A private raised patio in the small backyard further extends and expands the space into the outdoors.

Behar sums it up: "Locking and unlocking your door from anywhere is just another way that August is transforming the way you experience your home [via] packaging, software, and hardware." August Connect is on sale now for delivery in mid‐February 2015 for $49.95; visit August.com, Amazon.com, or an Apple store for more information.

The neutral color palette extends to the kitchen, which is overhung by several pendant globes.

The top floor holds two offices—one for the husband, the other for the wife. Hers opens out onto a small private deck furnished with wire Eames chairs.

Without WiFI assistance, the Bluetooth-compatible August Smart Lock relies on digital "keys" to unlock the front door, enabled only when the keyholder is within immediate range. The new Connect device taps into internet service to allow locking and unlocking from anywhere and to keep an eye on any door activity remotely.

Renowned industrial designer and August co-founder Yves Béhar says, "To keep with the August belief in discreet and elegantly integrated designs, the August Connect is small and plugs into any wall outlet within fifteen feet of the lock. The box, like the original August Smart Lock, is a clean geometry with a distinct chamfered edge. A single LED light on the front subtly notifies you that the device is working, but otherwise the product remains hidden."

The master suite is a large space anchored by a custom-built "island" that holds the bed on one end and bathroom vanity on the other (see next slide). “Since we didn’t want to push the whole house out to open up more space, I added a deck instead of altering the footprint,” says Juilland. The result, he says, is a cozy bedroom that doesn't feel confined.

From the start of the project, a tangible connection to the rear garden was at the top of the clients’ wish list. This fluid transition from the living room is enhanced by ceiling height steel framed double-glazed sliders. Clerestory windows bring additional light in, and enhance the feeling of openness.

The idea develops further...

An aluminum-framed door leading to the terrace provides an added sense of depth, integrating outside with inside. Here, the metal contrasts sharply with the natural birch flooring.

The coffee table is from Baxter & Liebchen and the custom felt rug is by Karkula; built-in daybeds by woodworker Rick Bradbury feature cushions by Chelsea Workroom upholstered in vintage Maharam fabric and leather.

Throughout the cabin, custom built-ins, like a folding table by Bar Harbor woodworker Rick Bradbury, pack maximum utility into a streamlined package.

The living room leads to a private outdoor patio. Before the renovation, the slightly below grade area was in plain sight to passersby, as it lays adjacent to the public walkway into the building. This less-than-ideal setup was addressed in the redesign by adding a slatted cedar perimeter fence, along with tall trees and shrubs. Clever hidden doors conceal patio storage under the entry walkway.

The skylight in the kitchen keeps things quite bright.

The renovation, which focused on the living-dining-kitchen area, strikes a balance between intimate and inviting, hence the project's name, the Open/Private apartment.

BRCK by UshahidiThink information is beautiful? A reliable internet connection is still hard to come by in much of Africa, especially in areas that have shaky infrastructure and regular power outages. BRCK, the much-anticipated modem from non-profit Ushahidi, is rugged enough for sandstorms, all-day blackouts, and up to 20 people (though probably about seven at full speed), should be ready to ship by April. “If it works in Africa, it’ll work anywhere,” Ushahidi’s Juliana Rotich says.

From its locally quarried stone foundation to its zinc-coated copper roof, the cottage was inspired by its surroundings. “We talked a lot with our client about what the materiality would be,” says architect Karen Stonely, who, citing the organic style of Bar Harbor architect Robert Patterson, designed the structure with wood rather than drywall.

Tech enthusiasts will recognize August Smart Lock as the DIY security device that allows homeowners to create virtual keys for guests to come and go. Design seekers will notice the second-generation lock, soon to ship, has a more tactile, intuitive form profile that resembles a traditional knob. The latest model is also Apple Homekit enabled.

You play music on the Pulse through the company’s app, and as you add Bluesound players, you can play through multiple speakers as you move between rooms.

“If the kitchen is where most time is spent, consider a smart appliance, like Samsung’s refrigerators with Wi-Fi. For a smaller commitment, a smart thermometer, like Williams-Sonoma’s, can monitor cooking progress and send alerts directly to a smartphone."

Douglas fir-framed windows by Dynamic Architectural Windows & Doors offer layered indoor-outdoor views.

The apartment's entryway features a hidden storage wall and media console.

The outside deck, made of local celery-top pine, welcomes both humans and the natural landscape further into the house.

A bit of private space between the apartment and the street.

And why the "with Disney"? Thanks to a partnership with Disney, Circle with Disney users have access to Disney videos, music, games, blogs, GIFs, and more, via each user's MyCircle dashboard. Disney aside, the dashboard is where each family memeber can track their filters, time online, and more. You can learn more about Circle with Disney and purchase it on their website here.

The Circle with Disney ($99) device is this small 3.25 inch cube whose rechargeable internal battery means it can't be deactivated by children. How does it work? Circle with Disney isn't a router but uses your existing internet setup. It employs "ARP spoofing," a technique that can be used to hack networks, to actually safeguard your WiFi. As your data moves between home devices and your router, it's redirected to this device for encryption and monitoring.

All your surfing history stays in the Circle device and is never shared. While it instantly detects all your home devices, it only works with iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) with iOS 8 or later. Physically, Circle with Disney is small and inconspicuous. An ethernet cable port means you can connect it directly to the router if your internet is 60 MBps or faster. However, its simple exterior belies the wide range of features that let you manage and monitor, in detail, your home's online activity.

A guest bedroom leads to a private deck.

Bluesound plays from services including Rdio and TuneIn Radio, with Spotify recently announced. The biggest name in the home Wi-Fi audio market, Sonos, can handle more services.

For skipping tracks without using your phone, the Pulse has dedicated hard buttons on the top of the speaker, as well.

Wi-Fi Plant Sensor Indoor by Koubachi, $99 Who says recreation has to be noisy? Watch plants grow like magic while monitoring statistics on the dirt’s water content, temperature, and light exposure. If you’re especially prone to botanicide, the sensor can be set to remind you to water the plants, too.

Scrubby Bay is completely private yet still connected—guests have access to Wi-Fi, digital television, and even laundry services and catered meals.

Sea Oaks - Waterfront Estate

The master bedroom occupies a private space on the top floor.

Apple announced the August would be among the first devices to work with their forthcoming iOS 8 HomeKit system. That means the stakes are high enough for the designers and programmers to deliver something that’s seamlessly functional and actually pretty.