What began as a modest closet renovation evolved into something far more ambitious. After completing initial upgrades to their ninth-floor condominium, the homeowners of this waterfront Boston penthouse seized an unexpected opportunity to purchase the unit directly below. The vision shifted: rather than two separate residences, they would create a single, cohesive, two-level home connected by a sculptural staircase.
This transformation introduced a unique challenge. Much of the upper residence had already been renovated, and new architectural work would need to align seamlessly with existing design decisions, infrastructure, and technology.
From the outset, integration and collaboration would play a critical role, not simply adding convenience, but preserving the architectural intent of the home itself.
Technology as an Invisible Foundation
Throughout the residence, technology was implemented with a singular priority: invisibility.
Lutron Homeworks lighting control, Lutron motorized shading, Sonance invisible speakers, and ecobee thermostats were designed to disappear into the architecture. Custom Basalte keypads align with the home’s restrained material palette, while speakers are fully concealed within walls and ceilings, allowing sound to fill the space without introducing visual clutter.
Nowhere is this philosophy more evident than in the primary living areas. Framed by expansive harbor views and anchored by sculptural lighting fixtures, the space remains visually calm and uninterrupted. Beneath the surface, however, a fully integrated Savant control system powered with Josh.ai voice control coordinates lighting scenes, adjusts motorized shades, and manages climate and media, all without drawing attention to itself.
As the project’s builder, FBN Construction emphasized the importance of simplicity in execution:
“The simpler the final product is to use and service, the better. When everything is centralized and intentional, it becomes a true value-add to the home.” – Bobby Ernst, FBN Construction
This simplicity was the result of careful planning and early collaboration between all project partners.
The Reeded Cabinet: Concealing the Home’s Brain
In high-rise construction, space is a luxury. Mechanical rooms are rare, ceiling cavities are shallow, and storage is carefully allocated. Yet the level of automation desired for this residence required a centralized equipment hub to house lighting processors, audio amplification, networking hardware, and power management.
There was no spare closet waiting to accept it.
Instead of treating infrastructure as an afterthought, the team approached it as a design opportunity.
Working collaboratively with Hacin, FBN Construction, and the project millworker, TSP Smart Spaces developed a custom reeded millwork enclosure that conceals the home’s entire technology backbone. The vertical fluting integrates seamlessly into the surrounding cabinetry, transforming what could have been a compromise into an architectural feature.
Behind the panels, ventilation and serviceability were carefully engineered to ensure long-term performance and accessibility. Every component was centralized, simplifying future maintenance while preserving the visual integrity of the space.
As FBN Construction noted, the enclosure became “one of the biggest home runs of the project”. It’s a solution made possible only through early coordination and shared design intent.
“We were able to house the equipment in a pretty much ideal spot and make it feel part of the millwork of the entire place.” – Eduardo Serrate, Hacin
The result is infrastructure that disappears completely, while quietly powering every experience in the home.
Lighting as an Architectural Tool
Lighting played a defining role in shaping the home’s atmosphere. Motorized shades preserve clean window lines while ensuring consistent alignment across the home’s expansive glass surfaces. Throughout the residence, layered lighting scenes adapt the space throughout the day from bright, functional daylight to softer evening environments designed for relaxation and entertaining.
As the design team at Hacin described, lighting is fundamental to architecture itself:
“Lighting is everything in architecture. The ability to create scenes that highlight the best of a space makes a tremendous difference in how it’s experienced.” – Eduardo Serrate, Hacin
By coordinating lighting, shading, and natural light, the technology system enhances the architecture rather than overpowering it.
Collaboration as the Key to Success
The success of the project was driven by close collaboration between architect, builder, and integrator. As the project evolved – expanding from a single unit into a two-level residence – the integration strategy adapted alongside it.
FBN Construction noted the importance of early involvement:
“The earlier technology integration is considered, the better the outcome. It allows everything to be centralized, coordinated, and implemented correctly from the start.” – Bobby Ernst, FBN Construction
This coordination allowed infrastructure decisions to be made proactively, avoiding compromises later in the construction process.
The result is a home where technology feels effortless, supporting daily life without ever demanding attention.
A Home Defined by Restraint
Walking through the completed residence, the technology is almost impossible to see. There are no visible racks, no intrusive hardware, and no disruption to the architectural narrative.
Instead, the systems work quietly in the background, enhancing comfort, preserving visual clarity, and allowing the design itself to remain the focal point.
This is the essence of successful integration: technology that elevates architecture rather than competing with it.