ESSAY
Low-Key, High-Tech
Please discuss the client’s expectations. The request was for a home automation system that can control as many individual systems as possible according to the specified budget. Because the residence was quite big and it spread out on only one main floor, and it also included a huge outdoor garden area, the customer requested priority on control of the lighting and shading systems, cameras, and security. In addition to that, the customer requested a distributed music system that could cover all areas. Briefly describe the overall scope of the system. A centralized system was used for lighting and shading control. It was chosen mostly due to its well-known reliability and elegant keypads, which satisfied the interior designer’s needs. The system was also used to control other house functions, such as motorized gates and doors, and mechanical services, such as the electric water heater and the hot water secondary pump, something that took out of the equation any aesthetically displeasing switches outside bathrooms or bathrooms. Control4 was the system used for the A/V part of the house because it would satisfy natively all the audio streaming and Internet capabilities. We used an HD 8 x 8 video matrix by AMX to provide the client with a video distribution system that is reliable and fast and that can transfer HD quality to all the displays, including the projector. Video sources included Blu-ray players around the house that could be watched on any TV, a media player that can stream movies from the same server (NAS) on which the music is stored, Apple TV for renting and buying online movie and TV shows as well as for online services like YouTube, and, of course, satellite receivers. The automation system additionally controls the shading system and, in the TV room specifically, the external shutters can provide full sunlight control that makes it possible for the client to enjoy the projector-based system during the day. In the same way, another home cinema system was installed at the living room, which could be used during family time when the client might watch a movie with his children or with friends and guests. Special invisible speakers and a subwoofer were specified and installed so that they would not clash visually with the ceiling and decoration of the room. All security cameras were also integrated through IP interfaces and are available on the touch panels. The client can control and monitor the system through the automation system. The residence’s main gate and two exit/entry doors were also connected and there can be controlled and monitored from the system.
TIME AND EXPERTISE
137
CEDIA Idea Book
entry IH11
Through a number of tabletop and wall touch panels, as well as various iPads and smartphones, the client is able to control most systems in his house seamlessly. The use of a special (Digital Loggers) IP power control device, as a rebooting device, enables the customer to turn on and off the wireless system from the wired touch panels. This device also offers a sense of security with regard to the system’s reliability, as it also monitors all network devices and reboots them when necessary. With Furman’s surge protectors and a UPS, the system is as reliable as it can be. Finally, we provided the client with external control through his iPad and smartphone so that he can control and monitor all the systems when he is away. What challenges, if any, affected your ability to deliver the project as specified? The residence is elegant and minimalistic. The challenge was to integrate touchscreens and an equipment rack so it would not disturb the characteristic elements of the home. The large rack was hidden in a closet and can be wheeled out on rails for maintenance. Discuss your accomplishments with integration and automation of this project. We selected components for their quality as well as for the experience our team had with integrating these brands and components. This was a great opportunity to bring the whole residence together: multiroom AV, home cinema, intelligent lighting, climate control, security, and access control. What makes this system worthy of recognition? The phrase “high tech but low key” characterizes this installation. Speakers are elegantly installed in the ceilings. Technology is only revealed through the touch panels and control pads. Hand-inhand cooperation with the interior designer made this a project exceptionally aesthetically pleasing. Describe the client’s needs and requests for the architecture and interior design portion of this entry. The client had an Asian and minimalistic approach in mind. The whole house is on one level and very open. The client has a landscaping and nursery business, hence the grounds are spectacular and the outdoor spacing is equally important.
Task Hours Client Interviews 16 Electronic Design and Engineering 40 Proposal and System Documentation Preparation 24 Project Management 60 Pre-wire/Rough-in 40 Trim-out 40 Shop Time for Racking and Testing 40 Programming 80 Final Installation and Calibration 120 Client Instruction 8 Interior Design and/or Architecture by Your Company 10 Interior Design and/or Architecture by Others 100 Project Management by Others 40 Other Time 0 Total Hours to Complete 618
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