This house of illusions in Ontario, Canada, goes deep on discreet AV to live up to its name. Layla Laidouci finds out more from Glenn Amell, chief design officer at Design Electronics, about the masterful tech behind this seven-year build.
Iceberg House is a bachelor’s fantasy with its DJ lounge bar, climbing walls and light-up staircase, but these tech-savvy features are designed for the very opposite: busy parents and young children. And the surprises don’t stop there. This property is set two stories below ground, an example of the ‘Iceberg Home’ model making use of subterranean space.
“The project ran on for about seven years with many evolutions,” says Glenn Amell from integrator, Design Electronics. “We worked with interior specialist Red Theory Design and custom install rep Five Element Sales and Marketing.
“Dan Whitfield, the principal designer at Red Theory, was introduced to the builder on the project, OE Designs, and consequently met with the homeowner. He took the client to the Lutron Experience centre in New York to explore different possibilities and how we could seamlessly integrate them into the design.
“The homeowner is more technology literate than most of our clients, being a software developer by trade. He wanted to build many unique features into the home, but the challenge was space; in Toronto there is a limit to how many feet above grade a property can be. We came up with creative ways to discreetly integrate tech into the existing interior design plans using key vendor partners such as K-Array and Sonance/James Loudspeakers.
The Iceberg design trend has transformed luxury homes in cities from London to Los Angeles, seeing floor plans go underground in a move that reflects the premium of real estate. The Toronto City Council regulates how land is used by residential zones on its website, citing a list of spatial restrictions.
This house centres on a lower and upper basement, the lower accommodating a media room and nightclub. The latter, measuring 18x14m in size, required custom curved panels to accommodate three K-Array passive wall subwoofers for a dedicated DJ area.
“The sculpture in the lounge is an add-on, as the client originally planned to have a live music stage for a small band & DJ but the space wasn’t large enough,” says Amell. “We adapted the design and incorporated a K-Array audio solution providing the Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) we required but with the smallest physical footprint possible.”
While the media room similarly plays with space by hiding a Display Technologies mount and Barco projector in a custom slider, weather-proof K-Array speakers power the outdoor lounge, pool, spa and backyard event space with seamless audio coverage.
“The designer loved K-Array as a partner, because its compact speakers delivered strong output for a club atmosphere of dance and EDM,” says Amell. “Paul MacAloney, our K-Array rep at Five Elements, brought the demos to site and went back to the designer to blend these technologies into the home as seamlessly as possible.
“It was important for us to note that the client wanted to bring in world class DJs for private events, and he wanted to distribute the source through the whole house. As this design started in 2017 and products such as Crestron’s NVX had not been released yet, we knew the only way to archive this requirement was by the use of AES67.
“QSC’s Q-SYS technology using AES67 audio distribution between the core processors and amplifiers allows any source to go anywhere in the home. Custom Crestron programming and user interfaces make for seamless user experience.”
Unusual features
“Among other standard requests, the client requested we control and monitor the indoor waterfall,” says Amell. “We worked with the horticulturalist and design team to determine the control requirements for the mechanical systems such as HVAC and grow lighting.
“Using the Crestron control and Lutron lighting systems we then automated all the mechanical systems to allow control but more importantly provide monitoring and reporting to the horticulturalist that operate the space.”
However, the most unusual feature of the house is the sensor-operated staircase integrated with Crestron and Lutron control. “Stair treads extend from the wall to form the staircase, creating a surreal structure that appears to be floating,” outlines Amell. “The lights turn off as the user steps on them, using six industrial automation pressure sensors per step. We’d typically deploy motion sensors to trigger timed events, but that wouldn’t work here because of the open glass railing and two-storey waterfall opposite the stairs.
“Individual Crestron I/O inputs for each pressure sensor allowed us to monitor the impedance output from each one and identify when someone had stepped onto the step. This feedback was then used to trigger the Lutron lighting system.
“In addition to simply turning off the individual step when stepped on, the Lutron system also has a series of scenes such as a chasing sequence for the client to choose from.”
