Audio Wizards has received the URC Unsurpassed Award – Gold Award for residential excellence in transforming a luxury mountain estate into a technologically advanced, integrated smart home. With the peaks of The Rockies in the background, this installation maintains the estate’s aesthetic appeal while providing top-tier functionality with seamless AV and extensive integration.
The project aimed to create a home automation system that would remain virtually invisible while offering robust control over various systems like audio, video, security, lighting, shading, and climate. The team at Audio Wizards, led by Dustin Reese, crafted a unique vision and utilized the URC Total Control system to ensure that homeowners can effortlessly manage their environment. With a meticulous approach to concealing technology, the Wizards were able to blend advanced controls into the home’s elegant design.
High-performance audio was a critical element of this installation with URC’s HDA (High-Definition Audio) the optimal choice to elevate the experience. Powering the 15 zones of audio were two HDA-8100 amps with extensive port selection and an HDA-4100 for delivering pristine sound quality throughout the estate. Two HDA-SW5 switches and two HDA-IO units were incorporated to ensure high-speed connectivity and flexible audio configurations. Favorite streaming services were included for preference and variety bringing the party anywhere inside and outside of the estate.
The recreational features were equally impressive. An indoor sport court, designed for both basketball and pickleball, was outfitted with audio streaming capabilities, allowing the sound to flow seamlessly from room to room. Adjacent to this, an arcade with basketball machines added a playful touch, while the swim spa, complete with an underwater treadmill and Jacuzzi, created a luxurious aquatic space for exercise and relaxation. Climate control in these areas ensured comfort year-round.
Inside the home, every detail reflected thoughtful design and functionality. A fully equipped fitness area offered a space for wellness, while an indoor playhouse — a mini replica of the main residence — featured an indoor slide and interactive AV for children. A dedicated game room provided entertainment for all ages, while the installation of an elevator offered convenient access to all levels of the home.
The core of the project included URC’s MRX-30 as the central processor, ensuring reliable and unified control over multiple systems. With user interfaces a priority, The Wizards installed four TKP-7600 in-wall keypads with custom-designed graphics according to the homeowners’ preferences, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the environment. This attention to detail ensured a clean, minimalistic look throughout the residence. Handheld remotes were a priority with four TRC-1480s to provide easy access to all functions, allowing homeowners to adjust settings from anywhere in the home with a simple interface.
To complete the installation, Dustin and his team integrated URC’s Total Control with several other branded products and subsystems like DoorBird IP Video Door Stations, Luma surveillance components, Samsung TVs, WattBox Surge Protectors and IP Power Conditioners, Araknis network components, and August Smart Locks.
The standout element of this project is the commitment to maintaining the home’s aesthetic integrity. By integrating controls into the design and choosing keypads that matched the interior colors, Audio Wizards created a system that remains out of sight but always accessible.
The system’s ease of use was another priority. Thanks to the intuitive interface of URC Total Control, even those unfamiliar with complex AV setups can manage their environment effortlessly. The design allows homeowners to focus on enjoying their space without the distraction of visible tech. Simple functionality fueled the experience with voice control, enabled by Comcast Xfinity and integrated with Apple TV, adding another layer of convenience.
Hiding technology while ensuring ease of access for maintenance and use was critical. The estate’s architecture and design required a solution that would not detract from its beauty. Audio Wizards meticulously selected and positioned equipment like in-wall keypads and concealed speakers. The system’s core components, such as the MRX-30 processor, were strategically placed in dedicated control rooms, keeping them out of sight yet accessible for any needed adjustments.
The result is a home that boasts the latest in smart home technology without sacrificing its sophisticated aesthetic. Homeowners can manage every aspect of their environment, from audio to climate control, with a single touch, whether they are inside the home or controlling it remotely.
The homeowner expressed satisfaction with the project: “Dustin is honest, hard-working, knowledgeable, friendly, and responsive. He does not forget about you as a customer when there is something you need to have done. He remembers the details of your project immaculately and bills you for the work accurately. He is easy to work with and is someone I trust to be in my home and to be working on my equipment. I have worked with Dustin for several years and have not been disappointed. Our new home turned out amazing!”
Audio Wizards’ award-winning installation in this mountain estate showcases the perfect blend of design, technology, and AV excellence. By prioritizing a seamless user experience and ensuring that the technology remains hidden, the project stands as a model for modern luxury home automation. This achievement is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and the capabilities of the URC Total Control system, providing a smart home experience that is as effortless as it is elegant.
For more information, visit urc-automation.com and www.audiowizardav.com.
