From multizone audio to custom lighting and shading, Portuguese integrator Life Emotions humanises all aspects of technology in this refurbished property. Layla Laidouci reports.
Nestled on the Atlantic coast, this family home merges open plan architecture with custom programming to deliver comfort, control and scalability. The Quinta da Marinha property in Cascais, Portugal uses intelligent lighting design and AV distribution to establish connectivity with the outdoors, combining features and functionality.
The three-storey home, refurbished from scratch and sat partially below ground, delivers a limitless leisure and entertainment experience: a sprawling living area, dedicated TV room and kitchen with its own wine gallery occupy the ground floor, while a subterranean garage, media lounge and gym can be found downstairs. Audio technology also spills into open-air dining and living areas for opportunities to relax by the pool.
The residents, two parents and their adult children, approached integrator Life Emotions for a multiplatform smart solution to support this ultra-modern home. Involved from the initial design stage, the integrator installed and coordinated technology systems over approximately two years.
“The client came to us on recommendation,” says Joel Reis, founder and CEO of Life Emotions. “Earlier involvement from integrators is becoming more usual now. I think the smart home integrator is being more clearly distinguished in the market.”
Lighting and audio
The different technology systems in question needed to be intuitive and compatible with the whole home design – and what better way than with a combined audio and lighting platform. “That’s why we chose Basalte,” explains Reis. “With its naturalistic look and feel, it’s a visually pleasing system that enriches touch interaction.” Basalte power outlets, docking stations and touchpads are installed across the home in a rich dark palette, bringing elegance to shared and private spaces.
Personalising the listening experience, a series of brushed grey Sentido touchpads in bedrooms and walkways operate multizone audio using single touch control – with the choice to adapt lighting in the process. “The clients didn’t want to see an explosion of keypads and thermostats on the walls,” adds Reis. “With Sentido, they can gently manage their music streaming from platforms like Sonos and Spotify Connect.”
For added control and energy-efficiency, flush fitting Auro motion detectors handle automatic light operation using integrated LEDs. “The contemporary lighting concept was designed by the Portuguese company Joana Forjaz Lighting Design, who we usually collaborate with,” relates Reis. “We set to work on the programming, intensity and scenes in talks with the designer and client.
“I’m proud of our simple approach to lighting. For example, accent lighting on staircases and the client’s artwork collection create a real sense of energy throughout the home, with scenarios for the artwork triggered by movement.”
Combining subsystems
“Our client lives abroad in the US and Madrid,” says Reis. “Although we never worked together before, we know his last house in Madrid featured outdoor lighting and a pro-audio system. This property’s multizone audio and motorised shading represents a deeper level of automation. To deliver on these high-tech demands, we proposed the Savant interface.
“We divided automation between the Savant platform and KNX Control protocol, distributing these two systems alongside independently developed hardware to carry out specific functions.”
The distributed audio system rolls out whole-home communication to Savant touchscreens in the master bedroom and underground garage. Along with other complex subsystems in the house, the Intercom feature is driven by Savant Pro Host – a platform and server for multiple room systems.
A Pro Remote X2 completes the control experience in the TV room, media room and gym. The Savant Audio Matrix is connected to an AudioControl amplifier, which provides power to the speakers.
Technology and artistry
“We used a Shneider Electric panel and Sentido touchpads to coordinate lighting control with KNX modules,” says Reis. “Elsewhere, we encountered some damage to the motorised shades when windows were left open. As a result, we developed an integration between Paradox, Savant, Loxone and a logic module to prevent roller issues. When a specific window is open, the alarm system shares that information to block the Lutron motor.” To oversee shade positions, a Lutron HomeWorks QS processor and Control Interface communicate with third party systems over Ethernet.
Life Emotions continued to innovate in the face of challenges, providing automated access between the swimming pool and living room via motorised shading. “We had to integrate the security magnetic sensor,” says Reis. “Merging locks, programming and integration with the Lutron processor created a complex system; it was a tricky feature to accomplish.”
Supported by automation, the living room’s floor-to-ceiling windows invite natural light from the surrounding vistas on to statement features. The room’s high-end stereo system sits alongside décor as a clear hallmark of luxury: two Sonus Faber floor standing loudspeakers are placed alongside the Dan D’Agostino integrated amplifier and a SME turntable. Adding to the aesthetic is the marble table, which bears a striking resemblance to the four-button Basalte touchpad.
