Project One
Brilliant Back Bay Brownstone
Project Story
Reliable Remote Monitoring and Management
Simple remote management was a top priority, and the use of a comprehensive Creston control interface allowed for easy, on-site monitoring and management of a diverse range of electronic components, including:
- Audio
- Video
- Security/surveillance
- Lighting
- Shading
- HVAC
- and more
With an intelligent control system designed for use through on-site touchpads and mobile devices, the family enjoys remote controls that span multiple properties.
Thoughtful Environmental Controls
Automated environmental controls set the stage for advanced, programmed shading of the entire residence, whether the family is present or away. Scheduled shading, which can be based on time of day or season, helps control interior heat gain/loss for optimal energy efficiency while also preventing UV fading on interior surfaces.
Comprehensive Management for Ample Electronics
With five stories from the wine cellar to the rooftop lounge, this brownstone features scores of electronics, including:
- 7 video zones
- 20 music zones
- 1 media room
- 150 lighting zones
- 18 HVAC/radiant heating zones
- and more
The smart home integration process included a comprehensive yet intuitive interface designed to monitor and manage AV systems, lighting (with presets for ambiance and activities), shading, HVAC, alarms, entryways and garage doors, communications, and more.
With an all-inclusive system of connectivity and control, along with remote monitoring and management for multiple properties, this brownstone is transformed into an innovative living space for a busy, modern family.
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Builder: F.H. Perry Builders
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Architect: Payne Collins Design, Inc.
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Interior Design: Slifer Designs, Edwards, CO
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Kitchen Design: Venegas and Company
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Photographer: Jared Kuzia
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Home Control: Crestron TSW-1050 Wall panels,
Crestron TST-600 Docking Station, Crestron POE gateway for TST panel -
TVs: Samsung
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Audio Streaming: Sonos
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Speakers: Leon, Sonance, Totem
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Amplifiers: Anthem
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Lighting Control: Lutron HomeWorks
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Shade Control: Lutron QS
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Networking: PakEdge
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Telephone/Intercom: Panasonic
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Surveillance: Holovision; ICRealtime
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Components: Apple TV, Opus Blu-Ray player, Sony Blu-Ray player
Cape Cod Cinematheque
Project Story
Visual Features
Video is the critical foundation of a good home theater, and this setup starts with an advanced Sony laser projector paired with a massive, 149” Stewart ultra-matte projection screen. Lighting elements include a fiber optic, color change ceiling, down lighting, LED column lighting, and step illumination to mimic the ambiance of a theater setting.
Audio Considerations
The JBL Synthesis system (processor, amps, speakers, etc.) brings cinema-quality surround sound into this oceanfront home. With a Dolby Atmos configuration, the setup offers unparalleled options to create presets and adjust volume, balance, and more. Fiberglass panels are hidden behind decorative wall fabric to enhance acoustics while minimizing sound transfer to adjacent rooms.
Smart Controls
Toggling between movies, sports, and gaming is simple with the intuitive Control4 system. This product offers access to a range of equipment and streaming services via a controller, smartphone, or tablet
With thoughtful design, and state-of-the-art equipment, features, and controls, this family enjoys a commercial theater experience in the comfort of their home.
WHAT THE CLIENT SAID
“AVD has created the most amazing home theatre experience in my ocean-front home, where my family and friends come to enjoy, relax and be entertained! AVD brings in the best materials and high-level personnel, including audio and video technicians who are the best in their respective fields. The system specifications were engineered to include one of the best and well-known audio companies in the business – JBL. Their Synthesis System, incorporating all the latest technologies and formats, are found in the best movie theatres. The video selection, a brand new, state-of-the-art Sony Laser projector, matched the unbelievable sound quality, engulfing everyone in the audience, allowing them to escape reality, even for just a couple of hours! The seating from Cinematech was over-the-top comfortable and elegant.One of the most important aspects to consider, when designing and building such a system, is post-installation service. AVD delivers with prompt responsiveness and an ability to solve any issues that may arise, including specific requests, such as presets to increase center channel volume or subwoofer punch.”
“I most highly recommend AVD to anyone considering adding or upgrading their home automation and entertainment systems. I would use them again and I actually am on another project!!!”
