Iceberg House Hides Deeply Complex Automation Beneath Understated Visuals

A plan long in the making, The Premier Group finally flexes its integration muscle in this 16,000-square-foot home dubbed the Iceberg.
Published: February 14, 2024

This award-winning project, dubbed the “Iceberg” house, fuses high-end luxury hardware, advanced AV technologies to strike a perfect balance between luxury and performance.  From intimate family gatherings to world-class DJ performances, the creation embodies true versatility, adapting seamlessly to the homeowner’s dynamic lifestyle. Guided by Design Electronics’ design and project management team, the project includes waterfalls, fire features, RGB lighting, electronic glass and an underground botanical garden converge effortlessly with an array of curated AV components. 

Purple color-tunable color changing Crestron lighting bar mood lighting Premier Group Design Electronics Iceberg House
Photo/Rohan Dayal

“This transformative creation invites you to redefine modern living through technological sophistication and artistic refinement, transcending boundaries and leaving an indelible mark on luxury AV & technology,” says Glen Amell, chief design officer for Design Electronics.  

With a project of this size and scale, there were of course some challenges, including integrated the network of smart home devices within the four-year construction. This work included coordinated efforts between technology experts, technology consultant, and construction teams. 

Gibson guitars acoustic guitars electric guitars sitting area accent lighting lush natural wood finish Premier Group Design Electronics Iceberg House
Photo/Rohan Dayal

Notably, the client’s aspiration for a technology-rich environment, often inspired by larger homes, required innovative adaptation to a more compact setting. Balancing opulent visions with streamlined integration was achieved through careful communication involving the client, designers, and technology specialists.  

“Our overarching goal was to optimize technology with minimal aesthetic impact,” Amell says.  

One of the main challenges was creating a bespoke voice control hardware system – created by the client who is a software developer – for personalized, voice-activated operations. In addition, the integration firm collaborated with non-traditional trades to integrate industrial automation sensors into a floating staircase to create LED lighting triggers.  

Floating staircase main foyer Iceberg House Premier Group Toronto, Ontario Canada
Photo/Rohan Dayal

The Iceberg house also includes three videoconferencing areas with high-end commercial AV solutions designed to seamlessly transition the resident between entertainment and work areas.  

“Our adaptability to the homeowner’s multifaceted lifestyle, spanning professional work to DJ performances, highlights our responsiveness,” Amell says. “The precision-engineered DJ area, hosting world-renowned DJs, exemplifies our commitment to peak performance while maintaining the residence’s aesthetic.” 

Systems & Equipment 

  • Apple TV 4K 
  • AudioQuest products 
  • Axis Communications security systems 
  • Cisco networking products 
  • Crestron products 
  • Infinite Cables 
  • James Loudspeakers 
  • K-array products 
  • Lutron products 
  • Middle Atlantic products 
  • Provo products 
  • Samsung TVs 
  • QSC products 
  • Sonance products 
  • SureCall products 
Sonance speakers Crestron Control Sony Display Home Theater Ontario, Canada
Photo/Rohan Dayal
Outdoor pool patio Seura weatherproofed outdoor TVs
Photo/Rohan Dayal
Middle Atlantic AV Racks interior Iceberg House Ontario Canada
Photo/Rohan Dayal
Creston Home 4 OS smart interface control panel HVAC Lighting controls Premier Group Design Electronics custom integration project smart home
Photo/Rohan Dayal

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.

Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series