House Keepers | Automated Maintenance Is The Latest Luxury Must-Have
/SOURCE: Sotheby’s
Though robot butlers are exclusive to science fiction, that hasn’t stopped the world’s top architects, designers, and developers from envisioning luxury homes where efficient systems and processes assume more of the everyday maintenance.
Such convenience is incredibly liberating for homeowners, so it comes as no surprise that these solutions are increasingly sought after. Here are some examples of the features that luxury consumers are looking for today.
Instant Continuity Between Indoors and Outdoors
Many homeowners seek interior and exterior areas that exist together in harmony, with effortless access between the two. Imagine a wall of glass that slides away with a simple command or a push of a button, immediately extending the living space to the immaculately furnished porch, pool, and patio.
And beyond this pool and patio, the magnificence of the Los Angeles hills and the Pacific Ocean. Such a vista is available to the proprietors of this panoramic, modernist landmark that has graced the cover of Architectural Digest and received a top award from the American Institute of Architects.
World-Class Landscaping that Takes Care of Itself
The pleasant warmth of Mediterranean summers comes with a tradeoff: the heat can be inhospitable to gardens. But there are ways to still enjoy gorgeous lawns, sumptuous shrubs, sun-dappled groves, and flourishing flowers, by using automated sensors and irrigation systems that keep them in perfect form.
In this expansive Tuscan villa, with properties covering some 42 hectares with secluded roads leading to private beachfront, preprogrammed garden maintenance is par for the course—as are the networks of beautifully designed garden lighting that adorn it.
A Resort Without Tedious Winter Chores
The allure of a private ski lodge is its proximity to the snowy slopes, but those wintery conditions can become the ultimate nuisance when snow piles up. That’s not an issue for today’s luxury mountain retreats, as subterranean heating systems melt snow automatically. So while a winter storm delivers three feet of fresh powder overnight, the decks, sidewalks, and driveways remain clear.
That’s the level of forethought incorporated into this scenic estate in the Colorado mountains. The main house and guest house enable immediate access to the state’s greatest recreation, and are equipped with a spa and sauna to enjoy after a day on the hills.
Virtual Concierges Offer Convenience and Security
When living in a luxury condo, residents want their comings and goings to be seamless, and for the property to be well-guarded. Services should be readily available without being conspicuous or obtrusive. In short, they want the technological streamlining of a next-generation virtual doorman.
A best-in-class virtual doorkeeper truly differentiates a building—and that’s one of the reasons this Brooklyn penthouse is so deluxe. The vast terrace, five bedrooms, and state-of-the-art appliances make the pinnacle suite an ideal dwelling, complemented by the hotel-like lobby, lounge, and gym on the ground floor.
Sophisticated Home Systems Add Everyday Value
Though the inner workings of homes are invisible, their operations have tangible and profound impacts on day-to-day living. That’s why commercial-caliber mechanical systems, HVAC installations, and temperature control solutions are so highly in demand for modern luxury properties.
When done correctly, this infrastructure performs more than basic functions; it elevates the home in perceptible ways, like works of art engineered to perfection. That’s what sets this Maryland mansion apart—the structural beauty is made even more remarkable by the comfort its embedded systems provide.
Time spent on maintenance is time spent away from the activities that nurture and inspire. That’s why today’s affluent homeowners are opting to adopt modern automated systems that take luxury to a whole new level.
SOURCE: Sotheby’s