The house continues to go against the grain with its own industrial water and air sampling plant. Working in the medical industry, the client insisted on a water purity control system. “He’s health conscious,” says Amell. “For a request like this, we linked up with a mechanical contractor specialising in city water plants. They shared monitoring values to enable us to develop pop up warnings on the touchscreens for the client’s awareness, as well as push notifications to go to his property manager.”
Bringing home… the office
"The client’s music studio and dining room are suitable for meetings while he works from home,” adds Amell. “For his dining room, we gave him the ability to transform the space into a full video conferencing suite including a 100’ Samsung display, Polycom VC interface, Shure wireless microphones and QSC Q-Sys DSP.
“The Polycom video camera is even concealed behind a motorised millwork panel so when not in use, the whole systems disappears.”
The client had previously used Control4 with regular Lutron RA2 lighting control in his previous residence, but Amell explains this was his first experience of custom install from scratch. “It quickly became clear based on his list of requirements that only a Crestron control system and Lutron lighting and shading could achieve the customisation he was looking for,” says Amell.
“He came to us with big ideas, derived from his business environment. For example, in recognition of IT security, he required full redundancy and failover on his Cisco Meraki network to mirror the functionality of his work office. The challenge for us and the whole construction team was how to deliver these commercial features but still make sure the spaces felt like home.”
Family-friendly installation
There are nine mechanical rooms throughout the house, deploying a Crestron system that handles audio zones with user interface controlling the NVX platform. Every type of Lutron lighting control is installed, the result of a generous lighting budget over CAD 1,000,000.
“When the client is watching movies or playing video games, he'll retreat down to the theatre,” says Amell. “He wanted everywhere else to play cartoons with a good audio system for his three young children. There was also a need for this performance to double up for parties and private events, offering good music in those spaces.
“Crestron interfaces in each room, as well as multiple HVAC zones for floor heat and forced air, add to the ease of use in this house. There's access control throughout, using 2N cameras to review the property for service and maintenance. We tied subsystems into a central unified platform that makes it easy for the family to use.
“Global scenes include the lockdown of keypads to recall their preset, ensuring the lights cannot get switched off during parties. At this time the master suite has access control, locking its doors to prevent guests from coming in – there is even an elevator serving certain floors. We came up with these custom scenes based on the client’s lifestyle and unique needs.”
Servicing and aftercare
Design Electronics is primarily a commercial integrator with a portfolio across government and gaming, but it also transfers the same high standards of care to the residential market. A service model guides its support for client experience and education.
"We have an in-house program called ‘Design Care’,” explains Amell. “This 24-hour support line is made possible by the use of intelligent power to reset devices remotely. The brands we are known for are also associated with quality and long-term function. In this instance, the client spent extra to have full failover with redundancy on the Cisco network.
“The system's performed well because of it. We’ll do preventative maintenance four times a year using both SnapOne’s OvrC and a dedicated monitoring platform for Cisco; every smart device has WattBox intelligent power, affording us the ability to reset any individual device, image and network. And if there's something wrong, we have the dispatch technicians ready to go.
“We’ve been doing add-ons already in response to security, as we have some issues with theft in Canada. The client has a 24-hour security guard outside of his house to act as a deterrent. We’ve been servicing this family for two and a half years now.”
There is a property manager always on site to welcome the family back to the residence after holidays and travel.
The project finished at just under CAD 3,000,000in hardware and labour costs, incorporating a wealth of equipment requiring a regular service. “This process has been one of educating the client that items like cable boxes and Apple TV need maintenance,” adds Amell. “But that's why we’ve set out a comprehensive service plan.”
Reviewing the brief
"In terms of things we may have done differently, I think we could have kept costs down had there not been so many changes,” reflects Amell. “There were over 200 by the time the project finished. We didn’t get a lot of Facetime with the homeowner due to his busy schedule. Dan Whitfield from Red Theory Design was primary representative for the client and advocated to make sure his requests were met.
“As is typical, changes and additions impact different contractors. The biggest challenge we had was trying to fit so much technology into a small space. We worked closely with the design team and general contractor to come up with solutions to meet all the client’s requests.
