On the outskirts of Methven, with the Southern Alps and Mount Hutt rising in the distance, the Mackenzie Home blends high-country serenity with cutting-edge smart home technology. Completed in September 2023, it is a modern marvel where thoughtful design and intelligent systems create effortless living.
The Vision
The homeowners, Craige and Roz Mackenzie, approached us with an idea to create a fully automated home. Having experienced the Control4 home automation system in their holiday home, they were eager to expand its capabilities in their new build – this time integrating lighting, audio-visual systems, climate control, security, energy efficiency, irrigation and more.
Our Role
We were proud to be the contractors responsible for the electrical, heating, solar and automation systems. Control4 provided the platform for integrating all of these systems, delivering a smart home experience tailored to the Mackenzie’s lifestyle.
Lighting
Lighting throughout the home is fully automated, with tailored scenes for day, night, and holiday living. Custom LED strips, discreetly installed in blind recesses and bathroom bulkheads, create a soft architectural glow that elevates each space. With the Control4 system, Craige and Roz can adjust levels or design new scenes at any time, ensuring the right ambience for every occasion.
Audio Visual
Cinema‑style entertainment comes to life in the media room, where a Samsung 77” OLED screen pairs with a 7.1 surround sound system to deliver an immersive experience. With Control4 remotes, every device synchronises at the touch of a button, making complex AV devices user-friendly . Beyond the media room, discreet ceiling speakers extend audio throughout the home, each zone independently controlled so every space can enjoy its own soundtrack
Climate Control
Comfort is intelligently managed through automated climate regulation. Electric window openers, dampers and air conditioners respond dynamically to both indoor temperatures and external weather forecasts. When the temperature rises above 25°C, upper windows open automatically to release excess heat — but only when wind conditions are suitable. Even the plant room contributes, recycling residual warmth from the communications rack and heating systems back into the home to reduce waste and enhance efficiency.
Security
Security was designed with peace of mind at its core. Four entry points are equipped with digital keypads, ensuring controlled access to the property. Surveillance cameras and a video intercom provide constant visibility, allowing the homeowners to monitor the home.
Door locks are integrated with the alarm system, creating a unified layer of protection. Automated notifications add another safeguard, alerting the family of intrusion or if doors or windows are left open.
Energy Efficiency
Beyond climate regulation, energy efficiency is further enhanced through smart load control. Surplus solar energy is prioritised for heating the spa and hot water cylinder, ensuring taking advantage of generation when the sun shines. Future‑proofing was built in from the start, with pre‑wired ducts and accessways ready for technologies such as EV chargers.
Irrigation
The garden thrives with minimal effort thanks to an intelligent irrigation system. Captured rainwater is recycled and delivered through a variable‑speed pump, while automatic schedules adapt to soil type, weather forecasts, and season. The result is a lush, sustainable landscape that looks after itself year‑round.
Client Reflections
“We’ve been working with the ElectraServe team for years—right from our farming days through to life in town. So when it came time to build our retirement home, choosing Blair and his ElectraServe crew was an easy decision.
After trying a few Control4 automation features in our holiday home, we were excited to take things up a notch. We wanted a home that made life simpler and helped us make the most of the solar energy we produce. Blair and James took on the challenge to get the very best out of the Control4 system while keeping things flexible for the future—and they absolutely delivered.
Now, we have a home that’s easy to live in, full of thoughtful automation touches that make everyday life a breeze. It’s all thanks to Control4 and the fantastic team at ElectraServe.”
Craige & Roz Mackenzie
The ElectraServe Difference
At ElectraServe, we specialise in architectural housing projects where precision and foresight matter. We go beyond the ordinary, incorporating spare cables, internal fibre optic, ducts, service access and large switchboards designed to accommodate future technologies.
Our electricians and technicians are continually upskilling, staying ahead of the latest innovations so we can anticipate the evolving needs of modern homes. This commitment ensures every project is not only reliable today but ready for tomorrow.
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