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SHOWCASE PROJECTS

Control4 is a home automation solution designed for universal appeal. It’s just as applicable for modest media rooms as it is for sprawling mansions. It provides prac-tical benefits for homes of modern design as well as for residences that conform to a more traditional aesthetic. Users of Control4 systems run the gamut, too — empty nesters, busy families, singles, and professional couples — they all find the features of the system useful to their lifestyles.

Just take a look at the award-winning projects in this Control4 showcase for proof of its widespread adoption. Honored by Electronic House as 2017 Home of the Year recipients, these 13 inspiring smart home projects demonstrate how a Control4 sys-tem can simplify and streamline the operation of a rack of home theater equipment, an outdoor entertainment area, or an entire house. Lights, thermostats, A/V gear, motorized shades, irrigation systems, electric door locks, surveillance cameras, and more can all be easily and conveniently monitored, managed, and controlled through Control4’s impressive range of user interfaces.

Within the articles, you’ll read about homeowners who rely on the Control4 app on their smartphones to keep track of what’s happening at home, whether they’re down the street running errands or halfway around the globe on holiday. In some residences, Control4 keypads provide quick one-button control of lights, music, video and more. Even the TV screens in Control4-equipped homes can serve as dashboards to all of the smart devices in a home.

But no matter how well-engineered a home automation system is though, it’s the level of customization you get from a talented and knowledgeable home systems integrator that sets it apart from other smart systems in other smart homes. It’s the degree of customization that truly makes a Control4 system so in synch with your needs, expectations, and unique household dynamic. The power of a Control4 sys-tem is its ability to be personalized by a home systems integrator for each and every home and end-user, and you’ll see this shine through in every award-winning home in this special Control4 showcase.

Control4 Showcase Projects www.control4.com

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RENOVATION’S AUTOMATION SYSTEM HELPS SHOW OFF COLORFUL PERSONALITIES

SYSTEMS DESIGN & INSTALLATIONGlobal Custom Integrations, Hawthorne, N.Y.

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTSControl4 automation • Epson projector • Screen Innovations 138-inch screen • Sonus Faber, Stealth Acoustics speakers • Samsung TVsMcIntosh, Integra A/V electronics • QMotion shades • Ruckus, Pakedge network

The young couple that bought this New York house decided to do a full-gut renovation and wanted to update the entire house with modern technology.

They turned to Global Custom Integrations (GCI), of Haw-thorne, N.Y., which went in with the typical A/V pitch and earned the trust of the owners, who ended up hiring the integrator as their lighting and decorating/design firm. “The owners wanted us to pick out lighting fixtures for them and design a lighting system by which they could change color depending on their mood and entertain-ment needs,” says GCI president Dan Hong.

GCI worked with builder CCM Construction’s electri-cian and designed a DMX lighting system in the kitchen, master suite, and master bath (and Control4 panelized lighting elsewhere). The homeowners wanted to be able to check into their Sub-Zero fridge, turn on fans, air con-ditioning, music, TVs, security and control shades all from



the Control4 automation system app. Additionally, GCI installed two dozen-plus Hikvision IP cameras throughout the house, into crown moldings to be concealed for use as pinhole nanny cams.

For A/V, highlights include a 32-inch mirror TV within the custom 150-inch custom Electric Mirror in the master bathroom; Dolby Atmos systems in the living room and master bedroom; and dedicated Atmos theater featur-ing McIntosh gear and Sonus Faber speakers. A Leaf HDMI matrix routes content from video components to six video zones. Outdoors there are Madison Fielding planter speakers and Acoustic Landscape speakers on the perimeter, and GCI programmed the exterior lighting to automatically turn on at sunset and off at sunrise. ■



BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO AN OLD A/V SYSTEMHome theater from 2006 gets a major update with addition of Sony 4K video and Control4 automation—all for less than $25,000.

