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Smart Kitchen Design

Tech Showcase Kitchen

Where Smart Home Technology Meets Precision Craftsmanship

Pasadena, CA
2024
6 weeks

Project Overview

This Pasadena kitchen proves that smart home integration doesn't require sacrificing timeless design. Motion sensors activate toe kick and under-cabinet lighting upon entry—3200K warm white at 20% brightness for nocturnal navigation. Magnetic door switches illuminate pantry interiors automatically. Voice commands adjust 24V RGBW zones across the space. The technology is invisible. The cabinetry, measured to 1/100th of an inch for perfect symmetry, reads as pure Euro minimalism in Swiss Coffee white. Every surface hides the intelligence beneath.

The construction details matter. 3/4" maple plywood throughout—no particleboard, no shortcuts. Hand-cut dovetail drawer joinery provides structural integrity that survives decades of daily use. Blum Tandembox undermount slides and soft-close hinges deliver precision German engineering on every door and drawer. Behind the clean Euro shaker facades, Z-Wave sensors and 24V LED drivers create responsive lighting zones controlled via smartphone or voice. The result: minimalist aesthetics with maximum intelligence.

Lighting Architecture

A Z-Wave mesh network coordinates motion detection, magnetic door sensors, and 24V RGBW LED drivers across independent zones. The system enables programmable lighting scenes that adjust color temperature (2700K-6500K) and intensity simultaneously. Motion sensors trigger low-level accent lighting (toe kick, under-cabinet) for nocturnal use. Voice commands or smartphone interface provide manual override. The 24V DC system eliminates heat buildup in confined spaces while drawing minimal standby power.

Precision Construction Details

Dimensional Accuracy
Every component measured and fabricated to 1/100th inch tolerance. This level of precision ensures perfect symmetry, seamless alignment, and reveal consistency across the entire installation. The result reads as a single cohesive volume rather than assembled parts.
Blum Hardware Systems
Austrian-engineered Blum Tandembox undermount drawer slides and 110-degree soft-close hinges throughout. Hydraulic damping provides controlled closing from any angle. Rated for 80,000+ cycles—lifetime performance under daily residential use.
Dovetail Drawer Construction
Traditional hand-cut dovetail joinery on all drawer boxes. The interlocking design provides superior racking resistance and longevity compared to doweled or stapled construction. Heritage craftsmanship meeting contemporary application.
Bosch 800 Series Integration
18" Bosch 800 Series dishwasher (42dB operation) integrated into custom cabinetry. The compact footprint liberates valuable base cabinet real estate while maintaining European performance standards. Stainless finish coordinates with professional ventilation hood.

Integration Challenges

Hiding all automation wiring behind finished surfaces—zero visible tech
Addressed through precision fabrication, custom wire routing, and systematic automation programming
Syncing magnetic sensors with Blum soft-close without interference
Addressed through precision fabrication, custom wire routing, and systematic automation programming
Installing lighting in tight spaces while maintaining code compliance
Addressed through precision fabrication, custom wire routing, and systematic automation programming
Programming scenes that feel natural, not robotic
Addressed through precision fabrication, custom wire routing, and systematic automation programming

Featured Smart Systems

Three integrated technologies that enhance functionality without compromising design:

Hidden activation

Magnetic Door Activation

Pantry doors integrate magnetic reed switches that trigger interior LED strips upon opening. The contact-free system eliminates visible hardware while providing instant task lighting exactly when needed. Automatic shutoff upon closing conserves energy and maintains clean aesthetic lines.

Technology Integration:
Seamlessly integrated Z-Wave automation hidden behind premium craftsmanship—technology that enhances daily life without disrupting timeless design.
Dynamic range

Full-Spectrum Color Control

24V RGBW LED strips enable independent zone control across the entire color spectrum. Programmable scenes adjust both color temperature (2700K-6500K) and intensity levels. Task mode delivers 5000K bright white for food preparation. Ambient mode shifts to 2700K warm tones for entertaining. Voice or app activation.

Technology Integration:
Seamlessly integrated Z-Wave automation hidden behind premium craftsmanship—technology that enhances daily life without disrupting timeless design.
Adaptive response

Motion-Responsive Lighting

Occupancy sensors activate toe kick and under-cabinet LED zones automatically upon entry. Pre-programmed to 3200K at 20% intensity for nocturnal use—sufficient for navigation without disrupting circadian rhythm. Vacancy detection triggers gradual fade-out, conserving energy while maintaining seamless user experience.

Technology Integration:
Seamlessly integrated Z-Wave automation hidden behind premium craftsmanship—technology that enhances daily life without disrupting timeless design.

Project Gallery

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Project Specifications

Construction:3/4" Premium Maple Plywood
Finish:Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee White
Millwork:Custom Crown Molding
Hardware:Blum Soft-Close Hinges & Undermount Drawer Slides
Drawer Joinery:Hand-Cut Dovetail
Ventilation:Industrial Victory Vent Hood
Smart Lighting:24V RGBW LED Smart System
Appliances:Bosch 800 Series 18" Dishwasher

Cabinet Style:Modern Euro Shaker
Automation:Z-Wave Home Assistant Integration
Timeline:6 weeks

Smart Features:
Measured to 1/100th Inch for Perfect Symmetry
Custom Crown Molding Throughout Upper Cabinets
Blum Soft-Close Hinges on All Doors
Blum Undermount Soft-Close Drawer Slides
Hand-Cut Dovetail Drawer Joinery
24V RGBW LED Throughout - Full Color Spectrum
Motion Sensors Auto-Trigger Warm Accent Lighting
Magnetic Door-Activated Pantry Lighting
Bosch 800 Series 18" Dishwasher
Voice & App Control All Lighting Zones
Industrial Victory Professional Vent Hood
5.0 Rating
The intelligence is completely invisible until you want to demonstrate it. Guests admire the clean Euro aesthetic, then watch the space transform when I activate different lighting scenes. It's sophisticated technology that doesn't announce itself—exactly what modern design should be.
David Chen
Pasadena, CA
Tech Showcase Kitchen

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