strong option, avoiding obtrusive in-wall units and channelling linear direction.”
The system’s powerful output transforms the family’s multifunctional bar and living room, adorned with colourful artwork and statement décor. The interior design revives classic antiquity with wainscoted, high walls that provide a backdrop for K-array’s stainless steel Kobra line array.
Measuring half a metre, each Kobra-KK52 I passive speaker houses eight 2" cones while offering variable beam elements for installation flexibility. For bass, the team installed two Rumble-KU212 subwoofers in the panelling.
This look and feel extends into the family lounge, where Chopra “did a good job” of concealing Wisdom Audio subwoofers in-wall with a seamless colour match. “This combination of products and design strategy provides an extra sleek aesthetic,” adds Nichani. “We’re taking the methodology forward with Chopra on new projects.”
Multiroom audio, managed via the central Crestron control system and remote, serves the family lounge through in-ceiling Wisdom Audio Line Source speakers. Acting as a media room, the open-floor space accommodates dining and entertainment alongside a wealth of leisure activities. The in-ceiling speakers remove floor and ceiling reflection, while each L8i loudspeaker houses eight woofers for bass to flow in dynamic detail.
The room also houses a Trinnov Altitude 16 Surround Sound processor, featuring Speaker/Room Optimiser technology and immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos.
Meticulous attention to detail carries on in dedicated spaces like the dining room. Here two distinctive Bang & Olufsen wireless loudspeakers deliver Sonos audio with room adaptation technology, optimising audio based on speaker placement.
Multizone audio covers the bedrooms, kitchen, dining room – and private landing. “We made the decision to go ahead with multiroom audio based on our familiarity with the client’s expectations,” says Nichani.
“From the beginning, automation must be simple and to the point.”
Integrated management
MCBEE used the same products in communal and personal rooms to support consistent performance. From the playroom to individual bedrooms, Smart OLED TVs populate the apartment. In conjunction, Sonos Port offers traditional stereo connection and app integration for Sonos or Apple AirPlay 2. Audio streaming rolls into the bar/living room, dining, private landing and more, including master toilet.
This network is powered by the Anthem MDX 16 multi-zone distribution amplifier, producing ARC room correction and individual sub outs for each zone. Served by analogue pass-through connections, the unit complements an MDX 8 in the server room for extended audio outputs and connectivity.
Moving into the study, the system mixes custom listening via the Port with conferencing compatibility. An Apple Pro Display XDR uses efficient backlighting and a custom nano-glass screen for high contrast, suited to intensive work projects. Two PhaseTech in-ceiling speakers provide crisp speech reproduction, a feature shared by the ensuite bathrooms.
The homeowners opted for comprehensive entertainment across the apartment. In a bedroom shared by the two youngest children, sound is provided by a loudspeaker known for its easy functionality and compact form. The unit offers Bluetooth wireless capability from PC, tablet or phone, while its two optical inputs can link up to a TV and music player simultaneously.
“From the beginning, we believe automation has to be simple and to the point,” adds Nichani. “We’ve strengthened this family home using intuitive and highly personalised technology.”
The choice of a 9.2-channel Yamaha AV receiver infuses the master bedroom with cinematic surround sound, working in tandem with another LG OLED77GXPTA. MCBEE bolstered the TV setup with a custom-length Paradigm soundbar, built to spec for flat panel installation.
The Yamaha unit offers three-dimensional sound field playback and Surround:AI features to optimise the surround effect in real time. This audio feature joins forces with a PhaseTech P350 amplifier and 210 In-Wall Subwoofer.
“It’s important there’s one supplier for the smart home ecosystem, otherwise the process gets chaotic.”
A service industry
According to Nichani, the majority of smart home systems in India are planned and executed disparately. “That’s where this project differs,” he explains. “I think it’s important there’s one supplier for the smart home ecosystem, otherwise the process gets chaotic.”
After supplying and installing automation, IT and lighting control, MCBEE covered one year of standard maintenance in this apartment.
Following this service period, MCBEE manages end-to-end responsibility using configuration under BEE Care. “On this maintenance programme we manage software updates and upkeep, including app subscriptions. We’re pleased to deliver an ongoing service,” says Nichani.
Growing from feedback and trusting its intuition, MCBEE skilfully tailored this home automation system to its clients’ lifestyles. Guided by a seamless vision, the integrator created an accomplished multizone AV experience with imperceptible technologies at every corner.
Tech-Spec
Anthem MDX-16 and -8 distribution amplifiers
Apple Pro Display XDR, 32” Nano-texture Glass and Apple TV (5th Generation) 4K 32GB HD Media Streamer, A1842
AVPro Edge AC-EXO-444-KIT extension with receiver and transmitter
Bang & Olufsen BEOLAB 20 wireless loudspeakers
Crestron CP4 four-series control processor
Crestron TSR-310 Handheld Touchscreen Remote with custom UI
DALI KUBIK ONE loudspeaker
Definitive Technology Studio Slim Soundbar
K-array Kobra-KK52W I Passive Speaker, Kommander KA24 2000W 2U Rack Amplifier, Rumble-KU212W Passive Subwoofer
LG OLED65GXPTA – 65” OLED TVs
LG OLED88Z9PUA – 88” OLED TVs
MC2 Delta20 four channel amplifier
Middle Atlantic R5086-47UK Server Enclosure
PhaseTech CI6.1X two-way ceiling speakers and P350 Amplifier
Samsung QN43Q60TAFXZA – 42.5” Dual LED TV
Sonance AL2 Auto-Line Level Selector
Sonos Port Network Audio Streamer
Tata Play Plus HD content distribution
Trinnov Altitude16 Immersive Sound AV Processor
Wisdom Audio Insight L8i In-Wall Line Source Speaker, P2i Compact Speaker, P6i Loudspeaker, S90i In-Wall RTI Subwoofer
Yamaha RX-A2080 AVENTAGE AV receiver