Music, Video and Lighting (Crestron, Prodigy)

We are converting three barns into one and would like to take the prime opportunity and add some clever stuff and maybe save some energy.

Using plans provided by the client’s architects we were able to gain an understanding of the final proposed room layout.

We demonstrated various options with the client covering a variety of systems.  The final specification included music to four rooms and high definition video to six rooms.  The main rooms were to have intelligent lighting control.  The client also wanted to automate some window blinds and optionally the property’s heating.  The barns were fairly remote so the client wanted to ensure he could view the property remotely whilst away and be directly alerted if the alarm was triggered.

The need to integrate several system so they would all work seamlessly called for a Smart Home system.  We chose a system from the highly reputable and world’s leader of advanced home automation systems, Crestron Electronics Inc.

The solution based around their affordable yet easy to use Prodigy system.

The client appreciated the complexity which was involved in us providing a truly Smart Home and instructed us early on in the project to proceed with our Detailed Design service.  We produced extensive CAD drawings showing cabling schematics, elevation drawings and detailed specifications to ensure everything was considered and no surprises were install.

The client agreed to dedicating an area of one of the rooms as the location for the centralised equipment.  This was appreciated as this is often overlooked or considered less of a priority but is actually very important due to heat, ventilation and simply physical considerations.

To reduce overall cost the client was happy at using two Apple iPads to control the whole home avoiding the need for in-wall touch screens. Using either of the iPads, the client was able to browse and select music or radio to play in four rooms including outside the barns. Any light around the whole house could be also be controlled from the iPad including an “all off” feature when leaving the property.

The client also had full control of the main TV and the surround sound audio system in the Media Room.

On our recommendation basic push button keypads, which could be engraved with the function of the button, were used in the rooms to allow visitors control over lighting and music.

As requested, remote access to strategically placed CCTV cameras around the property was set up. Allowing the client to be notified of an alarm activation and then having the option of viewing the live camera images from anywhere in the world.

All the client’s video sources (Sky, DVD server, Apple TV, etc) were centrally located in the property away from main rooms. Any video source could be watched and controlled from up to six rooms all in high definition.