Home / Blog / Archive by category 'Smart Home'
March 26th, 2012

Performance Spotlight: Smart Glass

Instant privacy, on demand! This hot technology is seeing a surge of interest from our residential & commercial clients alike.

Smart Glass is a favorite for Boardrooms, Saunas/Bath, and Room Dividers, as seen below.

When the electrical supply for the glass switched on, the glass is clear:

When the power is switched off the liquid crystal molecules in the glass are randomly arranged, making the glass opaque & private:

Smart Glass can be used in any room in your home or office, and is activated at the touch of a button. Smart Glass is easily integrated into your favorite control system.

For more information, give us a call: 305-652-1138, or click here to Contact Us.

September 27th, 2011

What is a Smart Home? Part 2

The term Smart Home is tossed around a lot, but what, really, does that mean? We’ve decided to showcase one of our favorite projects to take away some of the mystery.

If you haven’t read Part One, where we tour the residence, you can do so HERE.

There are many different products you can use as the “brain” in your Intelligent Home. Its important to hire a company you trust to make sure you have the right system for you and your budget.

The system we used here, on the Continuum project, was Crestron. Creston is definitely on the high end of home control, and may not fit into everyone’s budget. However, in recent years, Crestron has made a few advances in creating more affordable products.

Luckily, budget wasn’t a concern for this particular client. They wanted to be able to tie all of their home together:

They also had some interesting designer touches they wanted to be able to control, such as an automated in-ceiling projector, and screen:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And a custom LED lighted wall, with a motorized privacy curtain:

All of these systems and separate technologies are programmed and connected to the Crestron “brain”. Now the homeowners can control everything from several locations in the home, and even remotely from anywhere in the world.

Within the home, the system is controlled via Touch Panels, like this one:

The touch panel above can either be used in-wall, where it charges, or be removed for portability. There are also several keypads throughout the house, like the one shown below the touch panel. The system can also be controlled via iPad & iPhone, for the ultimate in portable convenience.

This particular property is owned by a very generous individual, who allows it to be used by extended family, friends, and clients. This means the system has to be easy to use, and pretty self explanatory.

Now that we’re familiar with the equipment, and how to control it, lets move on to what it can do, next time in Part 3.

Give us a call for a complimentary consultation:

305-652-1138, or click to Contact Us.

 

September 19th, 2011

Home Theater

Now, having your own Home Theater is easier than ever. IntelligentDesign will create an environment that will immerse you in sight and sound, bringing the movie theater experience home.

Do you want to build a fully dedicated Theater Room? Or maybe you’d like to transform your Family Room, or Master Suite into a theater experience? Our experts will work with you to choose the right equipment and design, and then work within your budget to make your vision come to life.

We have the resources and know-how to get you from where you are now to where you want to be.

You can count on IntelligentDesign for the finest in design, comfort, technology, and convenience. We cover all facets of your project, from build to decor. Seating, lighting, woodwork, wall treatments, flooring, ceiling, and curtains are just a few areas where we can provide a special touch to give you the theater of your dreams.

Call us now to learn how to get started: 305-652-1138

 

 

 

September 16th, 2011

Smart Homes & Automation

Comfort, convenience, and a greener way to live, right at your fingertips. IntelligentDesign will give you an Intelligent Home, whatever your needs or budget.

We make it possible for virtually any device or appliance in your home to communicate with each other, Intelligently.Touch Panel Lights, Thermostat, Drapes, Door Locks, even Outlets, all programmable, and controllable, no matter where you are.

Once we have your system in place, we will customize it to your lifestyle, working with you to focus on your priorities.

We’ll start with the basics, for example, your outside lights coming on at sunset, and turning off at sunrise. Then you let us know what other lighting scenarios you want, such as a “goodnight” button that turns off all lights; Or an alarm scenario that turns on all the lights in the house if your alarm gets tripped.

Tell us how your life could be easier, and we’ll teach your system how to help you out.

Would you like to receive an email when your housekeeper arrives and enters her code in your SmartLock? Or when your kids get home from school? No more worrying about lights left on, or the garage door left open. Not only will your system alert you, you’ll be able to shut off a light or close your garage door from wherever you are.

There’s really no end to the possibilities. Below are just a few of the things that can be a part of your Intelligent Home, and customized to your lifestyle.

Give us a call, lets talk about your Intelligent Home: 305-652-1138

Or, click here to Contact Us.

August 27th, 2011

Music and Movies

Imagine having an almost infinite Music & Movie Library, access at the touch of a button to almost anything you want to see, or hear. IntelligentDesign makes it easy for you to do just that.

How would you like to listen to your digital music collection in every room of your home, yacht or office? We can also add additional music sources, such as iTunes, Pandora, SiriusXM, Internet Radio, Spotify, Rhapsody, even your CD collection.

Did you know you could watch your movie collection from any TV, in any room? We’ll set up all of your equipment in one spot, but make it so you can access it from anywhere, at anytime. Blu-Ray DVD, Netflix, Hulu, VUDU, and Amazon on Demand are just a few additional sources we can make available to you throughout your system.

You won’t believe how simple it is to use a system that does so much.

Call us today, let us change the way you think about entertainment: 305-652-1138

 

August 26th, 2011

Climate Control

Adding Smart Thermostats to your home and office brings convenience to your comfort with total control.

Your thermostats will be programmed to know your schedule, keeping your environment just the way you like it. Do you want your air conditioning set to a certain temperature while you’re away? Or off altogether? We can program your A/C to come on an hour before you’re due back, giving your home plenty of time to cool off.

Your system will know what temperature you like your home during bedtime, and when you wake up in the morning. And if you change your schedule, or change your mind, you can access your thermostat from any system remote or touch panel, computer or smart device, including iPhones & iPads.