Remote management
Being regular travellers, the homeowners required reliable remote control when away from the home. For this reason, Savant was an excellent choice – its single app allows the user to make remote commands for lighting, climate, entertainment and security. “As the client travels a lot with his wife, enhanced control was a must,” says Reis. “He also needed strong network connection, Wi-Fi and video calls for the entire house – especially in the office.” The integrator chose Raspberry Pi 4 Model B hardware and KNX monitoring for advanced computing, with the use of Ovrc to monitor IP devices.
For situational awareness, Life Emotions installed a CCTV system using AI intelligence and cloud-managed features. The Avigilon Unity 2 Megapixel Bullet Cameras and Standard Camera Channel monitor outdoor activity around the property.
At the main entrance, a 2N Helios IP Verso security intercom requires fingerprint recognition for access and is configured with the two main automation platforms. “The family directly view the intercom footage,” says Reis. “They treat the kitchen like a control centre, where they can view the entire house via Savant on an iPad.”
Cool Automation’s CoolMasterNet interfaces with KNX to integrate HVAC control with whole home systems, such as smart devices. The universal communication platform can be configured via touchscreen display, with mobile applications also available for remote control.
Outdoor living
Moving out into the garden, the Quinta da Marinha project blends domestic comforts smoothly into nature. Cameras and lighting wind their way through the undergrowth, while two outdoor dining and entertainment spaces benefit from discreet speakers. Audio is divided between these partially sheltered zones.
“Multizone audio covers the swimming pool, adjacent deck and dinner table,” says Reis. “We added engravings to the keypad for the outdoor dining room, allowing the user to identify where to direct heating on cold days. It's a small detail, but I think it's what makes the difference between a seamless experience or not.”
The two outdoor areas, powered by a variety of speakers, offer whole-home audio as well as party mode. Six Bowers & Wilkins weather-resistant loudspeakers are positioned vertically on the walls of the dining area and even the secluded patio, which dips below ground.
“The homeowners can create atmosphere for a small party, or some family time,” says Reis. “It can also be romantic and mysterious, especially at sunset.”
Building on the brief, the outdoor dining space features three in-ceiling speaker models from Origin Acoustics. The Director D63, 81 and 83 combine the brand’s six and eight-inch series for toolless installation and low end. Elsewhere, the Acoustic Landscape Collection of four speakers and a subwoofer contribute even sound coverage to poolside seating and foliage.
“I love the design,” reflects Reis. “Features like the swimming pool and complimentary Origin Acoustics sound tease out deeper beauty from the lighting. The whole-home automation has the power to transform how you feel, from mindfulness to motivation.”
Adding character to the setup is the BEOSOUND 9000 Floor Stand, a six-play CD system bringing a flavour of the jukebox to outdoor entertainment. Life Emotions configured and installed the stand to coordinate with two BEOLAB 18 speakers supplied by the client, which widen the soundstage.
To ensure effective energy management, Life Emotions integrated EV power supply with solar panel electricity production. “In Portugal, the limited power access available in each house places stress on EV consumption,” explains Reis. “If you don't have enough energy, the grid cuts the power. So we manage and allocate the energy needed for the car. We can reduce or increase the amount of energy in line with solar panel production.”
Bespoke features
In the underground garage, bare brickwork and stylish downlights showcase urban design. “It’s like stepping into another world,” says Reis. Divided by a glass partition, the gym and media room offer a suite of entertainment platforms like Netflix, Apple Play and Amazon, thanks to two wall-mounted Sony Smart TVs.
In the media room, the TV is integrated with a Triad on-wall soundbar to form an eye-catching media wall. For bass, a MartinLogan Dynamo 1500X subwoofer packs 650-watt amplification and 15-inch low distortion woofer into a discreet form factor below.
Driving this multi-room entertainment is the Integra DRX-5.2 9.2-channel home theatre receiver. Featuring a range of speaker connections for immersive and surround sound setups, the unit pairs multiroom audio streaming with reliable 4K Ultra HD video signals. “We always design growable, future-focused systems,” says Reis. “It’s all about what the infrastructure allows and what the customer may ask for in the next five years.”
The control rack also sits in the garage. “We chose to locate the network cables and power sources, including Uninterruptible Backup Supply (UPS) and Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), in this dedicated area where ventilation provides a suitable temperature,” says Reis.
“The simple structure of the rack centralises the network connections across the property. We always fit two different breakers to ensure reliable backup in the event of a failure or outage. The ATS switch connects with two breakers, sending only one to the rack.
“We also use SnapOne’s WattBox for self-healing and automatic resets when connection is lost. The system even features a customised app for the customer to independently perform reboots of the Savant switch and access points. We fix most small issues like this with the support of Savant and OvrC systems, empowering the user to solve problems at any time.
