Media Powerhouse Finalist at the Smart Building Awards 2025.

We are delighted to share that Media Powerhouse has been shortlisted in two categories at the Smart Building Awards 2025, for both ‘Best Rack Installation’ & ‘Best Whole Home Integration Project’.

This recognition highlights the strength of our technical expertise and our ability to deliver projects that combine reliability, performance, and attention to detail.

While much of our work is focused on commercial environments, being named a finalist in two residential categories underlines the breadth of our capability and the standards we bring to every project, regardless of scale or setting. The winners will be announced on 17 September 2025 at the Inspire Suite, Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre during the EI Live! show.

Smart Building Awards 2025

The Smart Building Awards highlight projects that deliver reliable technology, well thought-out design, and a clear benefit to clients. Being named a finalist is recognition of the standards achieved across every aspect of this project.

The awards are an established part of the EI Live! show and are regarded as one of the leading industry benchmarks for excellence in smart homes and building technology. Each year, entries are reviewed by an independent panel of judges who score projects on design, delivery, and end-user experience, making the shortlisting a strong endorsement of quality and attention to detail.

The Blue House London

The Blue House is a private residence designed to make everyday living more comfortable and straightforward.

The property, which includes a main house, pool house, and landscaped gardens, runs on a Crestron Home system. This gives the family control of heating, lighting, security, and entertainment from a single platform, whether through touch panels, handheld remotes, or natural voice commands. The aim was to remove complexity and give them time to enjoy the property without needing to manage multiple apps and devices.

Security is thorough but unobtrusive, 2N intercoms cover the gate and front door, Unify CCTV cameras provide full coverage across the exterior, and an Ajax alarm system connects into Crestron so that alerts appear instantly on control screens and mobiles. All CCTV feeds record to a Dream Machine NVR and can be viewed in any room or remotely.

Control comes from a Crestron CP4-R processor, supported by ten Crestron touch panels and nine handheld remotes placed in key areas. Twelve Alexa devices were also integrated, allowing natural voice control for day-to-day tasks. The intercom feature has become a family favourite, making it easy to connect across rooms or reach someone in the pool house without having to leave where you are.

Dedicated Dolby Atmos cinema at The Blue House, complete with KEF speakers, Sony display, and bespoke finishes for the complete home theatre experience.

Comfort, Lighting, and Shading

Heating and cooling were given equal attention. Underfloor heating, controlled through Crestron DIN-1TSTAT thermostats and CHV-RTS sensors, allows fine adjustments in each zone. A Daikin air-conditioning system, linked via a CoolMaster interface, integrates directly into Crestron so the family can set temperatures, fan speeds, or seasonal modes with ease.

Lighting and shading respond to both daily routines and security settings. Crestron blinds and curtains lower automatically at dusk, rise in the morning, or close when the alarm is set. Lighting circuits, controlled by Black Nova switches with Crestron dimmers and DMX controllers, extend across nearly 50 circuits. The system supports subtle details such as automated stair lighting, cinema room effects, and RGBW bedroom downlights, while six Crestron sensors help maintain the right balance of light through the day without wasting energy.

Audio, Video, and Cinema

Entertainment was carefully planned to fit the way the family uses the property. Music is available throughout the home via Crestron DM-NAX amplifiers, feeding 22 KEF CR200 ceiling speakers indoors and 4 Crestron outdoor speakers in the garden. Each area can be controlled independently, giving everyone the choice of their own music, or linking all zones when entertaining.

Video distribution runs through the Crestron NVX platform, serving Sony Bravia OLED displays ranging from 43 to 98 inches. Apple TV, Sky Q, and CCTV feeds can be accessed in any room, and each display retains its smart features for on-demand services.

The dedicated cinema is designed as a Dolby Atmos 7.2.4 room, with KEF in-wall and ceiling speakers, SVS subwoofers, a Sony 98-inch display, and a Pioneer amplifier. Lighting and AV are managed by a Crestron TSR-310 remote. The interior finishes, including suede wall panels, a fibre optic ceiling, and DALI-controlled backlit posters, make the space feel like a complete home cinema while still tied into the wider control system.

Best Rack Installation

All systems are supported by a 40U central rack that houses processors, amplifiers, encoders, patch panels, and power management. Netgear and Unify switches deliver POE++ to high-demand devices, while a UPS provides protection against power interruptions. Wi-Fi coverage is delivered through Unify U6 Pro access points, ensuring reliable connection throughout the house, pool house, and gardens.

To integrate technology with the property’s design, our scenic workshop produced bespoke media cabinets, including a Future Automation motorised TV lift in the master bedroom. These were colour matched to the interior finishes so that equipment blends naturally into the home environment.

Central rack, Crestron touch panel, and 2N intercom at The Blue House. Together they deliver control, connectivity, and security across the entire property.

Residential Recognition

The Blue House project shows how technology can make a property easier to manage, safer, and more enjoyable to live in. Being shortlisted in both Best Rack Installation and Best Whole Home Integration Project reflects both the technical standards of the build , and the everyday benefits it brings to the residents. This recognition also reinforces our wider reputation, proving that the same quality and precision we apply to complex commercial projects can deliver outstanding results in the residential market too.

If you are considering a residential project and want a home that is simple to manage, secure, and comfortable, speak with our team. We can help you achieve this balance of detail and practicality in your home.

Speak to our team.