The Minimalist Master: Master Suite Gold

OUT OF ALL THE ROOMS IN THE HOME, THE MASTER SUITE demands the aura of sanctuary above all others. But creating such an escape doesn’t mean that technology must be relegated to the basement home theater or outdoor music system. Instead, the owners of this award-winning master suite—a couple that also lives in a luxury hotel and residence in Boston—craved a space that employed technology where appropriate to make life more convenient. The home systems integrators at OneVision Resources, of Boston, Mass., were tasked with creating a high-tech master suite that didn’t include technology for technology’s sake, but that was streamlined and future-ready, while preserving the room’s gorgeous views of Boston’s Public Garden and the Back Bay neighborhood.

Systems & Equipment

Speakers: Polk
Control: Crestron
Lighting Control: Crestron
Motorized Window Treatments: Crestron
Smart Thermostat: Nest
Security: Nest Smoke/CO Detectors

Highlights

Custom Crestron window treatments hug the curvature of a large window
ihiji network management software permits remote troubleshooting of the home’s electronic systems
Minimalist keypads, touchscreens, and iPad control offer homeowners easy operation of lights, thermostat, window treatments, and audio equipment

To accomplish this goal, the homeowners opted against a traditional flat-panel TV in the 500-square-foot bedroom, but wanted the option to add a two-piece projection system down the road. OneVision Resources worked closely with the builder to create a spot for a projector above the bed and a flush-mounted cavity for a 92-inch projection screen in front of the custom closets. They also pre-wired with Category 5 Ethernet cabling and fiber-optic cabling throughout the suite. Polk in-ceiling speakers—chosen to accommodate the shallow depth of the ceiling—were installed above the bed for audio streaming and are at the ready for movie audio when the time comes. “We added smart home design and technology to the suite, while improving the living experience and keeping the aesthetic a top priority,” says Joey Kolchinsky, founder of OneVision Resources.

Troubleshooting from Afar

In this 2,500-square-foot luxury condo, every bit of space had to be maximized. The home systems integrators at OneVision Resources, of Boston, Mass., worked closely with the design and construction teams to satisfy the homeowners’ desire for an ample-size closet in the guest room, which was also the only space available for an equipment rack. “This space was deep enough so that we could put the rack and infrastructure in the rear of the closet, and then rely on the builders to expertly create a mobile closet unit to go in front,” says OneVision director of projects Kevin Lotto. “We can easily access the rack but, since the equipment can be rebooted remotely, this doesn’t need to happen very often.”
The company implemented an ihiji network management system (as they do on every project), which lets them proactively and remotely manage the entire system. Every device in the condo is monitored for network connectivity and quality of network connection—even the Nest thermostat. This means OneVision can see if a device is offline or has an intermittent connection. Most system components are connected to ihiji rebootable power outlets, which enables OneVision to troubleshoot any aspect of the system with minimal effort. The team can analyze and fix problems from anywhere, without having to bother the homeowners with an onsite visit. “Most of the time, clients are not aware there was a problem,” says OneVision founder Joey Kolchinsky. “With ihiji’s invision platform, we can detect issues and fix them from our headquarters, saving us time and money while saving the client significant frustration.”

The bedroom window features a curved design, so OneVision made sure that the Crestron motorized treatments would hug those lines. “The builder created a template to get the curve just right, which Crestron used to custom-build the drapery track to match,” says Kevin Lotto, director of projects for OneVision. “For a truly custom shade experience, we worked closely with Crestron to have the drapes created with fabric chosen by the interior designer. We then fully integrated the drapes into the control system through keypad controls on the wall and the Crestron app.” From the bed or even the luxurious freestanding bathtub, the client can open the drapes remotely for a breathtaking view of the city.

The bathroom itself features double-wide sliding doors that separate it from the bedroom. By coordinating with the builder, OneVision was able to strategically install the Crestron keypads so they are easily accessible, whether the sliding doors are open or closed. As they relax in the tub or get ready for the day, the homeowners can stream music from their devices via AirPlay to the bathroom’s in-ceiling Polk speakers.

OneVision also gave the homeowners simplified lighting control via keypads at table height on either side of the king-size bed, which includes USB ports for convenient phone charging. The homeowners can access additional scene control, beyond basic on and off, from their iPhones or wall-mounted Crestron touchpanels. For example, Away adjusts the lights, window treatments, and Nest thermostat to the proper settings when the family is on vacation, while Nursery Path illuminates the way from the master suite at one end of the unit to the nursery at the other.

While the functionality of the master suite isn’t complex, it is a prime example of how technology can add functional value without impeding the aesthetic style of a high-end property. Now, the homeowners can enjoy the enhancements of smart home technology without detracting from the sanctuary that is so important to the overall vibe of the master suite. EH

Photography: Justin Knight Systems Design & Installation: OneVision Resources, Boston, Mass. Builder: Adams + Beasley Associates, Carlisle, Mass. Designer: Lewis Interiors, Boston, Mass.