Powerfull wins Lutron Excellence Award for work on Villa Sarbonne residence

Powerfull Systems is honored to win the Lutron Excellence Award in the “Best Use of All Lutron Products” catagory, presented at CEDIA in San Diego in September, for our work on the Villa Sarbonne residence.

Villa Sarbonne & Arya Group

Villa Sarbonne began as a vision of a high-tech luxury masterpiece. The concept was to create the most technologically advanced residence in the Los Angeles area. It was to be fully automated—incorporating light, wind, water, and fire as a manifestation of Zen in every aspect of the design. The home was to be sold fully furnished, including luxury cars, a maintenance staff, and butler concierge services, thereby naturally ushering the homeowner to experience the majestic feel of the here and now.

We had the honor of working with a leading master of design and construction Ardeshir “Ardie” Tavangarian, founder and CEO of Arya Group. Ardie founded Arya in 1981, and for over 37 years he has specialized as a general contractor, and is a veteran in the realm of custom home architecture. When we began talking with Ardie regarding his vision for the Villa Sarbonne project, we were intrigued by the challenge at hand. Ardie laid out a design/build plan that would break through any limitation we had. We knew this special project would elevate Powerfull Systems and Powerfull Electric to a higher level of excellence.

Through the span of one year, we worked tirelessly to bring Ardie’s vision to life. The most skilled craftsmen were brought onboard to produce the most exquisite quality and aesthetics imaginable. One of the most important principles that we wanted to adhere to was to keep the spaces open, uncluttered, and flowing. We designed the lighting layout to naturally flow throughout the space. We were given carte blanche to layout and design the complete lighting and controls package for the project in a manner that would unite the technological aspects of the home automation system with the modern aesthetic Ardie envisioned. In doing so, we used warm, luxurious feeling LED lighting to create a sense of comfort and quality. During our installation of all the lighting throughout the home, we incorporated a back lit designer wall at the stair landing by creating a natural fusion of gypsum LED fixtures to the drywall. The various-sized round fixtures appear as if light naturally shines through the façade, seemingly creating a naturally illuminated wall.

HomeWorks QS

Villa Sarbonne is controlled by a Lutron Homeworks QS system, consisting of 17 Lutron panels and 4 processors. There are 150 keypads in all, consisting of 107 custom Signature style oil-rubbed bronze keypads and 43 Seetouch style keypads. The home required 25 interior roller shades and 56 exterior louvered motorized Venetian-style aluminum blinds. We used 185 contact closures that control drapes, fireplaces, fountains, motorized interior and exterior doors, and fire pits. Our level of attention to detail piqued when we created a custom mounting of only ¾” separation between keypads. We incorporated wired and wireless features, connecting the bridge control integration of HVAC, landscape lighting, security systems, roller shades, skylight shades, custom drapery tracks, motorized doors, car lifts, fire features, and music control.

We utilized our favorite Lutron sheer and blackout roller and skylight shades throughout the home to bring warmth to the space, but also to add another layer of comfort and ease for the homeowner. The home also boasts an overlay of drapery tracks, which brought additional softness, movement, and tranquility to the space. The 50’ drapery track system in the master bedroom resides in a 20’ custom-built pocketing wall. In the guest bedroom, we installed a custom S-type drapery track system– both fully integrated and operational through the HomeWorks QS system. In addition to this, we controlled custom motorized louver shutters which were placed on all the exterior windows of the home. These motorized louvers feature a custom miter 45-degree angle in corner applications.

Continuing the open concept vision, we integrated sun and window sensors with the louvers so that when the sun hit the windows, the shutters would automatically tilt by 7° to minimize the glare, while still keeping the viability of the area maximized. We also installed a wind sensor on the roof, so that during windy days the home will automatically retract the shutters. The home has minimal wall space, therefore the roller shades and drapery served as room separators, which seemingly transition out of sight in a matter of seconds. The overall design and layout of the window treatments allowed us to keep the open feel that Ardie envisioned.

Ardie’s ground-breaking design sought to establish the homeowner within the ‘here and now’. For this purpose, the exterior features of the project were just as important as the interior.

The design intent was to soothe the homeowner to a Zen-like state as soon as they started up the driveway. The experience begins as soon as the homeowner enters pre-set geofencing radius to trigger the “Welcome Home” scene controlled by the HomeWorks QS system. When entering the driveway of the Villa, you are welcomed by a tranquil yet awe-inspiring waterfall, along with a fire feature the spans the entire length of the water. The front entry welcomes you with an oversized swiveling door that seems to float midair. As you walk into the home, you are greeted by the welcoming sight of natural wood and stone throughout the home. The warm lighting invites you to kick off your shoes and relax. You hardly notice how the shades and drapery have softly moved out of sight leaving a stillness that allows you to quiet your mind. At night, when you walk outside and take in the view, you turn back to see the home has come to life. You finally see how alive everything is. How alive you are. This is living in the here and now. This was our vision for Villa Sarbonne.

Powerfull Systems endeavored to create the ultimate luxurious homeowner experience. In doing so, we all feel that Villa Sarbonne has become one of our finest works to date.

Powerfull Systems is your smart home system solution. Located in Los Angeles, California, and established in 1998, Powerfull emerged at the dawn of “smart technology.” Servicing distinguished homeowners in the Los Angeles area, Powerfull Systems has built a reputation on integrity, innovation and expertise that is second to none. Plus, they offer their “Peace of Mind. Every Time.” Guarantee to assure the job is done to your satisfaction.

For more information on what a Smart Home can look like, what it can achieve, and how to plan for one of your own, call us at 310-836-9333.