When a longtime summer resident decided to complete a long-paused vision for their lakeside retreat, they turned to Digital Horizons to seamlessly extend their existing smart home systems into two new outdoor structures: a guest cabana and pool house. What began as a foundation and a stack of reclaimed timber from the property’s original owner became a stunning poolside sanctuary—fully connected to the Control4 automation ecosystem of the main home.

The main residence was already outfitted with robust AV distribution, lighting control, motorized shades, security, and whole-home networking. The proximity of the new buildings to the home’s existing dedicated AV room allowed our team to extend all of those capabilities across the property without compromise. Televisions in the cabana and pool house were connected to the home’s central video matrix, while WiFi access points and network extensions provided uninterrupted connectivity both inside and out.

One of the most appreciated elements of the project was the seamless user experience we delivered. Guests transitioning from the main home to the cabana found the same Control4 remotes and interfaces—giving them immediate access to TV content, music, and climate control without needing to learn a new system. Whether it was a touchscreen or an iPad on a magnetic charging base, the control experience was intuitive and consistent.

Audio played a central role in bringing the outdoor areas to life. We installed multiple outdoor speakers under the overhangs and around the pool perimeter, creating immersive sound coverage for entertaining and relaxing. A dedicated outdoor TV, neatly hidden behind custom cabinetry, could be revealed when needed—providing the perfect setup for poolside football games or movie nights. When in use, local speakers delivered audio tied to the TV content, ensuring the whole area was in sync.

All lighting for the cabana and pool house was integrated into the Control4 system, giving guests easy control through pre-programmed lighting scenes. Whether they needed a cozy ambiance for evening gatherings or a full-property shutdown at bedtime, the system was designed to be both powerful and user-friendly. With more than 400 lighting circuits across the property, centralized control allows the homeowners to activate or deactivate zones—including the cabana—with a single button press.

Working alongside Norson Construction, we ensured the technology infrastructure kept pace with the project’s architectural vision. Today, the pool cabana stands as a stunning extension of their lakeside home—fully automated, effortlessly controlled, and always ready for entertaining. From sunrise swims to sunset parties, the space blends luxury living with smart simplicity.