High Tech User

Enviable High-Tech and Smart Homes Around the World

Voice controls. Video systems. Multi-room audio. Motorized shades. Smart thermostats, appliances, server rooms, control rooms. Today, many of the high-tech functions these systems can provide users in a home can be accomplished much more affordably than even a few years ago. The technology has a lighter, more compact footprint and can be installed much more easily. The cost-saving benefits of eco-friendly homes are more widely recognized, too. But a lot of us are simply admiring of top-notch smart homes bursting at the seams with high-tech features. When you’re ready to dream of your next modern pad, check out our pick of top smart homes around the world, which presents listings from our affiliate network, Luxury Portfolio International.

There are plenty of potential benefits for having or converting to a smart home: making a home more secure, more entertaining, more energy efficient, or making its features more automated—or a combination of these factors. When you’re ready to do more, check out Luxury Portfolio’s lookbook of smart homes, and impressive tech gadgets for smart homes. What will they think of next?

Unrivaled Views from an Automated Marvel

Zinkwazi Beach, South Africa

R20,000,000 (currency)

This imposing, architect designed home has breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Zinkwazi Lagoon, from all three levels. The living areas are open-plan and feature a granite topped kitchen which leads to the dining area and then to the mid-level lounge. There are glass stacking doors that fold away, opening onto a large covered balcony. On the lower level, you will find the other two bedrooms, both with an en-suite bathrooms. There is also another lounge with glass stacking doors that open to reveal another covered patio with a built-in charcoal barbecue and a rim-flow, heated swimming pool. Take a trip in the glass elevator to the upper level where the views are simply jaw-dropping. On this level, you will find a steam room, a custom built bar, another lounge and yet another large, covered balcony with a built-in gas barbecue and Jacuzzi.

Our favorite high-tech features:

Entertainers’ dream with an automation system that controls:

Ducted heating/cooling

Glass elevator

Blinds

Music system throughout home

Shutters

Automated gates

Garages

Security systems

Security: Alarm system, CCTV, security shutters

Rim-flow, heated swimming pool

Rainwater harvesting system

2 solar geysers

Generator to run the entire property

Newly Renovated Contemporary Home

Johannesburg, South Africa

R16,000,000 (currency)

This newly renovated contemporary home is a unique find with its prime position on the pristine Dainfern Estate Golf Estate. One is awe-struck by the numerous koi ponds and ambiance of pure tranquility and privacy. It is evident that special attention has been paid to detail by the ultra-modern finishes of this home.

Our favorite high-tech features:

Magnificent gourmet kitchen boasts an imported FABRI kitchen with the unique ‘concealing’ door mechanism and internal automatic lighting

Private wraparound wooden-deck includes a built-in drinks unit and unique double-glass door pub fridge

The pool lighting and LED shadow lighting are operated by remote control

The main bedroom is served by the alluring balcony offering magnificent views over the golf course, and the ability for Jacuzzi installation

Upstairs home theatre with double door sound proof system, recessed ceiling feature, and expansive balcony

Audio and Video color intercom and music system

Under tile heat

Property includes security system and security patrol

21st-Century Instant-Classic Masterpiece

Laguna Beach, CA, USA

US $3,695,000 (currency)

Put your final touches on this 21st century instant-classic masterpiece. Approximately 600 square feet of unfinished lower-level space provides the new owner with many options for adding their own special touches (media room, rare car storage, entertainment cave, wine cellar, etc.). For beach lovers, it is a short walk to Victoria Beach via a Coast Highway underpass. Downtown is just minutes away via auto to enjoy everything Laguna Beach has to offer or leave the car at home and catch the nearby Laguna Beach Trolley. A one-of-a-kind home that exemplifies Laguna Beach’s diversity of architectural styles. The 577 square feet of view deck is accessible through an ocean-facing wall of frameless glass panels that open the entire side of the home to the outside, this is Southern California seaside living at its finest. Only the finest of materials were used in the construction of this hi-tech marvel.

Our favorite high-tech features:

The home is program controlled via a Control4 smart automation system for:

lights

blinds,

bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans

alarm sensors

music

TV

HVAC systems

outside motion detectors

Scene management allows mood settings for preset light and shading as well as vacation mode controls to take care of the house when away

A garage car elevator allows for two cars in a single wide garage plus possible storage of a third

ENERGY STAR Qualified Equipment, High Efficiency