This customer reached out to ETC seeking a complete transformation of his exterior lighting. The property is very contemporary and had a typical off-the-shelf lighting package that left the house looking dark and uninspired, notes ETC President/CEO Paul Biava.

“The electrician had initially done the work and the owner was completely underwhelmed,” Biava says.

“We had worked with him in the past installing numerous systems inside the home. He asked us to ensure not only was the exterior a showpiece lighting project, but that we highlighted many of his art works and installations including much of his architectural design concepts he had incorporated into the build of his home.”

ETC walked the property and reviewed the situation and then worked with Coastal Source for design ideas. “We took their recommendations and then augmented with our on-site ideas and changes,” Biava says. “The client was involved throughout as he really wanted to make the project spectacular.”

The integration team spent multiple evenings reviewing the design and ensuring it accomplished his goals, Biava adds. ETC employed almost every type of light to create this outdoor oasis — a whopping 249 outdoor Coastal Source fixtures including many styles and patterns.

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As Biava explains, the installation was a complex process along with the fine tuning of the aiming and positioning of the lights. From calculating growth that would occur from the plants surrounding the lights, to understanding how high up on the trees we should set up downlighting, every detail required multiple options and consideration, he comments.

“To ensure the light spread was even across a long wall that faced the interior and create a pleasant visual line of sight, we placed lights at exact intervals measuring out each light to be perfectly balanced and reduce scalloping from light to light,” Biava notes.

Meanwhile, all of this was done without the client at home, so ETC eagerly awaited his arrival. The night the homeowner arrived, he left a voicemail for the team that enthusiastically validated the integrator’s meticulous and creative work.

As Biava proudly reports, “The excitement from the homeowner was legendary: ‘I just got off the plane and got home and didn’t want to email you or text you… the house looks [expletive] amazing! It feels like a completely different home.’ That instant reaction is the reason we all do what we do — to make our homeowner truly feel wow and amazed.”

An award-winning display in lighting design and controls, it also marks ETC’s second year in a row where the firm has received a Home of the Year Award for one of its projects, with last year’s featuring another impressive display of lighting in a Floridian beachfront home.

Systems & Equipment

• Coastal Source lighting fixtures & cabling

This project is part of our coverage for the 2023 CE Pro Home of the Year Awards. Presented annually at CEDIA Expo, the Home of the Year Awards represent the best of the best smart home innovations within the CEDIA channel. If you have a project you would like to submit to the Home of the Year Awards, consider following CE Pro if you aren’t already for when we announce the next submission round.

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