The Client came to us during the framing stages of their new build. The goal was to design an integrated system encompassing whole home lighting control, audio, video, motorized draperies and a tasteful media/screening room.
The Client came to us during the framing stages of their new build. The goal was to design an integrated system encompassing whole home lighting control, audio, video, motorized draperies and a tasteful media/screening room.
From the beginning heavy emphasis was put on simplicity and ease of use. Although the client embraces technology, much time is spent traveling abroad and at their other properties, so a system that required little to no learning curve was essential. Wall scarring and banks of light switches were eliminated thanks to our lighting control system.
Gate access and camera feedback is available on any touch screen in the home. We designed a proprietary subsystem, in conjunction with the wine cellar consultants, when the wine cellar door is opened, the compressor shuts off, thereby allowing a serene environment in which to hand pick just the right wine.
The challenges of a project such as this are the timelines. Framing and rough in took 18 months. Our infrastructure wiring was done in stages, proper documentation was crucial to the project’s success especially when you take in account that we ran in excess of forty five thousand feet of wire throughout the home.
A formal Georgian style home such as this has some restrictions in terms of allowing visible technology, for this reason many unique amenities populate the home. In the formal library a wireless controller sits out only when needed and the Elite plasma rises out of a custom built motorized lift enclosure. In the screening room, technology is hidden until the show begins, the screen is housed in the bulkhead and the projector resides in its own custom built, ventilated hush box. The Screening Room’s Equipment rack is housed inside a built in bar. The rack that holds the whole home equipment is in the main hallway, concealed within handcrafted wooden millwork.
Technology abounds in this home, but you would be hard pressed to find it, of the twelve displays and televisions in the home, only two are visible when not in use. We worked along side the Interior Designer to ensure that technology and décor blended seamlessly
An elaborate, intricate system that is easy to use is the calling card of a properly integrated home. System design, documentation and forethought on everyone’s part made for a fantastic finished product. Touch panel interfaces are intuitively designed to provide one button operation. Reliability and robustness are also important in a home such as this; to this end we chose Vantage Controls and Elan Home Systems.
Lighting Control: Gone are the unsightly banks of switches. The functions of All Off, Goodnight and Good Morning are the most commonly used functions as the whole home will respond to the touch of one button beside the Master Bed. Good Morning initiates lighting in the Ensuite and the opening of the draperies.
Winner of Level III GOLD Technical Design award for Integrated Home – $341,000 to $440,000 – in CEDIA’s Electronic Lifestyles Awards competition.