Prestige Custom Builders and ABB are setting a new standard for luxury living, bringing smart, connected energy management to the modern home
In the sun-drenched enclave of Crystal Beach, Texas, luxury is taking on a new meaning. Beyond sweeping ocean views and elegant design, today’s homeowners want something more — homes that are connected, efficient, and ready for the energy demands of tomorrow. For Prestige Custom Builders, meeting that expectation meant going beyond bricks and beams — and into the world of smart energy automation.
Luxury Meets Intelligence
At its latest Gulf Coast project, Prestige Custom Builders teamed up with ABB to bring a new level of intelligence to residential power management. The collaboration resulted in a home that’s not only architecturally stunning, but also a showcase of ABB’s latest residential energy technology — including the ReliaHome™ Load Center, circuit breakers, AC disconnects, internal surge protection, and the system’s centerpiece: the ABB Smart Panel.
Smarter Energy, Greater Control
For both homeowners and short-term rental owners, energy usage is an increasingly important part of the ownership experience. High-end appliances, EV chargers, and fluctuating guest behavior all contribute to unpredictable consumption patterns — and rising utility bills.
ABB’s ReliaHome Smart Panel changes that equation. Through the ReliaHome app, users can view real-time electricity use by circuit or appliance, receive instant notifications when loads are activated, and remotely control power flow — all from their smartphone.
“The Smart Panel allows the customer to monitor their energy usage and consumption, making sure they know how much they’re spending each time they rent out their house,” says Landon Wright, Owner and President, Prestige Custom Builders. “It’s about giving homeowners both control and insight — two things that were previously out of reach.”
Simplified Installation, Future-Ready Design
For builders and electricians, the ReliaHome Smart Panel offers another major advantage: simplicity. Unlike conventional load centers that often require service upgrades or additional panels when new appliances are added, ABB’s modular design integrates seamlessly with emerging home technologies — from EV chargers to smart water heaters.
“I’ve installed a few of these systems already,” says David Mejia, an electrician who worked on the Crystal Beach project. “It’s very technical-friendly — not time-consuming, super simple, super easy to deal with.”
Compatibility is another strong point. The Smart Panel works with any brand of load center, making it ideal for both new builds and retrofit projects — a key advantage for Prestige, which balances custom luxury homes with spec developments. In retrofit applications, it installs faster than traditional alternatives, saving valuable time for contractors and reducing disruption for homeowners.
A Shift in How Homes Are Built
The Crystal Beach project also reflects a broader trend across the building industry. As electrification, automation, and sustainability converge, builders are recognizing that electrical infrastructure is no longer just a utility — it’s a selling point.
“For us, it’s not just about building beautiful homes — it’s about building homes that are ready for what’s next,” Wright explained. “Our customers want to know they’re investing in technology that will serve them for years to come.”
Partnerships like the one between Prestige and ABB show how builders, electricians, and technology providers can collaborate to accelerate adoption of smarter residential systems. With ABB’s suite of connected products, energy management becomes more intuitive — from installation to everyday use.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Crystal Beach installation has Prestige planning to integrate ABB’s smart energy solutions across its upcoming developments.
“We are looking to continue adding ABB’s Smart Panels to our projects, whether it’s a custom home build or a spec home,” Wright said. “We’re focused on giving homeowners the ability to control their home wirelessly, wherever they are.”
For ABB and its partners, the project demonstrates how connected technologies can enhance both sustainability and convenience. And for homeowners, it shows that managing energy doesn’t have to be complicated — it can be as simple as a tap on a smartphone.
Because in the homes of the future, luxury isn’t just about how a space looks — it’s about how intelligently it runs.
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