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Builder: Encore Construction
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Architect: Northside Design Associates
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Interior Designer: Barbara Kotzen, Kotzen Interiors
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Photographer: Greg Premru
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2017 Gold PRISM Award, BRAGB, Best Use of Smart Home Technology
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Home Control: Control4
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Whole House A/V: Control4 Distributed Audio
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AV Distribution: Control4 Audio Matrix
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Screen: 149” Stewart FilmScreen UltraMatte
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Speakers: JBL Synthesis speakers (Dolby Atmos configuration): surround sound, front channel, subwoofers and surround height (9.4.6 configuration)
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Projector: Sony VPL-VW5000ES
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Processors: JBL Synthesis Processor and Active Crossover
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Amplifiers: JBL Synthesis SDA-4600
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Seating: Cinematech
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Soundproofing: Cinematech ARS system; Kinetics Noise Control ISW Isolation hangers
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Components: JBL Synthesis Master ARCOS calibration, Apple TV, Roku Ultra, Microsoft Xbox One X, Kaleidescape Strato 4K Movie System
Salt Marsh Way
Project Story
Custom Lighting Controls
Oversized windows throughout the home allow for spectacular views and abundant natural light, prompting the need for automated shading to protect interior surfaces. Industrial rollers are programmed based on occupancy and time of day. Lutron HomeWorks lighting allows control of all illumination.
Hidden Electronics
Hidden equipment, cables, and other elements preserve the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of the interior. Networking equipment and cooling components are housed in a hallway behind stunning cherry wood doors. Extensive cabling runs unseen through the house, expertly corralled by wire management infrastructure. Built-in Sonance, Invisible Series speakers are installed unobtrusively in ceilings and cabinetry.
Seamless Automation and Integration
The Creston home control system integrates lighting, security, networking, and other components throughout the home. This provides all-inclusive control of lights, shades, HVAC, surveillance, entertainment, and computers through one centralized interface. Creston controls are accessible via touch panels or mobile interfaces with smartphones or tablets.
Smart home controls and hidden electronics bring modern technologies to life with minimal impact on the design of this Cape Cod home.
WHAT THE CLIENT SAID
“A complicated project done by the AVD’s professionals turned out remarkably well. Our home functions very well and is a pleasure to live in, thanks to their expertise.”
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Architect: Kenney Nickerson, British Columbia
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Builder: Steven Nickerson Building & Remodeling, Inc.
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2016 Silver BRICC Award for Excellence in Smart Technology
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Home Control: Crestron
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TVs: Sony
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Speakers: Revel; Triad Subwoofer; Leon; Sonance
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Automated Shades: Lutron
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Lighting Control: Lutron HomeWorks
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Networking: PakEdge
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Security/Surveillance: Honeywell
Pretty and Smart
Project Story
Smart Home Automation
The savvy Savant home control system offers unparalleled, whole-home control via in-wall iPads and smartphones to access and manage A/V equipment, intercom, and other technologies. A rack room on the lower level centralizes automation equipment and an enterprise-level network while housing video and music systems and cable boxes in one place.
Entertainment Options Galore
Audio and video are on tap in this upscale home, with options for entertainment in every room. Streaming music is available throughout, thanks to Sonance Architectural in-ceiling speakers and other audio equipment.
The lower-level media room features a Stewart wall screen and Epson projector, paired with built-in Totem Acoustics speakers, while the home gym down the hall delivers the 4K experience with a wall-mounted TV. The family room on the main level boasts a 60” 4K TV enhanced by a custom Leon soundbar designed to blend with the size and finish of their console.
A 55” 4K display is relatively inconspicuous in the master bedroom. Just a few steps up from the second floor, a private study features two-channel stereo equipment that’s perfect for the homeowner’s music collection. Integrated communication and A/V streaming capabilities permeate the home. With hidden integration and automation, technology brings this smart home to life.
