From the Autumn of 2019 until the Summer of 2022, the dreams of a forward-thinking client and a visionary North West architect have culminated in a home which has been hailed as an ‘incredible architectural masterpiece’ and ‘the best home in the UK’.
The single storey structure in Lytham St Annes may only afford four bedrooms; rather modest, one might suggest. But add into this nine bathrooms, Olympic length swimming pool and gym, a front entrance with a 4m high single glass pivot door, 13,000 sq/ft of expansive internal floor space, all united by innovative lighting design, AV and control systems, and you can quickly see that these accolades are very much justified.
The original building was constructed in the traditional seaside resort town back in the 1950s, with several additions made to the structure up until 1966 including a separate pavilion-style outbuilding for leisure facilities and storage.
Without wishing to expand too much beyond the existing footprint of the original home to retain the outdoor space at the site, the desire was to completely re-develop the site with a statement property; it should be bold and contemporary yet, ultimately, luxurious and timeless in design.
Ben Jurin Architecture were commissioned to deliver on the dream, the result being a ultra-high end, bespoke luxury residence which has been the focus of such high praise.
Majik House were appointed to design and install the state-of-the-art home automation system that would both enhance the design of the property and, through seamless integration between all the technology, make living in the home an effortless dream.
Jit Mistry is Sales Director at Majik House: “Both the client and Ben were clear from the outset that the design of the property should in no way be compromised by the presence of the AV and automation systems. The home automation contractor had to deliver a turn-key solution, including all electrical systems fully commissioned, tested and ready from the get-go.”
This instruction included the lighting – designed by Ben Jurin with the help of Opus Electrical – which should enhance the clean and precise lines of the structure, with colour being cast across the vast Venetian Polished plaster walls, supporting columns and recessed feature panels.
Majik House were given the initial lighting design to work from at the start of the commission which ultimately expanded as the project grew and developed. From the outset we worked closely with Ben Jurin and Opus Electrical, introducing colour changing and lighting scenes.
The system Majik House devised had to be simple for the client to use and also invisible. Not just the controls or the infrastructure, everything had to be ‘just there’, part of the building’s fabric, truly integrated with the structural elements.
The whole property uses Control4 whole home automation for the audio and video elements, with Lutron QS utilised for the lighting control including Silent Gliss automated blinds and curtain tacks.
The integration we achieve between Control4 and Lutron QS means that the whole system is truly integrated, with everything working hand-in-hand.
Amina Invisible speakers and Velodyne inwall subs produce 7.7.4 Dolby Atmos sound for the 100” Sony 4K screen.
In many homes, even very large homes, a 100” screen would appear quite imposing but in the living areas at this property they just look completely to scale, perfectly sized and appropriately proportioned alongside the full height glass sliding doors.
Keeping true to the architecture of each room meant that having visible or free-standing speakers just wasn’t an option, hence the choice of Sonance Visual Performance ceiling speakers with Artison in-ceiling subs which deliver precision audio throughout the property.
The attention to detail extends into the grounds and sunken garden with fire-pit, where a further Sonance Garden Series 8.2 speaker system is discreetly hidden in the hedges, planting and overhead canopy speakers.
The property utilises 45 kw/h solar cells to power all lighting and electrical items, plus air source heat pumps to heat the swimming pool and provide hot water.
Such a property might, unfortunately, attract unwanted attention and this very epitome of a smart home includes an observed security system which covers the whole property, inside and out.
Jit Mistry concludes: “This project epitomises and demonstrates so much Majik House’s approach to smart home systems and integration of technology, lighting and AV. Ben’s designs have afforded us so many canvases on which to cast lighting effects, spaces which can accommodate expansive sound, and to make everything so simple to use, unobtrusive yet highly impactful.”
Our client was happy to provide a wonderful testimonial for our involvement in the project:
“Having Majik House and Opus-Electrical involved in the project proved a huge benefit right from the outset. Their approach was never that of a contractor, more a trusted and assured partner who would bring their experience and expertise to the table throughout.”
“Whatever was asked of them, they provided solutions; not always easy, but solutions which would ensure Ben’s beautiful design of our new home was never compromised. They never tied us in knots with technology – just like the operation of the lights, the sound, the TVs, everything just nice and simple.”
“There’s no question, the involvement of Majik House has elevated our home beyond our expectations.”
Ben Jurin of Ben Jurin Architecture:
“We liaised with a couple of audio-visual companies regarding a 12,000 sq/ft luxury super home we designed in 2019 and after our initial consultations, we appointed Majik House and their associates Opus Electrical to undertake all audio visual and electrical work throughout this property.”
“Our decision to appoint them was based mainly on their expert knowledge and expertise in this field as this was no ordinary residential project, and we knew that if we didn’t get the right people on board, the end result would not be sufficient for our client.”
“Both Majik House and Opus Electrical were professional, punctual, knowledgeable, particular and overall provided our client with excellent value for money.”
“As a result of the impressive hands-on service they both provide, we have no reservations in recommending them for any high end residential project and look forward to working with them again in the near future.”