“In the end, everything has an allocated spot. From custom drawers with microphone or iPad charging stations to invisible or small aperture speakers, the client got the technology and performance he wanted, while maintaining the clean, modern design elements of the interior designer.”
A kind of magic
Advanced tech is crucial to the success of this project, harnessing curves and reflections to transform limited space into the astonishing home it is today. Conceived from base build as a ‘one of a kind’ residence, Iceberg House fuses work and play through whole-home audio, video, safety, security and access control. With thoughtful responses to unforeseen changes, intelligent presets and a service plan for future proofing, this house brings a touch of the illusory to daily living.
Images: Rohan Dayal
Tech-Spec
2N IP Verso intercoms, Access Commander and Access Unit 2.0
Allen & Heath ZED10FX 10 channel compact mixer
Apple TVs, Mac minis, Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse and iPads
Atlona AT-HDR-EX-70C-KIT transmitter and receiver set, AT-OME-EX-TX-WPC wallplate HDBaseT transmitter and AT-OME-SR21 HDBaseT receiver scaler
Attero Tech 24VDC-SMPS external power supply
Audinate Dante Avio adapters and Dante virtual soundcard
Audix M70W ceiling microphone
AVPro Edge AC-EX70-444-KIT HDBaseT Extender Kit
AXIS A9188 network I/O relay module, C8033 network audio bridge, network cameras, T6101 audio and I/O interface, T8705 video decoder and recorders
Barco Loki CinemaScope projector
Basalte Auro motion sensors
Cisco Meraki MS225 & MS350 managed network, wireless access points and licenses
ClearOne wireless microphone system
Clockaudio TS003 capacitive touch switches
Crestron DigitalMedia platform, sensors, interfaces, C3IR-8 3-Series control card, wired I/O modules, thermostats, 4-Series control systems, switches, automation processor, power supplies, cables, TSR-310 remotes and TSW-1070-B-S touchscreens
Display Technologies projector porthole and mount
Draper custom green screen
Extron power modules, Cable Cubbies and cable retractors
Fortress Seating Bel Aire custom theatre chairs
Future Automation SPS sliding panel system
Gefen audio extenders
Iport Luxe iPad mounting stations
James Loudspeaker PowerPipe and ultra-slim subwoofers; subwoofer amplifier; in-ceiling, in-wall and outdoor speakers; and soundbar
JBL 306P MkII studio monitor
Kaleidescape Terra 48TB movie server and Strato C movie players
K-array Kommander amplifiers, Kobra and Vyper loudspeakers, Python line array and Rumble subwoofers
Kiloview HDMI to IP Wired Encoder
Kinetics acoustic panels
Kohler K-8033 speakers
Kramer cables and Via Connect Pro
Leon Speakers Profile PrUltima sidemount speakers
Logitech keyboards and mouses
Lutron Alisse and Palladiom keypads; custom roller shades; Claro wallplates; wall boxes; enclosures; HomeWorks processors; relays; dimmers; power modules; and DIN panels and accessories
Lyngdorf MP-60 2.1 processor
Meljac keypad
Middle Atlantic racks and enclosures
Peerless-AV SA771PU flat panel wall mount and Designer series articulating wall mounts
Philips Color Kinetics IPlayer
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6 4-channel DJ controller
Polycom EagleEye IV camera
Procella Audio subwoofers and loudspeakers
Q-SYS Core 110f v2 processor and CX-Q and SPA series amplifiers
Reflectel custom mirror TVs
Ring video doorbell
RP Visual Solutions mount
Samsung 98-in QMN series displays, 55-in The Frame TVs, 43-in and 55-in QLED displays, 65-in The Terrace outdoor displays, and 75-in Neo QLED display
Seura waterproof TVs
Shure headset, handheld and lavalier microphones
Sonance speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers
Sonos Ports
Sony PlayStation5, 4K Blu-ray and multimedia player and Bravia TV
Stealth Acoustics invisible loudspeaker
Stewart Filmscreen custom theatre screen
Strong articulating, fixed and Versabox mounts
Surgex power protectors
Ubiquiti wireless access points
Vanco 4K HDMI audio extractor
Void Acoustics Air 8s
Zektor Pro Audio 32X48 Elite audio matrix