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Builder & Remodeler: FBN Contstruction
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Interior Designer: Vani Sayeed, Vani Sayeed Studios
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Photographer: Nat Rea
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2016 Gold PRISM Award, BRAGB, Best Use of Home Technology
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Home Control: Savant
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Whole-House A/V: Savant
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Speakers: Leon, Totem Acoustic & Sonance
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Projector: Epson
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Screen: Stewart Film Screen
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Networking: Pakedge
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Intercom: Savant, Holo Vision
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Phone: Savant
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Security: Honeywell
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A/V Distribution: Savant
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Power processor(s): Panamax
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Components: Apple TV, RoKu, Xbox
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Amplifiers: Savant,
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Receiver(s): NAD
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Video Switching: Savant
Digital In Duxbury
Project Story
With an eye toward advanced technologies without invasive equipment to clutter the home, the A/V, lighting, security, and other systems are hidden or seamlessly incorporated. The final product? An innovative set of tools that does not detract from the style of the home.
Entertainment-Friendly Living Spaces
The fireplace wall in the family room is perfectly accented by a 75” Sony 4K TV, paired with a custom Leon LCR soundbar that’s designed to blend flawlessly with the size and finish of the entertainment system. A Totem Acoustic subwoofer is similarly camouflaged, thanks to in-wall installation. TV, streaming music, and lighting for this communal space are controlled with a handheld remote linked to the Control4 whole-house system.
The kitchen enjoys streaming music capabilities with discreet Sonance in-ceiling architectural speakers. Recessed ceiling lights and in-cabinet lighting offer dimmable illumination for function and ambiance.
Smart Controls Designed for Expansion
The audio, video, lighting, and networking components are easily managed with the intuitive Control4 home control platform. A centralized equipment rack is tucked away in a mechanical space on the second floor.
Unobtrusive elements, smart controls, and forward-thinking design add advanced technological capabilities and expansion potential to this elegant coastal property.
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Architect: Julia Chuslo Architects
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Builder/Remodeler: Colclough Construction
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Interior Designer: Kristen Terrio, VuDesign
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Photographer: Greg Premru
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Home Control: Control4 (EA Series)
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Whole-House A/V: Control 4
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TVs: Sony XBR (3), Samsung (1)
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Speakers: Leon, Totem Acoustic & Sonance
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Lighting Control: Lutron
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Networking: Pakedge
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Security: Honeywell
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A/V Distribution: Leaf Baluns
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Power processor(s): WattBox Power Conditioning
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Components: Apple TV, Local Cablebox
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Receiver(s): Sony ES Receiver
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Video Switching: Leaf 4K Matrix Switch
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Specialty: Middle Atlantic Rack
Tastefully Discreet
Project Story
Brilliant Lighting and Shading
Bay windows and skylights offer stunning views and great natural light but let in harsh daylight that can fade interior surfaces. Automated systems allow for easy management of both exterior and internal lighting sources.
Electric shades throughout the house are programmed for privacy and light control. Interior lights are integrated with the Savant home control system for easy adjustment through in-home keypads or personal mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. In the study, a custom-lit display cabinet is a standout addition, with programmed presets based on time of day and whether display spaces are open or closed.
Built-In Features with Hidden Appeal
With plenty of entertainment equipment in the home, camouflage was paramount. The solutions include several vital components housed in a mechanical room, while localized devices (media players, gaming consoles, etc.) are kept in cabinets equipped with specialized fans for function and safety.
Easy Control with Savant
The fully integrated Savant system includes control of not only lighting, shading, and advanced A/V systems but phone, intercom, security/surveillance, and much more. Every conceivable electronic element is seamlessly integrated with innovative concealment and simple controls that make the entire system easily accessible to homeowners.
WHAT THE CLIENT SAID
“I think customers want to deal with people that they can trust, people that are going to make good recommendations on equipment, and people who know how to install and service that equipment after the fact. Brad Smith’s people at Audio Video Design are simply outstanding. They are some of the best technical people I’ve dealt with…I found the attention that we got very focused, very timely. They worked in cadence with the rest of the construction of the home and did a magnificent job over what was essentially a two-and-a-half year project. And they stuck with it every day. We’re very pleased with the outcome….We’re looking forward to a long relationship as we add additional equipment and functionality to the our system. Frankly, I think not only have we engaged a company that did a terrific job for us, but I think we found some real friends.”
