The Pole House is a distinctive part of the landscape on the Great Ocean Road here in Victoria. One of Australia's smartest people bought it when it finally came up for sale by the original pylon engineer who had built it initially in the 1960s. Like many people who actually do something really useful for society this gentleman is incredibly modest and unassuming but has an unbridled love for good music and video.

We were called in at the early stages to conceptualise and iterate the audio visual systems and automation. Peculiar to this residence is the fact that the Pole House itself is available for lease to holidaymakers and needs to be able to operate both independantly and contiguously with the new primary residence that has been constructed on the hillside behind it.

Additionally the Audio Visual had to be of a standard that was up to the demands of one of Australia's most discerning audiophiles and the automation had to be up to the requirements of a T1- T4 type paraplegiac. The home systems are operated via Control4, this automation product that Carlton Audio Visual has been purveying and installing since 2004 is now Australia's leading home integration system for combining all of your lighting, AV control, HVAC and other functions with elegance and simple accesability.

The project was very nearly derailed in its early stages by what can only be described as vindictive and vexatious litigation by local political forces who tried to claim that the run down fibro bungalow on the concrete pole was worthy of architectural heritage listing. Fortunately reason prevailed, however at great stress, delay, and needless expense to the new owners, and they were able to create something absolutely beautiful.

If you ever have the opportunity to go to Fairhaven and stay at the Pole House you must take it. It is one of the worlds unique residential experiences.