Hidden Technology Project Spotlight: 2006 Washington Street
How We Disguised Technology in the City’s Most Coveted Penthouse
The Penthouse sits atop the most desirable building in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights—2006 Washington Street. Built in 1924, the beaux-arts building overlooks Lafayette Park and panoramic views of The Bay. Its new owners wanted to renovate The Penthouse with updated audio, video, and lighting technology while maintaining exquisite interior detail—and asked AUDIOVISIONS to make it happen.
Our team was honored to work alongside respected architects and artisans on The Penthouse. We were tasked with seamlessly blending home technology into the intricate walls and ceilings.
Take a look inside 2006 Washington Street and learn about our hidden technology installation. You may just become inspired for your own California home!
SEE ALSO: What Does Smart Home Living Really Look Like?
Project Goals
How do you install smart technology, screens, and speakers without taking away from such an ornate interior? We were asked to incorporate hidden audio-video equipment that would blend into the geometric ceilings and beautiful furnishings. With such a high level of detail, we knew that any visible technology would not work well in this home style and needed it to be completely hidden and easy to access for the homeowner.
Our Process
2006 Washington’s renovation process was eighteen months from start to finish. To logistically complete everything on time, our project manager needed to always be in step with the general contractor.
To start, we met with homeowners and asked about the technology they were already familiar with using, what they wanted, and how we could make technology work with their lifestyle. To pull off a highly detailed project like this, we needed to be involved very early in the project, and luckily, we were part of every step.
Installing Hidden Technology
Across The Penthouse, you’ll hear high-fidelity sound without a speaker in sight. We installed invisible speakers and subwoofers within the ceilings while maintaining impeccable sound quality. Even the electrical outlets stylishly meld into the walls with TRUFIG architectural finishes.
In the master bedroom, a TV screen slides out of the side of the wall, activated by one press of a button. When the show or movie’s over? The family can simply tap their smart system, and the display disappears into the wall.
In the living room, a projector screen descends from the ornate ceiling and, when not in use, returns to the ceiling with a completely hidden finish.
Motorized shades silently rise and lower across The Penthouse. And in the blue chef’s kitchen, the TV swivels on a hinge to face viewers at any angle. We also disguised networking equipment across the house, stowing access points in closets while still delivering top-notch internet access.
Project Takeaway
You can take many different paths with home AV and smart technology. There’s no single solution! If you’re a homeowner undergoing a building project, it’s important to have an open discussion with your designer about what you’d like to incorporate. Be open, share your wildest ideas, and we can create incredible results.
Looking for a home technology integrator in California? Contact AUDIOVISIONS for a free consultation and to learn more!