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Home Control: Savant
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TVs: Samsung & Sony
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Speakers: Leon, McIntosh, Totem Acoustic & Sonance
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Automated Shades: Lutron
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A/V Distribution: Savant
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Lighting Control: Lutron
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Networking: PakEdge
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Intercom: Holovision
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Phone: Panasonic
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Security: Honeywell
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Surveillance: Panasonic
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Power processor(s): Panamax
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Components: Roku, Sony & Apple
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Amplifiers: McIntosh Audio Control
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Receiver(s): Marantz & McIntosh
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Video Switching: Savant
Captain’s Quarters Theater
Project Story
The Beauty
Any room can house a flatscreen and surround sound speakers, but a home theater requires more. The details include a custom, old-fashioned theater door and extensive millwork on columns, and soffits, which provide an old Hollywood ambiance. Also, the surround sound speakers and Acoustic Innovations acoustic panels are worked seamlessly into the design.
The proscenium area is outfitted with a 120” Stewart Screen to complement the JVC projector and cabinets that house localized equipment, including a Blu-Ray player and gaming consoles. Front LCR, side, and surround Snell speakers deliver theater-quality sound.
The Brains
A pretty setup is made astonishing thanks to convenient smart controls with Control4 whole-house A/V integration. One-touch settings offer five “media scenes” based on source selection. Family members need only select “DVD” to trigger a series of automated adjustments that include activating the A/V system and dimming the lights. Mood settings are also available.
With the Control4 SR250 remote, family members can easily control room electronics, including lighting, media player, projector, streaming TV, and gaming consoles, and all in a comfortable, attractive, movie-theater environment.
WHAT THE CLIENT SAID
“The new room has changed the way we think about entertainment at home and has taken on an importance in our everyday activities that would have been hard to predict at the outset of the project.”
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Builder: RHC General Contracting
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2014 Gold PRISM Award, BRAGB, Best Use of Space, Captain’s Quarters Theater
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Home Control: Control4
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Whole-House A/V: Control4
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Speakers: Snell speakers (front LCR, sides and surrounds)
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Projector: JVC DLA-RS3sU front projector
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Screen: 120” screen by Stewart Screen
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Lighting Control: Control4
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Networking: Pakedge
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Phone: Panasonic
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Security/Surveillance: n/a
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A/V Distribution: Control4
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Power processor(s): Panamax
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Seating: VIP Cinema Seating
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Acoustical Products: Acoustic Innovations (panels)
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Components: Roku, TV, Wii, Xbox
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Receiver(s): Integra
Penthouse Perspective
Project Story
Powerful Smart Controls
Smart homes require a central command hub, and the Control4 system makes this possible with one easy-to-use interface that includes controls for lighting, HVAC, security, music, entertainment, and more.
Advanced Entertainment Solutions
Distributed audio — including streaming via Pandora, Tidal, Airplay, Bluetooth, and more — is managed through the Control4 interface and separated into seven zones, including:
- Kitchen
- Family Room
- Living Room
- Primary Bedroom
- Primary Walk-In Closet
- His and Hers Bathrooms
Entertainment amenities include a custom piece of furniture at the foot of the bed in the primary bedroom that houses a 43” Samsung flatscreen on a quiet lift mechanism paired with surround sound. Convenient controls are placed on either side of the bed, and remote operation is possible via iPhone or Android app.
Automated Privacy and Light Control
Natural lighting and city views are controlled with a Lutron system, which is programmed to open and close shades in the living room, library, and primary bedroom, based on time of day, season, and occupancy. This functionality not only adds convenience but also protects interior surfaces from fading from UV exposure.
With the proper smart home connectivity and controls, this young family added convenience, elevated function, enhanced luxury appeal, and gained a living space that was perfectly suited to their busy lifestyle.
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Builder: Sea-Dar Construction (original work done by Woodmeister Master Builders)
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Interior Designer: Ann Gallagher, Spring Hill Design
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Photographer: Greg Premru
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2018 Gold EM NARI CotY Award, Residential Specialty Interior
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Home Control: Control4
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TVs: Samsung, LG OLED, Sony 4K
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Speakers: provided by homeowner
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Lighting Control: Lutron Homeworks
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Shade Control: LutronQS
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Networking: PakEdge
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Components: AppleTV, Roku Premiere, UHD Blu-ray