Future technology for the modern day.

Brief

Technology is part of everyday life but it doesn't need to be the centre of attention. This whole home automation project aimed to bring the latest technology into the home without spoiling the clean lines of the open plan living area. Central to the project was creating an audio solution powerful enough for vibrant parties but equally suitable for day to day use watching the TV without impacting the aesthetic of the main wall with a wood burning stove as the focal point.

Design

The wood buring stove, visible from everywhere in the open plan living area is centrally placed on a large wall with feature windows opening on to the garden on the adjacent wall. Speaker grills on this wall would detract from the look so invisible speakers were the obvious choice. The TV is flush mounted into the wall on an articulating bracket so that it can be left flush against the wall when not in use but pulled out for a more comfortable viewing angle.

Lighting throughout the house is intelligent and can be controlled by selecting scenes depending on the use of the room. Scene control enables you to set all the individual light circuits for a room depending on the current use. When preparing a meal the kitchen surfaces can be brightly lit but when you sit down to dine, these areas can be dimmed, a gentle glow set over the dining table and the accent lights over decorative features in the room turned on. You can use your phone for control or ask Alexa but more importantly there is still a switch on the wall to press to get the scene you want without having to get your phone out of your pocket (or from the other room).

Equipment choice

Amina invisible speakers were key in achieving the look the client wanted. Completely invisible and part of the wall, there is no impact on the decor. Audio performance is excellent and with a discreet sub added (only visible as a small slot in the skirting) engaging audio fills the whole of the open plan area.

Control4 provides the home automation solution controlling everything from lighting to windows, door entry to audio and video. Each TV has its own remote control supplemented by apps on phones, lighting keypads and a touch screen integrated in to the wall of the kitchen.

Installation

We were involved from the start of the renovation project and were able to ensure that suitable cabling was installed for all elements that might want to be automated. A central rack was used to ensure that all technology equipment was located centrally, reducing clutter and noise in rooms throughout the house and facilitating the multi room aspects of audio and video so that TV audio can be heard in the garden during a world cup BBQ.

 

Result

We were very proud to be chosen as winners of the CEDIA Best integrated home for this project. We feel that it was an excellent example of what can be done and the judges at CEDIA agree. The clients are equally pleased and continue to enjoy their smart home.