As luxury home design continues to evolve toward deeper connections with the natural world, a quiet revolution is taking place – one where cutting-edge technology and curated landscapes enhance each other in ways that feel less like features and more like experiences.
At NextHaus Alliance, this evolution is second nature. Based in Chicago, our collective of design-build professionals is committed to sustainability, performance, and collaboration. And for us, outdoor living is never an afterthought.
Two of our trusted alliance members — Brian Perreault, President of Barrett’s Technology Solutions, and Robert Hursthouse, President of Hursthouse Landscape Architects — are leading voices in this space. Their work across some of the Midwest’s most spectacular homes reflects a shared ethos: outdoor environments should not only extend a home’s function, but elevate it — quietly, beautifully, and sustainably.
Here, they share their approach to designing alfresco living spaces that work in every season and in perfect harmony.
The Next Chapter of Outdoor Living
Looking ahead, both Perreault and Hursthouse agree: the most exciting innovations will be the ones that fade into the background. “The best tech doesn’t announce itself,” Perreault says. “It adapts to your life, your environment, your taste.”
As systems become more intelligent and energy efficient, outdoor spaces are becoming even more aligned with sustainability goals. From EV-ready power hubs to grid-aware lighting, the line between luxury and responsibility continues to blur.
Yet amid all the innovation, the mission remains the same. “Our clients aren’t just asking for more features,” Hursthouse says. “They’re asking for more time — to be outdoors, to connect with family, to reconnect with nature. That’s what we’re designing for.”
See the full article on the Nexthaus Alliance website here.
