When vision, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology align, the result can be breathtaking. Such is the case with the newly unveiled Alpha 1 residence in Aspen — a multigenerational family retreat that has graced the cover of LUXE Magazine and captured the attention of design enthusiasts everywhere. Xssentials is proud to have been part of this remarkable journey.
A Masterpiece in the Mountains
Nestled in the heart of Aspen’s alpine majesty, Alpha 1 is more than just a house. It’s a sanctuary. A statement. A legacy. Designed by the visionary team at Charles Cunniffe Architects (CCA), this home stands as a testament to the power of architecture to blend artistry with soul.
Featured on the cover of LUXE Magazine, Alpha 1 was created as a private haven for a multigenerational family seeking not only luxury, but serenity, purpose, and connection. Its design draws from the landscape, embracing panoramic views, natural materials, and a rhythm of spaces that fosters both community and quiet reflection.
But while its design is rooted in timeless principles, Alpha 1 is also a marvel of modern living — and that’s where we at Xssentials came in.
The Intersection of Design and Technology
At Xssentials, we believe smart home technology should be as invisible as it is intuitive. Our mission is to enhance living through seamless integration — technology that works in harmony with the environment, architecture, and daily life.
Working alongside CCA and a dream team of industry leaders, our role in the Alpha 1 project was to elevate the residence’s functionality without disrupting its form. From custom lighting control to whole-home automation, our systems are designed to melt into the background while empowering the homeowners with comfort, security, and effortless control.
As with every project, our approach began with listening. What were the needs of this family? How could technology support their lifestyle — both when the house was bustling with grandchildren and quiet with just a couple seeking respite?
Through collaboration with the architects, designers, and the homeowners themselves, we curated a full suite of smart home systems that delivered on three key promises: simplicity, reliability, and elegance.
Inside the Alpha 1 Experience
Let’s take a peek at some of the standout features Xssentials contributed to this award-winning home:
1. Lighting That Responds Like Nature
Working in partnership with Robert Singer Lighting, we designed a lighting system that shifts with the time of day, echoing the natural cycles outside. Whether it’s soft, ambient lighting in the early morning or dramatic evening scenes that enhance the home’s architectural features, the system can adapt with a single touch or automatically — depending on the homeowner’s preferences.
2. Climate and Energy Control
With partners like North 39 Energy and Active Energies, Alpha 1 was engineered for sustainability. We added smart climate control systems that optimize energy use based on occupancy, weather patterns, and room-by-room preferences. The result? A home that’s as comfortable as it is efficient — and always ready, whether for a full house or a quiet weekend.
3. Security Without Sacrifice
Privacy and security were paramount for this family. We implemented discreet, robust systems that offer peace of mind — without ever feeling intrusive. Integrated cameras, access control, and remote monitoring are all part of the experience, providing layers of protection that blend seamlessly with the home’s architecture.
Collaboration: The Key Ingredient
The success of the Alpha 1 project is, at its core, a story of collaboration. CCA’s leadership and architectural vision were matched by a cast of talented partners, including:
- Hansen Construction
- KL&A
- Sopris Engineering
- BG Buildingworks
- Colorado Pool Designs
- DHM
- CTL Thompson
- Roaring Fork Engineering
- Delos
- Bulthaup (whose kitchen designs are showstoppers in their own right)
Every detail was deliberate. Every component, considered. And through it all, we were privileged to contribute our expertise to an environment defined by peace, luxury, and belonging.
Living With Intention: What Alpha 1 Means Today
There’s something truly special about working on a project that’s designed for family. Alpha 1 isn’t just a retreat — it’s a place where memories are made, traditions are passed down, and generations can gather in comfort and style.
It reflects a growing trend we see among discerning homeowners: the desire for meaningful design. Not just what a home looks like, but how it feels. How it works. How it supports life in all its complexity.
Technology plays a crucial role in this. But only when it’s thoughtfully integrated.
Our goal at Xssentials is always to enhance the living experience without ever overwhelming it. To give people control without confusion. To build systems that simply work — reliably, intuitively, and beautifully.
Alpha 1 is the embodiment of that philosophy.
From Cover to Cornerstone
Being featured on the cover of LUXE Magazine is a moment of well-earned recognition for everyone involved. But beyond the accolades, it’s the experience of Alpha 1 that truly resonates — both for the family who lives there and the team that brought it to life.
At Xssentials, we’re proud to stand behind the scenes of this masterpiece. We’re proud of our role in shaping a home that feels as extraordinary as it looks. And we’re proud to collaborate with architects and designers who, like CCA, never settle for less than visionary.
A Final Word of Thanks
To Charles Cunniffe and the CCA team — Charles, Erica Delak, Karen Woods, Jim Guffey, Courtney Nystrom, Rich Pavcek, Joe Lewis, and Chad Molliconi — thank you for inviting us into your vision. To the homeowners who placed their trust in us, thank you for allowing us to contribute to your family’s story.
And to the broader design community — we see you, and we’re honored to work alongside you.
For those dreaming of a home that balances technology with tranquility, design with depth, and luxury with legacy — Alpha 1 is proof it’s possible.
Explore Alpha 1
Curious to see more of this incredible home? Take a tour of Alpha 1 and read the full LUXE Magazine feature at cunniffe.com, and be sure to follow Xssentials for more behind-the-scenes looks at the homes redefining smart living.