“We proactively monitor all the houses we work on, offering a daily technical maintenance and response service. Customers can contact us on WhatsApp too. In the last couple years, we’ve been evaluating the user experience of the house based on alerts and updates. The systems must be primed and intuitive.
"We design systems based on what the customer may ask for in the next five years."
“Most of the time, our existing customers love to showcase their homes and invite new customers to the business. It’s extremely rewarding for us and means we’re doing a good job.” Over a period of six months, the integrator took care to review the impacts of the seasons on the installation before handover was finalised.
Totalling €220,000, the Quinta da Marinho project unfolds a seamless living experience from the inside out. With the combined functionality of Basalte and Savant, this integration highlights the freedom afforded by flexible custom installation giving control back to the user.
Tech-Spec
2N Helios IP Verso Security Intercom
AAphono Preamplifier
Apple TVs, 4K 32GB (Second Generation)
AudioControl Architect P2260 12-channel and P800 8-channel Multizone Amplifiers
AudioQuest Black Lab Sub Cable, 5m
Avigilon H4-Series Junction Box and Standard Camera Channel
Avigilon Unity 2 Megapixel H5SL IR LightCatcher Indoor/Outdoor Bullet Cameras
Bang & Olufsen BEOSOUND 9000 Floor Stand
Basalte Auro Motion Detectors and Wall Adaptor, Eve Pro iPad frame and USB power supply
Basalte Eve Plus iPad Sleeves and Table Bases, Sockets and 3 Gang Frames
Basalte Sentido Fronts and Switches
Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 Outdoor Loudspeakers, black
Cool Automation CoolMasterNet and KNX interface for HVAC systems
Dan D’Agostino Momentum Integrated Amplifier, black
EAT Jo No. 5 MC Phono Cartridge
Elmdene Rapier External Sounder warning device for security
Future Automation TV Floor Mount, Large Screen Fixed Wall Mount and Universal Speaker Mount
Gira 215004 Standard Weather Station, KNX
Integra DRX-5.2 9.2-channel Home Theatre Receiver
JB Systems AMP 400.2 2-channel Power Amplifier
Kilsen KL731 Conventional Optical Smoke Detectors and KC700 Series Standard Point Contactor Detector Bases with relay
Lutron HQP6-2 Homeworks QS processor and QSE-CI-NWK-E Control Interface
Lutron Roller Blackout and Privacy Shades, Roller 100 Dual Shade Sub Bracket Kits
Lutron Sivoia QS Smart Panel Power Supplies (10 output) and QS Link Plug-In Power Supplies
Martin Logan DYNAMO 1500X Subwoofer
Origin Acoustics AS41SYS Acoustic Landscape Collection (four speakers and subwoofer)
Origin Acoustics Director D63, 81 and 83 six and eight-inch In-Ceiling Loudspeakers
Pakedge PowerPak 8I Power Distribution Unit, P8-EU
Paradox EVO192 192-Zone Control Panel and PRT3 Integration Modules
Paradox PCS265LTE GSM Communicator Module
Paradox TM50 Intuitive Touch Screens and VDMP3 Plug-In Voice Module V1.2
Paradox ZX32D 32 Zone and ZX8 8 Zone Expansion Modules
Penn Elcom Rack Ventilated Door 42U M8
Perle Iolan SDS2 Secure Serial to Ethernet Device Servers
Raspberry Pi Hardware
Rotel RMB-1506 Multichannel Amplifier
Savant IRB-1001 IR Emitters and Lutron 241-218 1 Gang US Backbox used with Homeworks QS
Savant Pro Host Controller, SVR-5100S
Savant Pro Remotes X2 and Touch Interfaces in 5-inch and 8-inch sizes
Savant SmartAudio Matrix Switch, SSA-3220D and SmartControl 12 Controllers, SSC-0012
SME Turntable MK2 Model 15A with SME tonearm 309
Snap AV 110 Series Single-Wan Gigabit VPN Router
Somfy 16-channel RS485 RTS Transmitters
Sonos Connect Smart Wireless Stereo Adaptor
Sonus faber Amati Traditional Wenge Floorstanding Loudspeakers
Sony KD-55XG8096, KD-65AG9, KD-77AG9 and KDL-40WE660 Smart TVs
Texecom DT Prestige Dual Technology PIR Detectors
Triad OnWall Mini LCR 3.0 Soundbar, custom length
Ubiquiti UniFi AC Outdoor Mesh Access Points and Gateway Pros (10G multi-WAN independent gateways)
Ubiquiti UniFi UAP-AC-HD WiFi PoE Access Points, 24 PoE switch, US-24 and 24 PoE switches 250W
Article image credit: Mauro Motty Photography