Hull Road Residence
Residential smart home & lighting design
- Location Waitoki
- Scope Smart home integration, Lighting design, Landscape lighting, Audio-visual systems, Security and access control, Structured cabling and networking
Set within a lush, tropical-inspired landscape, this Waitoki residence was designed as a relaxed retreat for a busy family. The brief called for a resort-style atmosphere, brought to life through a carefully integrated approach to lighting, automation, audio-visual, and security systems.
The landscape design plays a central role in the overall experience, with dense tropical planting enhanced by strategically placed garden spike lighting. Uplighting of palms along the sweeping driveway creates a strong sense of arrival, guiding visitors toward the home while highlighting the scale and texture of the outdoor environment.
Internally, the lighting design transitions seamlessly from functional to feature-focused. Pin lights wash rendered walls on entry, while directional downlights draw attention to artworks and architectural elements. Large bespoke handblown glass pendants act as statement features throughout the home, accentuating the volume of the high ceilings and open-plan living areas. In more intimate spaces, LED strip lighting and dimmable fixtures provide flexibility, creating softer, mood-driven environments that complement darker finishes and rich material textures.
A fully integrated smart home system, powered by Amazon Alexa, connects lighting, electrical, and audio-visual systems throughout the property. Automation allows the home to respond intuitively to the family’s daily routines, with voice control simplifying interaction across all spaces.
Home entertainment was a key focus, with a dedicated theatre featuring an Integra AV receiver, GoldenEar speakers, and a 98” screen to deliver a high-performance viewing experience. Multi-room audio is distributed across ten zones, including bathrooms fitted with marine-grade Sonance Extreme speakers designed to withstand moisture without compromising sound quality. Outdoor areas are equally considered, with discreet Klipsch speakers and in-ground subwoofers integrated into the landscape to create an immersive yet unobtrusive audio environment.
The entire system is supported by structured cabling and a custom-designed home network, installed by Evolve’s in-house AV technicians and IT specialists to ensure reliability, performance, and scalability.
Security and access control were designed to provide peace of mind while maintaining ease of use. The system includes CCTV coverage with motorised turret and fixed cameras, integrated alarm functionality, and a 4TB security drive. Automated gate and door access, along with intercom systems featuring audio and visual identification, add an additional layer of control and convenience.
Working alongside LTD Architectural Design Studio, Golder Residential, and Kristen Ford Design, Evolve’s role was to enhance and highlight the architectural and interior vision through thoughtful integration of lighting and technology. Every element has been carefully considered to ensure the systems not only perform seamlessly but also elevate the overall experience of the home.