Creating a luxurious showhouse that is also energy-conscious without making any sacrifices to design appeal is no small task. The astonishing 3,000-square-foot ICONIC Home in Phoenix sits amid the beauty of the Arizona desert, and the unique, environmentally friendly project from local integrator Monarch AV includes high-performance technology and design offerings while accomplishing net zero status.

Many homes use supplemental energy from outside sources to function, but a net zero home stores energy throughout the year and uses that supply. In addition to keeping the home sustainable, the ecologically friendly aspect of this project was evident as the building uses local and disposable products that last 100 years instead of going into a landfill, explains Crestron Marketing Communications Specialist Rebecca Cirillo, who entered this incredible project on behalf of the Scottsdale-based integrator.

With many partners on this project, ICONIC LIFE magazine took homeowner Mark LaLiberte’s request in stride to create its first sustainable net zero showhouse. Along with a team of designers and architects, Monarch AV and builder AFT Construction customized this estate to the homeowners’ liking.

“The partnership between Crestron and ICONIC LIFE brings excellent opportunities for homeowners and creates a phenomenal example of how technology and home building work hand-in-hand. Mark LaLiberte brought together a group of design experts that would leave no detail untouched and create the most energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthy desert home,” Cirillo explains. 

Aside from how the home was constructed, the automation technology needed to be intuitive to offer energy savings and entertainment enjoyment. The net zero aspect challenged each partner to use the most sustainable materials while striving for an impeccable design standard.

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LaLiberte was involved from the start and was able to give input throughout the process, Cirillo says. The homeowners wanted to live a life of simplicity where they could control multiple functions of the residence from a single place, which is why the constantly evolving Crestron Home OS platform was selected. 

The modern home incorporates various glass walls, and with the hot Arizona sun, the homeowners needed a way to keep things cool while keeping the net zero goal in mind. The first step to staying sustainable with glass walls was to install triple-paned windows. 

Then, by adding Crestron shading and lighting control, the home can function on an automated schedule that maximizes natural light. The homeowners can dim the lights, lower the shades to their liking, or program them to open or close depending on the time of day. Crestron shades reduce energy usage by blocking the heat from the sun, making it unnecessary to use energy to cool the house.

Systems & Equipment

• Crestron suite of products including:
  • 4-Series Control Processor for Crestron Home
  • 8-Zone Streaming Amplifier 
  • Ultimate In-Wall Dual 8” Subwoofer
  • 10.1” Wall Mount Touch Screen
  • Handheld TSR-310 Touch Screen Remote
  • Crestron lighting & shading

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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