Mission objective: integrate everything. Lighting, HVAC, audio/video, security, access control, and CCTV systems all controllable and accessible through one central easy-to-use platform. This was the ultimate goal of the systems designed for this project. Audio from sources such as AM, FM, and XM radio tuners and Kaleidescape music players can be routed to any of the home’s 32 audio zones, including three surround sound areas. Video from sources such as high definition satellite receivers, Kaleidescape movie players or one of the 32 cameras can be displayed on any of the home’s five plasma televisions, wired touch panels and in the dedicated home theater. The sixteen HVAC zones and can be monitored and controlled via any of the fourteen touch panels throughout the home. Whole house lighting including LED and fiber optic sub-systems can be controlled through the touch panels or keypads. The security system can be monitored, armed or disarmed through the touch panels. Select operations can be performed remotely by the homeowner through an E-Control application. Cameras and security status can be viewed, security system can be armed, climate controls can be monitored and adjusted and lighting scenes can be activated from a virtual touch panel on the homeowner’s computer.
The greatest challenge to this massive integration project was its duration. Over five years passed between the original design phase and the final completion. Technology continued to evolve and the desire to have the “latest and greatest” forced multiple product changes and updates. Compounding our efforts was the fact that the client decided to move into the homes upstairs living areas first, leaving the basement unfinished, which coincidentally, is where our four equipment racks were located. The result was twice the normal installation phases of a typical new construction project.
Our client did not want his passion for electronics to detract from the aesthetics of the home. We installed lifts, designed custom cabinetry, and utilized stretched-fabric wall designs to preserve the elegance of the home.
