In a world increasingly obsessed with whole-home automation and the promise of fully unified control systems, it’s refreshing—and smart—to remember that technology doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Daisy Orange County illustrates this point perfectly in a recent tech project: a stunning new-construction home perched on a cliff in Dana Point, designed for a client who wanted the right level of control, but not necessarily the “everything talks to everything” model.
This 4,500-square-foot residence, built in partnership with a trusted builder and long-time collaborator, David Gabay, stands as a testament to smart technology done thoughtfully. In fact, the client—an Idaho-based couple who spend part-time in Southern California—trusted Gabay and his go-to Orange County tech team so much that they rarely set foot in the home until construction was complete.
Listening First, Then Building the Right System
“What makes Daisy Orange County unique is our commitment to listening,” says Steven Ras Daisy Orange County technical advisor. “Every client has a different comfort level with technology. Some want a sleek, integrated platform that handles every subsystem from one app. Others—like this couple—prefer a simpler, app-based approach where each technology stands on its own, but is still easy to use and reliable. The goal is to deliver exactly what the client needs, not more, not less.”
In this case, the homeowner didn’t want a full-fledged control system throughout the house. Instead, Daisy implemented Control4 only in the family room, where advanced AV control via a Halo remote made sense. The rest of the home relied on individual apps: Lutron for lighting, Sonos for audio, Ring for security and access, and Alarm.com for climate control and alarm functionality.
This hybrid approach gives the client precision control without overwhelming complexity. Lights and music can be scheduled or adjusted through familiar apps, and subsystems operate reliably in their own ecosystems.
Custom Audio for Every Corner—Even the Garage
One of the homeowner’s biggest priorities was music—and not just in the usual spots. He wanted high-quality audio in the garage, hallways, and outdoor spaces as well as the main living areas. To meet that demand, Daisy installed Sonance speakers across 10 zones, including two distinct Sonance Landscape Series zones—one by the spa and another in the main yard—to create immersive outdoor audio experiences.
Inside, Sonos provides whole-house music streaming, with playlists curated by the client for different moods and seasons—winter, spring, summer, and more. The Sonos system is also tied into the family room’s AV setup, allowing seamless transitions between music and television audio across the home. Whether entertaining guests or simply enjoying a sunset, the homeowner can dial in the perfect soundtrack for every occasion.
Smart Lighting Without the Clutter
Lighting was another important component to this home’s tech integration. Using Lutron’s RadioRA3 system, Daisy Orange County delivered elegant, layered lighting control without peppering the walls with switches. Keypads were discreetly placed in key rooms—family room, master bedroom, and hallways—while dimmers and other gear were hidden in pantries and closets. This provided a discreet, intuitive interface for the homeowners without sacrificing design.
A companion app simplifies the task, as well. Scenes programmed in collaboration with the client, including nighttime settings that softly illuminate pathways, stairwells, chandeliers, and art lighting—all controlled via the Lutron app or via a predefined schedule. It’s practical, comfortable, unobtrusive—and simplifies the routine of getting the house ready for their return.
AV That Blends In, But Sounds Amazing
The family room, which opens up to the kitchen and dining area, serves as the home’s entertainment hub. Anchored by a massive 98-inch Samsung display, the media system features a 7-channel surround sound setup powered by a Marantz Cinema 60 receiver. Focal in-ceiling speakers were installed for the front and rear channels, angled toward the viewer to enhance audio directionality. A JL Audio 13.5-inch in-wall subwoofer adds deep bass, cleverly integrated into a side wall.
The AV equipment is housed in a pull-out Strong rack recessed beside the TV, maintaining a clean aesthetic while ensuring easy access for maintenance. A Halo remote provides control of the family room system, the only place where a traditional remote was requested.
Security, Connectivity, and Climate—All Smart, All Separate
Security is handled by a Qolsys alarm system, paired with several hardwired Ring Elite cameras and a Ring Elite doorbell, all powered over Ethernet for robust performance. Ring’s access control module allows the client to remotely lock and unlock the front door. Thermostats are managed through Alarm.com and tied into the security system for integrated control of climate and security.
Reliable Wi-Fi is delivered by Ubiquiti routers and access points, ensuring the entire home—including outdoor areas—has consistent and fast connectivity.
A Tailored Experience, Not a Cookie-Cutter One
This project exemplifies how modern technology can be adapted to meet the real needs of real people. The homeowners didn’t want automation for automation’s sake. They wanted intuitive, reliable systems that suited their lifestyle—and that’s exactly what Daisy Orange County delivered.
Whether you’re looking for a fully unified control system or prefer the flexibility of app-based solutions, Daisy will work with you to design a system that meets your goals, matches your comfort level, and fits your home—room by room, app by app.
Because smart living should feel simple.
Equipment List
- Lutron RadioRA3 lighting control system
- Sonos Port and Amp for music streaming
- Sonance Visual Performance in-ceiling speakers
- Sonance Landscape speakers, subwoofer, and amp
- Qolsys alarm system
- Ring video doorbell and access controller
- Alarm.com smart thermostats
- Control4 C4-CORE1 entertainment and automation controller
- Control4 Halo remote
- Samsung 98-inch Q80C OLED 4K smart TV
- Focal 300 in-ceiling surround-sound speakers
- JL Audio amp/processor
- Marantz 7.2-channel AV receiver
- Samsung 65-inch The Frame TV
- Ubiquiti Wi-Fi network
- WattBox IP power controllers
- Strong equipment racks
Project Partners
Custom Home Builder: David Gabay General Building Contractor, Inc.
Integrator: Daisy Orange County
