Apple’s HomeKit Makes for a Unique, Yet Sophisticated Control Platform in This Alabama Home

Nestled at the edge of town with expansive country views and tree-lined vistas, this private estate exemplifies the perfect blend of DIY-friendly smart home technology and professional-grade solutions. Mozaic Smart Technology designed an intuitive system that combines Sonos and Apple HomePod zones with Lutron lighting controls, delivering a seamless and sophisticated ambiance throughout the home. The system’s thoughtful integration ensures that the client can easily manage their environment in a way that feels both simple and personalized. 

Making HomeKit the Center of Smart Home Control

A major challenge for this project was relinquishing full control over the system. The client wanted to rely heavily on Apple HomeKit, managing it independently, which required a significant shift in Mozaic’s typical approach. Usually, Mozaic oversees the entire system, but in this case, they had to select products that would integrate seamlessly into HomeKit while still functioning autonomously. This required a carefully curated selection of components that met both the client’s desire for independence and Mozaic’s high standards of support and quality. 

Key control options such as “home,” “away,” and “goodnight” buttons provide intuitive access, ensuring the system remains user-friendly. In a region renowned for its engineering talent, Mozaic Smart Technology worked closely with a retired Apple engineer to craft a solution tailored specifically to operate within Apple’s HomeKit framework. This collaborative approach not only brought the client’s vision to life but also highlighted Mozaic’s commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with personal preference, creating a home that is functional, beautiful, and customized. 

“By carefully selecting and integrating a combination of Sony, Sonos, and Lutron products, we successfully navigated these challenges and delivered a system that met the client’s needs while maintaining the level of support we could provide,” says Mozaic Smart Technology CEO Michael Johnson. 

Blending DIY Flexibility with Professional Sophistication

The client’s previous frustrations with DIY smart lighting systems presented another challenge. Mozaic addressed this by choosing Lutron’s Ra2 Select platform, known for its reliability and compatibility with HomeKit. For the audio system, integrating standalone Apple HomePods into the larger Sonos-based network was another hurdle. Mozaic selected Sonos for its ability to seamlessly integrate with Apple Music and support AirPlay, allowing the client to stream music directly from their iPhone to both Sonos zones and their HomePods. 

One of the standout features of the project is the custom-designed living room, where the client wanted the aesthetic appeal of Samsung’s Frame TV but preferred the image quality of a Sony display. To satisfy this, Mozaic used a Sony TV framed with Leon Speakers’ Studio Frame, blending style with performance. Additionally, a custom-painted Leon TC Bar Sonos Arc Enclosure was installed, perfectly complementing the room’s décor. 

Ultimately, Mozaic Smart Technology delivered a solution that combined DIY flexibility with professional-grade support. The project showcases how intelligent design and careful integration can elevate a home, merging personal control with the reliability of a professionally installed system. The result is a stunning, cohesive environment that balances technology, functionality, and style. 

Systems & Equipment Highlights: 

• Liberty Cable (Cat6, RG6), Clever line Fiber 
• Wirepath Enclosure 
• Wattbox
• Araknis
• Sonos
  • (3) Amp
  • (1) Arc
  • (1) Mini Sub
  • (2) Beam 
• Origin Acoustics
• Sony XR65X93L 65” 4K TV 
• Leon Speakers
• Sanus
• Strong SM-CB-ART1-M Articulating Mount 
• (5) Eero Pro6SE 
• Lutron Audio Pico Remotes 

This project is part of our coverage for the 2024 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.