A lot has happened in the world of home audio and video over the last couple of years. 4K video has become commonplace, 7.1 surround-sound is now considered a “starter” audio setup, and

streaming has developed into the defacto mode of consuming entertain-ment. A home theater of 2006 might have been cutting edge back then, but fast forward 10 years and the technology is sorely outdated. Recogniz-ing the need for an A/V update, the owners of the Electronic House Home Theater of the Year, $25,000 and Less, contacted the home systems pro-fessionals at Frisco-based Smart Homes of Texas for their design advice and installation expertise.

Naturally, the owners wanted to bring their home theater up to speed in terms of the audio and video equipment. However, the original woodwork that dominates the space would need to stay. “The customer loved it so we focused on acoustics and equipment,” says Smart Homes of Texas owner Justin Dohman. Although the woodwork had managed to stay on trend, those hard surfaces needed to be “softened up,” says Dohman. “Otherwise the sound would reflect harshly off the wood and have a negative effect on the overall audio experience.” The solution:

Smart Homes of Texas wrapped all of the walls with a tan suede fabric to match the décor.

After the room acoustics had been tackled, Smart Homes of Tex-as turned its attention to the A/V equipment. The upgrade began by yanking out the existing 1080p video projector and 7.1 surround-sound system. In their place, Smart Homes of Texas installed a Sony VPL VW350ES 4K projector and new JBL speakers, three of which were installed into the wall behind the new 133-inch Screen Innovations Maestro screen. “We went with the JBL 3577 speakers which are 99db efficient,” Dohman says.

Also sliding under the$25,000 budget for the makeover is a Control4 EA1 system. This processor ties together all of the equipment to enable the homeowners to press one button on a remote control to activate multiple pieces of equipment. The Control4 system displays on the big screen all of the available content on Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, and You-tube, identifying programs that are in 4K. The owners can also refer to the Control4 display to view real-time images captured by surveillance cameras and operate the home theater lights. ■

SYSTEMS DESIGN & INSTALLATIONSmart Homes of Texas, Frisco, Texas

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTSSony video projector • Marantz AV receiver • Screen Innovations projection screen • JBL speakers • Episode subwoofer • Episode speakers • Sony 4K BluRay Disc player • Control4 control • Control4 lighting



MUSIC & MOVIES CO-EXIST IN DOUBLE-DUTY MEDIA ROOMPlayroom morphs into a multipurpose media mecca for a pair of empty nesters. Photography by William J. Psolka

SYSTEMS DESIGN & INSTALLATIONElectronics Design Group, Piscataway, N.J.

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTSControl4 automation • Definitive Technology speakers • Clearaudio Concept turntable • Sony 4K TVH aving a special place in the house for the kids to

play is a dream of any parent. But when the kids grow up and move out, what once was a room of

constant activity goes silent and unused. Rather than let that happen, the owners of this award-winning entertain-ment space contacted the home systems integrators at Electronics Design Group (EDG), of Piscataway, N.J., to transform the roughly 21-by-15-foot outdated playroom into a modern media getaway where they could partake in two of their passions: watching movies and listening to music.

Vinyl and Video in One SpaceTypically, homeowners will either create a room ded-icated to one or the other activity; rarely both. But in this case, the owner wanted the area to do double duty, performing as a top-notch two-channel listening room

for his extensive collection of vinyl and as a high-caliber home theater. “Function would prevail over form in this room,” says EDG marketing coordinator Christina Larkin. “We selected and configured the loudspeakers in a way that could be used for both Dolby Atmos when the home-owners watch movies and also for two-channel listening when they want to spin vinyl.”

The furniture layout was purposely configured to make both activities as comfortable as possible. A pair of leather chairs swivel toward the Clearaudio Concept turntable and neatly displayed albums, then back toward the 70-inch Sony 4K TV for movies. An L-shape couch provides seating for both areas, as well.

Controlling the audio and video equipment that serves each area is just as easy and seamless as finding a com-fortable seat, thanks to a Control4 handheld remote. EDG customized the labeling of the buttons to simplify



the set-up of the A/V equipment and the room environ-ment. A button labeled “Movie,” for example, activates the surround-sound receiver and TV and dims the room lights. The “Music” icon, on the other hand, cues the tube amplifier and turntable and keeps the lights at a brighter setting.

