For high-net-worth individuals, there is no specific "must-have" gadget on the wish-list for their new home. In a few cases, in our experience, the reverse can sometimes be true, with some wealthy owners for example preferring to shun high-tech control panels for lighting, curtains, audio visual and a plethora of other items in their home, in favour of simple on-off switches.
This is particularly so if the owners concerned have many properties around the globe and simply don’t have time to re-learn the nuances of a different control panel works every time they change locations. That said, some of the most popular high-tech gadgets among the our clients still include home automation systems, smart home security systems and high-tech gadgets, especially in kitchens, but from time to time there comes a new “must have” for those where money is no object.
According to a report by Wealth-X, a firm that provides data and insights on the world's ultra-high-net-worth individuals, personal submarines have become increasingly popular among those, perhaps unsurprisingly, who have their own yachts.
The Triton 1000/2 MKII – Superyacht Submersible
Credit: Triton
These personal submarines offer the ability to explore underwater environments and marine life in a way that is not possible with more conventional forms of watercraft. They are equipped with advanced technology, such as underwater cameras and sonar systems, that allow for safe and enjoyable underwater exploration.
Some examples of personal submarines that have been designed for the world’s wealthiest include the Triton 1000/2 Submersible, the DeepFlight Dragon, and the U-Boat Worx C-Explorer 5. These submarines can cost anywhere from $1 million to $5 million, depending on their size and features.
While we are yet to have been asked to design harbours for submarines, if the trend grows then we look forward to receiving our first commission! We have always sought to move ahead of the times and embrace new ideas – but for the moment, there is still plenty of innovation in terms of domestic gadgetry.
The rise of high-tech gadgets in super-prime homes continues unabated; gadgets aimed at improving comfort, convenience, and security have all become essential features.
As mentioned, one of the most commonly-seen gadgets is the ‘humble’ control panel. These provide the human interface to all manner of technical apparatus within the home including lighting, curtains and blinds, heating and cooling, audio visual and security. They provide easy access to all of these different home systems, making it simple for homeowners to manage functions from a single location.
A typical wall-mounted control panel
Credit: Crestron
Control panels for adjusting lighting and opening and closing motorised curtains and blinds have, in particular, always been a popular feature, but nowadays the interface is more typically via a smartphone. They allow homeowners to, for example, adjust the brightness of lights and the opening and closing of curtains, often using pre-set ‘scenes’. They offer a level of convenience that is unparalleled, as occupants can make adjustments without having to move from their seat. Interfaces with smart devices such as Alexa, make this even easier.
Research shows that ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) prefer high-tech gadgets in their homes that offer convenience, comfort, and security, according to the report by Wealth-X. They found that 50% of the UHNWIs surveyed have home automation systems installed in their homes, and 47% also have smart home security systems. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor the home and can alert homeowners and authorities in case of an emergency.
There is a similar response with home cinemas, with 45% having one. These theatres are equipped with premium-quality sound and video systems and provide a movie-like experience. The vast majority of our residential projects include a very-high-end cinema installation.
Some 38% of the UHNWIs surveyed also have high-tech kitchens. These kitchens are equipped with advanced appliances, such as smart refrigerators that can keep track of their contents and alert homeowners when they are running low, and high-tech ovens that can be controlled remotely. The common thread as always is convenience and time-saving. Electrolux’s Grand Cuisine range, for example, includes a ‘blast chiller’ - something only usually found in professional kitchens. Blast chilling is a method of cooling food very quickly down to a low temperature which keeps it relatively safe from bacterial growth. As well as food, it can perfectly chill ten bottles of wine or champagne in 30 minutes, and crucially it doesn’t produce ice crystals, which means the texture of the food is perfectly preserved, making it particularly good for freeze-drying fruit such as raspberries.
Grand Cuisine’s blast chiller
As technology continues to advance, there is no doubt that we shall see many more innovative products and systems that provide added convenience. The exponential development of AI is particularly exciting, if also a little scary! But whatever the future holds, we will be ready. We have always embraced new technologies in whatever form they take. Meanwhile we look forward to working with our first client looking for somewhere to park their submarine. Watch this space…