Set against the backdrop of a scenic lakeshore, the Hawkins residence—our Modern Lakeside Getaway—is a showcase of smart living and elevated design. This full-scope project brought together nearly every service Digital Horizons offers, blending intelligent automation with sleek architectural integration. From audio zones to security, video distribution to motorized shades, this home exemplifies the synergy of technology and lifestyle.

The client’s vision included clean design with minimal visible hardware, especially when it came to window treatments. We installed motorized shades into recessed ceiling pockets, allowing them to disappear entirely when not in use. A robust security system covers both the main house and a detached garage, with intrusion sensors, water leak detectors, low-temp alerts, and smoke/heat detection—features that proved immediately valuable when early leaks were detected and mitigated. Two security keypads and Control4 integration make managing the system seamless from either building.

Audio was a key part of the experience, with 16–18 independent zones controlled via Control4, allowing different areas to play different content or synchronize throughout. One unique highlight: a fully integrated phonograph system. Installed in a custom pullout cabinet in the lower-level family room, the record player was carefully wired and connected to the larger audio system, allowing the warmth of analog records to play throughout the home at the touch of a button.

The home’s video distribution was equally thoughtful. Apple TVs and cable boxes were centralized and routed to TVs throughout the house, ensuring simple control and perfectly synced content. Whether watching the game in the living room or a movie in the home theater, users benefit from a streamlined interface and consistent experience. The lower-level theater system features surround sound, a custom soundbar, and a hidden subwoofer tucked creatively within the cabinetry.

On the main level, the client wanted impressive audio and video performance—but without any visible equipment. A Samsung Frame TV was recessed into a custom stone wall, while a high-output ported subwoofer was installed in an adjacent closet. Sound travels into the room via a concealed band-pass tube disguised as a floor vent beneath the hearth. Two pairs of in-ceiling speakers round out the system, delivering room-filling sound with zero visual clutter.

One final upgrade came with the integration of phantom screens and infrared heaters on the lakeside porch. Though initially unsure, the homeowners ultimately appreciated our foresight in pre-wiring for these elements. Now, with a single button press on their Control4 keypad, they can lower the screens and turn on the heaters—transforming the exposed patio into a warm, cozy retreat. Paired with a whole-home lighting system built on a hybrid wired/wireless platform, the Hawkins home is an ideal blend of luxury, comfort, and intuitive control.