Acoustical PerfectionNo matter what the homeowners choose to do or where they sit, EDG made sure that the audio would sound faithful to what the filmmaker or musician intended by adding various acoustical treatments to the room. One of the most interesting and innovative applications of acoustical products are Nelson Bubble Lamps. Hung from the ceiling, these lamps provide light and their soft material helps reduce audio reverberation and improve intelligibility of movie dialogue and music lyrics. They also complement the room’s mid-century modern vibe.

The less noticeable parts of the acoustical de-sign include isolation platforms for each subwoofer, free-standing speaker, turntable, tube amp, and CD play-er; bass traps in the corners of the room; and wooden wall-mounted diffusers to help spread the audio evenly across the multifunctional space. EDG tucked away all equipment except for the show-worthy turntable, tube amp, and LP collection. “These components are just as much a part of the room design as the light fixtures and



furniture,” Larkin says. “The homeowner wanted to be able to see and touch this technology so we made sure to create an attractive way to showcase it.”

Laundry Room Hides the A/V GearAs for the gear that feeds content to the Sony TV, EDG tucked the DirecTV settop box, Blu-ray Disc player, and Apple TV into an equipment rack in a nearby laundry room. The end result is a room that exudes high-tech cool and satisfies the owners’ goal of keeping this former kids’ haven a great place to hang out … now delivering double the entertainment for the parents. ■



OUTDOOR ESCAPE OFFERS LUXURIOUS LOUNGING, SIMPLE SMART CONTROLS

SYSTEMS DESIGN & INSTALLATIONBenchmark Integrated Technologies, Chicago

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTSControl4 automation & lighting • Control4 distributed audio • SunBriteTV outdoor TVs • Niles speakers & subwoofers • Hayward pool & spa system

T his outdoor oasis features enough relaxation and entertainment options to make it feel more like a beachside resort than suburban residential

retreat. For example, notes Marco Ouzounian, principal of Benchmark Integrated Technologies in Chicago, if the owners are planning a pool party, with the push of one button: the sprinkler system shuts down all the zones interfering with their party; integrated Hayward OmniLog-ic pool and spa system pumps ramp up; fire torch bowls go ablaze; Control4 lighting (16 zones in all) is adjusted to their liking; pool lights change to a preferred color; and a favorite music station begins playing in specified audio zones, at just the right volume levels. And if a big game is about to begin? “No problem … as he is grilling, he simply pushes one button and a beautiful 55-inch LED outdoor TV rises out of a stunning Italian white marble piece of stone,” says Ouzounian.

This would be one of the two 55-inch SunBriteTV models available; in addition to the TV at the outdoor bar the other motorized display is located at the cabana. Benchmark set up the outdoor entertainment area with four independent audio zones, so it’s easy enough for family and guests to follow TV audio if they want from every corner of the backyard.

Each two-channel audio zone contains at least two

Niles satellite speakers and one in-ground subwoofer powered by a 500-watt Class D mono amplifier. “The guests notice how great it sounds, and how well con-trolled the sound is in each area,” Ouzounian enthuses. Benchmark Integrated Technologies also ensured an extensive outdoor Wi-Fi system worked in sync with the indoor Wi-Fi system for seamless roaming capabilities. ■



OLD ENGLISH PUB PACKED WITH AUTOMATION SURPRISESSecret biometric button on a bust of Beethoven swings open a door to a safe room. Photography by Jeremy Beck

V ideo and music are a given in any pub, be it an establishment in town or in your own home. But a safe room? Not so much. A secret button tucked

underneath a bust of Beethoven that reveals that room? That’s even more unusual. Biometric technology embed-ded in the hidden button that scans and reacts to the fingerprint of only a few certain people? Now that’s one unique, high-tech bar.

In the midst of renovating their 6,500-square-foot home, the owners of this award-winning space went all out, incorporating high-tech touches throughout the residence. The newly added bar area, though, received the royal treatment, thanks to the creative minds at Tex-as-based Futurian Systems’ Vail, Colo., team.

Mysterious Media Marvel“The homeowners are very tech savvy and wanted some-thing unique for their new ‘Old English Pub.’ Their re-quest was very specific and straightforward, ‘I want this to be the nicest home bar in all of Vail,’” says Futurian president Jeremy Beck. “Over the course of the construc-tion, wiring, and design of the bar area, we collaborated with the homeowners to develop some solid ideas in terms of the technology that would be incorporated. The biometric scanner adds a sense of mystery and makes this bar like no other.”

Stationed at the end of the bar, the statue of Beetho-ven sits atop a pedestal. Pivoting the bust backwards slightly reveals a button that when touched signals an

SYSTEMS DESIGN & INSTALLATIONFuturian Systems, Southlake, Texas (Vail, Colo., division)

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTSControl4 automation, lighting & A/V • Samsung 4K TV • Paradigm loudspeakers • Elk security system • Apple TV



electronic lock to unlock, and a door to a safe room to swing open.

Beethoven and Frank Sinatra Set the SceneThe statue of Beethoven inspired other innovative smart-tech twists. For example, when the owners touch a button labeled “Entertainment Mode” on a handheld Control4 remote, wall-mounted Control4 touchpanel, or a Con-trol4 app on a mobile device, Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5” blasts through a pair of Paradigm bookshelf speakers. Joining in are colored LED lights behind a pane of glass at the front of the bar and fixtures that brighten and dim automatically to the owners’ preferred levels. In an instant the room is ready to entertain family and friends.

While “Symphony No. 5” sets the scene, the owners can easily switch to a different piece of music by using one of their Control4 devices to access SiriusXM or stream tunes from their songs via AirPlay. One of their favorites, says Beck, is Frank Sinatra, so Futurian Sys-tems created a special “Frank Sinatra” button that goes straight to the Frank Sinatra SiriusXM channel.

Automatic AlertsThe audio system is also able to give the homeowners a “heads up” that guests have arrived. Futurian Systems tied the Control4 audio system — which can deliver



music to not only the bar speakers but every speaker in the house — to a sensor mounted near the driveway. When the sensor detects that a car has entered the prop-erty, it triggers the audio system to interrupt the music temporarily and play a chime. The chime sounds again when the sensor detects that vehicles are leaving.

Video for Fun and Complete Home ControlTo add video to the mix, another tap of a button activates a 40-inch Samsung 4K TV mounted to the wood paneling at the side of the bar. Futurian attached the TV to an articulating wall mount which allows the TV to be pulled from the wall and swiveled in all directions. Video sourc-es include local cable TV, Apple TV, Blu-ray Disc player, and the Control4 interface which displays a menu of home control commands.

Futurian didn’t stop at providing only entertainment in this bar, however. From the same control devices that provide access to video and music, the owners can operate an Elk security system, Control4 smart light switches throughout the house, and direct music and video to other speakers and TVs. ■



CANADIAN PENTHOUSE CONCEALS BEDROOM TECH TREASURE TROVE

SYSTEMS DESIGN & INSTALLATIONProgressive Home Automation, Calgary, Alb., Canada

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTSControl4 automation and lighting • Epson projector • Screen Innovations projection screen • Sonance speakers and subwoofer • Yamaha A/V receiver • Samsung TV • Ubiquity Networks wireless networking

W ith the plethora of entertainment options in this master suite it’s a wonder any sleep goes on. Then again, the team at Progressive Home

Automation in Calgary, working with builder Triangle En-terprises, managed to outfit this room with A/V that stays hidden until it’s engaged. This renovated penthouse’s bedroom theater consists of a motorized 96-inch Screen Innovations Slate ceiling-tucked screen and hidden Epson 6030 projector that peeks out from behind the custom headboard.

“With limited options in terms of screen placement, a recessed drop-down screen was the best option,” explains Progressive project manager Ryan Lowe. “The curved drop ceiling also played a big part in limiting

the screen size. Numerous hours of design and onsite planning went into making sure the projector and screen setup would work out perfect, and also allow for the largest screen size possible.”

A 5.1-channel surround-sound system features So-nance Visual Performance in-ceiling speakers and in-wall 10-inch subwoofer, fed by a Yamaha receiver. Quick but-tons on the lighting keypad turn on music to the owners’ favorite stations. Lighting control via Control4 keypads and dimmers allows the owners to set nighttime scenes that include lit pathways from the bedroom to the kitchen and back. Motion activates accent lights under the cabi-nets and in the shower when entering the bathroom.

The entire Control4 automation system is capable



of being controlled by voice commands such as “Close the bedroom shades”; “Set the bedroom lights to 30 percent”; “Goodnight”; “Good morning”; or a number of other commands that will set the temperature and turn audio and video on or off, according to Lowe. ■



A DECADE APART, NEW & ORIGINAL LAKE PROPERTIES TIED TOGETHER THROUGH AUTOMATION SYSTEM

SYSTEMS DESIGN & INSTALLATIONTexas Info Media, Yantis, Texas

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTSControl4 automation • Samsung displays • DirecTV, Apple TV video • AVProConnect video distribution • Russound audio distribution • Polk Audio speakers • Middle Atlantic rack • Panamax power management • Ubiquiti wireless network • DSC security and alarm • Digital Watchdog surveillance • Alarm.com remote management

H ere’s proof that a solid integrator-homeowner relationship can be long lasting. Texas Info Me-dia, Yantis, Texas, handled the home systems

installation for this client on the first home on this lake property, the “lodge,” a little over 10 years ago. This included distributed A/V (including for the large boat dock and swimming area), as well as a dedicated home theater that is still providing the owner with great entertainment.

The original installation also called for Texas Info Media to deliver accommodations for another future home on the property, with tech tethered to the systems of the lodge. “We didn’t realize it would take 10 years,” says Texas Info Media owner/president Steve Fairbanks. “The builder called us back to handle the new construc-tion. The original design and planning worked well for us to accomplish this many years later. At the end of the project, both the existing lodge and the new home were tied together for separated zone security, networking,

and cameras.”For the new home, Texas Info Media provided the

design, rough-in, and trim-out work for distributed A/V, wired and wireless networking, display mounting, DirecTV satellite, security-fire alarm system, surveillance camera system, Control4 automation, and dedicated surround sound for the home office.

For video, nine wall-mounted Samsung displays receive content via AVProConnect HDMI switches. For audio, there are 13 zones with two Russound MCA-88



controller/amps feeding the strategically placed speak-ers, easily controlled via the MyRussound app.

The equipment closet stores the equipment rack with Middle Atlantic DUCT-COOL-2PT for ventilation. All components are in the rack with the exception of guest bedrooms that have the DirecTV settop boxes mounted locally. As with the original construction 10 years ago,



the homeowner has asked Texas Info Media to plan for the future, as an extensive party deck will be built and need audio. So begins the next decade in this ongoing tech affair. ■



‘DOWNSIZE’ HOME PROJECT OFFERS TONS OF TECHNOLOGY UPSIDE

SYSTEMS DESIGN & INSTALLATIONAtlanta Audio & Automation, Atlanta, Ga.

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTSControl4 automation, A/V distribution • Lutron lighting • Sony 4K projector • Screen Innovations projection screen • Paradigm speakers • Yamaha, Oppo electronics • Sanus mounts • SpeakerCraft outdoor speakers • IC Realtime surveillance • Pakedge wireless network • Panamax power protection

One of Atlanta Audio & Automation’s best and oldest clients called the integration firm and said it was time for him to downsize. “I said, ‘Bill, 7,000

square feet is some downsize!’ The new home for our client is a 60-year-old home that had a complete make-over inside and out. For us to get started, we needed to completely rewire the home,” explains Atlanta Audio & Automation vice president and owner Cheryl Ampel.

All new wiring went to each room from the main system in the basement. The home’s integrated subsystems are governed by a Control4 automation system — HVAC, alarm, garage doors, surveillance cameras, and lighting controls. One example of integration is that one touch of a button on the two door stations in the home will mute the music and play



a chime of the client’s choosing; once finished, the music comes back to its original state.

Speaking of music, there are eight zones of distributed audio; the home has the same amount of distributed video zones. Each room or zone has its own TV and in-ceiling speakers, the owner just engages the user interface and the system comes to life. Despite his effort to “downsize,” a big highlight happens upstairs, where the owner now finds a well-planned 4K projection, Dolby Atmos surround-sound media room. The space features a Sony projector that beams onto a 120-inch Screen Innovations Black Diamond screen with LED backlighting, while Paradigm Prestige speakers dole out the audio. And for a video highlight of a smaller scale, Atlanta Audio & Automation installed in the master bathroom a 19-inch Séura waterproof TV that is embedded in the tile wall of the shower. ■



SYSTEMS DESIGN & INSTALLATIONBenchmark Integrated Technologies, Chicago, Ill.

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTSControl4 automation, A/V & lighting • Samsung 4K displays • Sony 4K projector • Screen Innovations projection screen • Jamo theater & architectural speakers • Pakedge wireless network • Middle Atlantic racks

C hicago-based Benchmark Integrated Technologies principal Marco Ouzounian is retiring from the home systems business and understandably proud

to be exiting on this “mic drop” of a project. Literally everything is controlled, he says. “From sprinklers, fireplaces in and out, wine cellar, all lighting in and out, HVAC, pool and spa, garage doors, alarm, video and audio, motorized outdoor TVs, and so much more. What truly makes this project special is the level of customiza-tion, attention to detail and the level of sophistication.”

A Control4 automation system is the brains of the operation, controlling 14 video zones with 14 sources; 18 audio zones with 26 sources; Pakedge network; seven IP cameras; video door station; three 10-inch wall touchscreens; six LaunchPort iPad docks; illuminated onyx wall; four-car garage with two lifts (to keep the

Ferrari and Rolls Royce out of the way); recessed 80-inch Samsung 4K TV around onyx above the living room fire-place; recessed 65-inch Samsung 4K TV around custom

BENCHMARK TYPE OF PROJECT HAS EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL —EVERYTHING



woodwork above an office fireplace; and media room with 120-inch acoustically transparent screen, Sony 4K projector, and concealed and acoustically treated Jamo surround-sound system.

If that’s not enough, this home’s outdoor oasis featur-ing two motorized displays, four audio zones and more was a winner in the Best Outdoor Space/Multipurpose Media Room category.

“From the moment this family starts their day every-thing works for them — period. Pathway lights help them find their way to the kitchen, where coffee is brewing. The morning news pops onto the TV in the master

bedroom; the kids’ channels are launched for breakfast. As the homeowner leaves for work, one touch of button and the whole house shuts down — temp goes down, ambient lighting is set, alarm is armed to ‘away’ and the garage door is already opening.” ■



CUSTOM TOUCHES & STEALTHY SYSTEMS FUSE TECHNOLOGY INTO HOME DESIGN

SYSTEMS DESIGN & INSTALLATIONFuturian Systems, Southlake, Texas

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTSControl4 automation, lighting & A/V distribution • Sharp UHD displays • Paradigm speakers • Pioneer, Sony electronics • Strong equipment rack • QMotion shades • ihiji remote monitoring • Nest thermostat

T he Vail Valley, Colo., division of Texas-based Fu-turian Systems was approached to design, install, and now maintain one of the most custom home

systems it’s ever delivered — capped by a jaw-dropping motorized equipment rack. For a home built in 1992, the remodel was expansive, says Futurian president Jeremy Beck. Great care went into the planning of major technology upgrades and the owner “wouldn’t settle for anything less than ‘stealth,’” so Futurian focused on how to hide as much as possible.

The first step was to lay a solid wiring infrastructure for the 6,000-square-foot home, and challenges started immediately, says Beck. “Multiple trailer-loads of wire were delivered on a tight schedule to be installed before the drywall was to go back up. With the home being four stories, and retrofit in nature, wiring paths had to take large detours to reach their destination,” he says, noting 320 man-hours ensured proper execution. Once the trim phase was reached, more adjustments had to be made. Speakers were moved to achieve exact symmetry within



each room. TV placements were modified to create balance within the lines of walls, fireplaces, corners, and shelving. The positions of thermostats, security keypads, and touchscreens were fine-tuned so no items seemed out of alignment.

“The most fascinating complementary feature of the system is the motorized equipment rack,” Beck en-thuses. “Many hours were spent engineering, install-ing, and modifying the actuator and track system to



deliver a mechanism that would roll the 7-foot, almost 1,000-pound rack, in and out of the wall with the push of a button.” In the end, Futurian produced a stealthy system that employs a Control4 system to manage 11 zones of full climate and humidity control, automation of doors, camera surveillance, lighting control, security, A/V distribution, motorized shades, robust home communica-tions, and even an integrated hot tub. ■



INSIDE & OUTSIDE, EXTENSIVE ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDES MULTIPLE MOTORIZED TVS

SYSTEMS DESIGN & INSTALLATIONElectronics Design Group, Piscataway, N.J.

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTSControl4 automation & lighting • Control4/Leaf A/V distribution • Sony projector • Stewart Filmscreen projection screen • SunBriteTV outdoor TVs • Steinway Lyngdorf audio system • Pakedge wireless network • Middle Atlantic equipment racksT he owners of this beautiful home wanted it to fulfill

their dreams, and thanks to the expectation-ex-ceeding handiwork of Electronics Design Group

(EDG), of Piscataway, N.J., those dreams have become reality. The customer wanted to have a fully integrated and easy-to-use automation system, with a TV in every room plus music control, lighting control, HVAC control and a robust Wi-Fi system. They wanted to be able to entertain a large number of guests both indoors and out-

doors without missing a second of big sporting events. EDG answered these requests in spectacular fashion by outfitting the extensive outdoor living area with three outdoor TVs — in the outdoor kitchen a 32-inch TV rises from the counter; on the porch there’s a 55-incher on a lift that stows in the ceiling when not in use; and a 65-inch TV on the other side of the porch.

The rest of the installation is just as dreamy. The “TV in every room” tally also includes a Sony projector hidden in a



ceiling lift in the basement media room, one of 16 distrib-uted video zones (from a Leaf 20x20 matrix connected to five DirecTV boxes, two AppleTVs and a Blu-ray Disc player) to go along with 26 audio zones in the house. The project has seven integrated zones for HVAC, with Control4 Aprilaire thermostats near the equipment rack and external temperature sensors throughout. There are 100+ zones



integrated for a Control4 panelized lighting system. Control4 also integrates door stations as well as Jandy pool and spa controls. A comprehensive Pakedge network includes six access points to keep wireless communications running smoothly. “We wanted to give the clients every-thing they wanted in a timely manner. It is really important for us to exceed all of the client’s expectations,” says EDG marketing coordinator Christina Larkin. ■



SMART & SOLID HOUSE MESHES TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN ELEMENTSTechnology ‘softens’ up a concrete house with creature comforts and high efficiency.

SYSTEMS DESIGN & INSTALLATIONBNC Technology, Johannesburg, South Africa

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTSControl4 automation • Lutron lighting control • Siedle intercom • JVC projector • Screen Innovations screen • Jamo, M&K speakers • Parasound electronics • Apple TV video source

T he “Concrete House” in Johannesburg is a testament to the strength of a concept and its seamless execution — where the architecture,

interiors, and technology all work together harmoni-ously to translate a vision.

The house is perched on a steep hillside — the site of the building the basis of the architectural concept, guiding the creation of the spaces and the look of the interiors. “It is firmly rooted to the hillside through impressive engineering, while also protruding out as if it were shaped and morphed over time,” says Nico van der Meulen, of Nico van der Meulen Architects, the firm behind this logistically challenging project.

A design of this architectural magnitude needs to be as aesthetically strong as it is structurally, so M Square Lifestyle Necessities was commissioned to do the interiors, and BNC Technology to incorporate integrated

systems that enhanced the comfort levels, convenience, and composition of the home. M Square Lifestyle’s use of timber, marble, and mild steel elements softens the con-crete, and provides a natural but polished complement to the surface, prompting technological solutions that were just as sophisticated.

A Fusion of Technology and Design From the point of entry to the contemporary spaces beyond, the technology had to complement the design, so BNC Technology conceived a comprehensive plan that included a home cinema, audio and video distribution, networking throughout, lighting control, an intercom system, window blind integration, fire detection, security system (alarm and CCTV), and gate and garage control.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by four garage doors — 4-ton cast-in-situ concrete that mimic the shape



of the stone and the hillside — that are opened and closed using motors via a Control4 system, which also operates the skylight on the lower level (added for extra ventilation and light).

Smart and Stylish FeaturesInside, the open-plan style of living and interconnected-ness of spaces are important to the concept of the home — the views of Johannesburg from the expansive living level is central to the experience. As a result, lighting is key, and the sleek design of this system, with Lutron as the foundation, has Control4 forming the interface for mobile devices, touchpanels, and on-screen displays on the televisions, with motion sensors for bathrooms and rooms usually unoccupied. Likewise, the custom Siedle intercom solution is designed to complement the modern design, which incorporates a built-in mailbox, motion sensor for the LED light, keypad for guest and staff ac-cess, and phone capabilities, among other features.

Entertainment Options GaloreFrom an entertainment standpoint, the house is a dream — the spaces and technological systems together make the house an ideal space for socializing (music in the swimming pool was a winner for this project as it complemented the large entertainment area with lots of high-definition video and audio), or not socializing (a full solution was provided for the seven-seat home cinema, and there are no less than 14 televisions in the house



receiving a variety of content such as Netflix, Tidal and other high-quality streaming services available through Apple TV and Control4).

Making Wi-Fi Work in ConcreteBNC’s task was not without its challenges, however. As the home is made predominately of concrete and is so large, the installation of the Wi-Fi and its distribution was a challenge and BNC had to add multiple points through-out the home as well as intelligent QOS/bandwidth management for the various subsystems.

But through these pioneering solutions, the home is an example of how the synergy of architecture and life enhancing technology can create an energy-efficient, convenient, and comfortable home. ■



SOUTH AFRICAN GEM DAZZLES WITH INTERIOR DESIGN & INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY

SYSTEMS DESIGN & INSTALLATIONBNC Technology, Johannesburg, South Africa

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTSControl4 automation, lighting, whole-house audio • Epson projector • Screen Innovations projection screen • Jamo speakers, Velodyne subwoofer • Integra, Parasound electronics • Draytek router, Luxul managed switches • Furman power conditioning

T he owners of this impressive ultra-modern estate in South Africa wanted a smart home where the hub of integrated technology ensures ultimate

convenience. But how do you integrate high design with high technology that includes lighting, A/V, and security while addressing aesthetic requirements, too? “When it comes to well-orchestrated design, it’s about more than creating the ideal architectural blueprint; it’s about choosing a design language that articulates how you would like to live. This is a concept the own-ers understood while planning this modern abode,” says Bianca Caripis, managing member of Johannes-burg-based BNC Technology. “While ascribing to a certain technological austerity, the home is character-ized by pared-down design and pragmatism.”

The exterior features a mix of organic stone and

decking for inviting visual appeal, and dynamic inter-face thanks to large windows that soak in the sur-rounding vistas. Indoors, the light-streaked triple-vol-



ume windows are an architectural counterpoint to the horizontal and vertical panes. Although the downstairs living areas each have a defined role, they flow seamlessly from one space to the next. The interiors throughout are cozy and deliberately subdued, ac-cording to Caripis. Mid-century furniture complements the clean lines of the architecture, while sculptural lighting adds a touch of opulence.

In terms of technology, BNC outfitted the residence



with a Control4 automation system, smart lighting, and an eight-zone amplifier that feeds music to Jamo architectural speakers. More Jamo speakers along with a Velodyne subwoofer, Integra processor and Parasound amplification, rock the home theater, which features an Epson projector on a lift and a Screen Innovations Zero Edge screen.

“It’s not often that one finds a home that includes ex-ceptional architectural design, perfectly curated interiors, and an aesthetic sensibility that transcends the bound-aries of both form and function. This modern design ticks all the boxes, while an integrated home automation system ensures ultimate comfort and convenience,” says Caripis. ■



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