Best Crestron Ecosystem Project Powered by XiO Cloud Technology

The Dublin City University Polaris Building by Hereworks

As the team at Hereworks notes, “Hereworks has been a trusted audio-visual technology (AV) partner of Dublin City University (DCU) since 2016, helping them in their digital transformation. Over the years, we have developed a deep understanding of DCU's evolving technological needs as well as its existing infrastructure. This long-standing partnership laid the foundation for our involvement in the Polaris Building project (formerly known as the Future Technology Building).

The firm has a long history of successful collaborations with DCU, including input from ISS, lecturers, and administrators. “This gave us the insight and expertise to deliver innovative, high-quality AV solutions that align with DCU's vision of a modern, technology-driven campus. From the very beginning, our role in this project was clear: to provide a state-of-the-art AV infrastructure that would empower DCU to enhance STEM education, support cutting-edge research, and enable seamless hybrid learning experiences.”

“Crestron's DM NVX AV-over-IP and centralized control solutions proved critical to achieving DCU’s goals for flexible teaching spaces, advanced research labs, and collaborative environments,” says the team at Hereworks. “By leveraging Crestron’s capabilities, Hereworks delivered a network-centric AV system that empowers faculty, enhances the student experience, and positions DCU as a leader in digital transformation.”

It followed, naturally, that Hereworks chose the Crestron XiO Cloud® technology operations management platform to handle their devices and spaces. “Adopting the XiO Cloud platform in the Polaris Building enables remote management and scalability, helping to make it a true state-of-the-art facility,” says Hereworks. As the judges noted, “The focus on hybrid classrooms and collaborative spaces is innovative and adaptable to future needs.” That “future-readiness” is just one aspect of this winning project, and part of why the project was honored for “the most outstanding combination of Crestron solutions, all managed through the XiO Cloud technology operations management platform.”

Here's a complete overview of The Dublin City University Polaris Building by Hereworks:

Best Crestron Home OS Project

The David Holmes Residence by Custom Sight & Sound, Ltd.

This award was designed “to honor the residential project that best utilizes the Crestron Home® OS, Crestron custom solutions, or a combination of both to enhance the homeowner’s lived experience.” In this instance, that “lived experience” is truly remarkable.

The home is specially designed for David Holmes, the subject of the HBO documentary “The Boy Who Lived,” which tells his story of being gravely injured while working as a stunt double for Daniel Radcliffe during the filming of a “Harry Potter” film. Custom Sight & Sound (CSS) sums up the project: “We were approached by a disability specialist in 2010, having been recommended by Crestron, to design solutions for David Holmes after he had been severely disabled in a flight scene during filming. From a groundbreaking installation in 2012 to a meticulously planned upgrade in 2024, this high-tech house is a testament to innovation, adaptability, determination, and the power of collaboration.”

Over the last 15 years, Holmes’ needs have evolved, and CSS returned to the project with an upgrade. The CSS team notes that “Crestron was simply the only option. They were and remain the only manufacturer who provided a solution for each of David's specific needs, from automated lighting and shading, motorized doors and windows, a car lift, every aspect of audio video, and so much more. Any other approach would have meant piecing together lesser solutions.” Voice control was also extremely helpful in realizing the ultimate solution.

“This is not just a smart solution for a client who has the ability to pay for solutions for convenience and enjoyment. These are solutions that allow someone a level of freedom and dignity that would otherwise be completely denied. Prior to moving into his new home, David required full-time, 24-hour care for every daily function, no matter how simple. The new home and the technology that it provided meant that for extended periods of time, he could now live alone. As David says, ‘This house changed my life.’”

The judges were very impressed: “This project demonstrates how smart home technology can profoundly improve quality of life, setting a high standard in this category. The combination of advanced voice control, seamless integration, and a deep understanding of the client’s needs is exceptional.”

Take a look at the inspirational David Holmes Residence by Custom Sight & Sound, Ltd: