No one knows home automation like Smartcomm. The company has been designing, integrating and supporting audio visual, IT and communications in residential and commercial properties for almost 25 years. In that time, a lot has changed.
Mayer Construction has worked with Smartcomm on multiple super prime residential projects. We asked Smartcomm’s Guy Murray a few questions about how the industry is evolving and exactly what today’s residents are after.
Centre Point Residences, Club Lounge
How has the implementation of AV systems and technology changed over the years?
Home automation is really becoming the third utility. Today’s super prime residential and commercial properties cannot function without strong connectivity. Where home automation solutions were once a special option, they are quickly becoming hygiene factors that are expected as the norm in any fully equipped super prime residences.
How has implementation evolved?
As more technologies have become available, there is a growing desire to keep it simple for users of the property. While some projects can have up to eight apps installed on devices – one to control lighting, another controls the doorbell and so on – we prefer to install a tailored solution that keeps it simple and elegant, providing a single user interface customised to the client’s needs.
Another trend is the need to future proof a property and its systems. It’s important to install a solid IT infrastructure right into the fabric of the building from the beginning. Cat6 cabling makes sure the property is ready for new technologies and solutions as they come along and ensures maximum wifi coverage and a secure network.
What are the latest technologies being requested?
Two musts these days for super prime residences are both multi zone 4K60 4:4:4 video distribution and multi zone audio distribution, with either invisible speakers to meet interior schemes or a high-end luxury pair of in-wall speakers. Details such as external audio systems, neatly hidden in plantation, add a lovely touch for entertaining and can be connect to the main system as another zone.
Another solution that used to be a feature but has become something of the norm is a home cinema with 4K video and Dolby Atmos Immersive Surround Sound. This can be installed in any type of room arrangement with the wide array of solutions in the market now. Bespoke ‘concierge’ apps are also becoming popular, giving our clients access to local registered amenities.
On a more serious note, security is a massive factor these days and this can be tied into the AV/IT systems. As well as the inclusion of CCTV feeds, touch panels can be programmed to show the residence’s floorplan to demonstrate which doors and windows are open, which gives additional piece of mind.
Can everything be controlled within the property via the AV system?
Absolutely, you can control your home automation systems from within the property’s control interfaces or from your smartphone or tablet, wherever you are. For example, can you imagine coming home to a bath that you have had run automatically and remotely to fill to the perfect temperature with the soundtrack, lighting, heating and curtains all at the perfect settings? Or have your shower come on in the morning to the perfect temperature at the touch of a button?
Centre Point Residences The Vantage Collection
What’s the most interesting project Smartcomm has worked on?
Every project has its own interesting features. For a residential single dwelling, the most interesting (still to be completed) project would be a 50,000 sq ft property that includes a 30-seater cinema, a bowling alley with projection mapping and a swimming pool that turns into a dance floor. This was of course in addition to all the other home automation functionalities you’d expect, with everything controlled from the centralised control systems.
For a residential super prime MDU project, it would have to be Centre Point Residences, which comprises 82 apartments, a club, a deluxe screening room, a spa and a 30-metre swimming pool. This property has won three separate industry awards, one of which is a Global award from Crestron which is a fantastic achievement for the Smartcomm team.
Home automation controls everything in the apartments at Centre Point Residences: windows, blinds, music, tvs and video sources, temperature, intercom and the concierge. In one apartment this has been extended to the fireplace. One very bespoke solution was a tiny camera embedded in each door to replace the standard spy hole, which feeds all the images of callers back to the Crestron control touch panels. Great for security, privacy and convenience.