IntelligentDesign also offers Custom Climate Environments. Let us give your valuables the care they deserve. Wine Cellars and Storage, Tobacco Humidors, Fur and Delicate Clothing Storage, and much more.

Questions? Give us a call: 305-652-1138

August 26th, 2011

Security & Surveillance

Protect what’s important to you – we make it easy.

We’ll integrate your current security system so that you can monitor and control it from anywhere. You can be alerted when your alarm is triggered, or even anytime a door or window is opened. Don’t have a monitored security system yet? We can help you select the right one for you.

Choose from a variety of Indoor & Outdoor cameras, as simple or sophisticated as your needs. We make it so you can keep an eye on things from anywhere: iPad, iPhone, PC, or any Smart Device.

Automated Locks are our hottest item right now, quickly becoming our biggest seller of all time.

We integrate your locks right into your system, allowing you serious security, and unparalleled convenience. A few great features:

  • Go Keyless: No more keys to find!
  • Secure entry for Cleaning Service, Maintenance, and more.
  • Automatic email alerts; know who entered and left, and when.
  • Its no longer necessary to give out the alarm code.
  • Doors will automatically lock after a preset amount of time; No more wondering!

We can install these for you in a matter of minutes. There’s a design to fit everyone’s taste.

Give us a call to learn more, or set up an appointment: 305-652-1138

August 26th, 2011

Lighting Control

There are so many ways that adding Lighting Control to your home or office can add convenience, security & savings to your life. Here are just a few of the possibilities:

  • Make shutting down the house at bedtime effortless; we can program your lights to know how you like to say goodnight.
  • Have your outdoor lights come on at sundown, and automatically turn off at sunrise- they’ll never be on when you don’t need them.
  • Program a “Vacation” scene, which will tell certain lights in your home to turn off and on at different times while you’re away, making you appear to be home, keeping your home safe.
  • Make it simple to have beautiful lighting to suit your mood, no matter how many switches or different kinds of lighting you have. We can set up scenes such as: Movie Night, Entertain, Dinnertime, Welcome Home, or anything you have in mind.
  • Save energy, and lower your utility bills. We can add sensors that automatically turn off lights when you’re not in the room. Controllable switches and dimmers are another great way to save energy.

 

Dimming your lights by just 25% (hardly noticeable to the human eye), reduces energy consumption by 20% and quadruples the life of your bulbs.

Dimming the light this much

 Saves this much electricity Extends bulb life this much

10%

10%

2 times longer

25%

20%

4 times longer

50%

40%

20 times longer

Give us a call today, let us simplify your life: 305-652-1138

August 26th, 2011

Outdoor & Poolside Entertainment

Are you taking advantage of your home’s outside spaces? There are so many ways to bring entertainment outside:

  • All Weather TVs
  • Music Everywhere
  • Lighting to Suit Your Mood & Enhance the Security of Your Home
  • Access to all the Entertainment Options you Have Inside

You can enjoy all the beauty of your backyard, without missing a thing. We offer a vast selection of outdoor High Definition TVs, manufactured to be safe from weather, insects, and dirt. They can withstand temperatures up to 122 degrees! They’re available in a variety of sizes, at a price to fit any budget. Wouldn’t it be nice to lounge in the pool while watching your favorite show or sporting event?

You can bring your music outdoors with a variety of speaker choices. Specially designed speakers that seem to be only flower planters or rocks can bring high quality sound outside. Or, we can hide them completely, so you see nothing at all. You can play music from all the same sources you use inside: iPod, MP3, CD, Pandora, Satellite Radio, & more. Whether you want soothing, relaxing sounds, or want to amp up a party, control is at your fingertips.

There are so many ways to expand your lifestyle to the outside of your home, we’d love to help you figure out what works best for you, & your budget.

Give us a call, we’ll come out to see how we can enhance your Outdoor Lifestyle:

305-652-1138

July 29th, 2011

What is a Smart Home? Part 1

The term Smart Home is tossed around a lot, but what, really, does that mean? We’ve decided to showcase one of our favorite projects to take away some of the mystery.

This residence is located in the posh South of Fifth (SOFI) neighborhood of South Beach, in the Continuum II. It features incredible views, and some very sweet amenities.

Our clients wanted to have total control of all the technology in their home:

  • Lighting
  • Air Conditioning
  • Security & Surveillance
  • Motorized Window Treatments
  • Audio & Video

It was important for them to not only have flawless control on the property, but to be able to access & control the entire condo from anywhere in the world.

First, we’ll tour the residence; then, we’ll talk details.

 

The Main Living Area:

As you can see below, there’s a lot going on here. We needed to provide seamless performance for a very intricate lighting plan, Motorized Window Shades, & Motorized Projector & Screen. Plus the things you don’t really see, like the Air Conditioning, & Security System.

Note how many different lighting sources there are:

  • Hanging Fixture Over the Dining Area
  • Cove Lighting in the Ceiling
  • Floor & Table Lamps
  • Spotlights in the Ceiling

These can all be controlled separately, or together, in pre-programmed scenes (more on that later!).

The Interior Designer chose to hide the Speakers, Motorized Screen, & Projector in the silk fabric covered ceiling. This is what we mean when we say you don’t have to lose your design! We worked with the Designer every step of the way throughout the project, to make sure our installation kept the spotlight on the overall design:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of the shades throughout the house run on silent motors, and can be controlled at the touch of a button from several different devices. They can also be programmed to go up or down throughout the day, shading your home from the heat and sun, automatically:

 

This residence also boasts a large open kitchen, which hides a few secrets. That backsplash is a two-way mirror, which hides a 32″ LCD TV. When the TV is off, you see nothing. Turn it on, and it plays clearly through the mirror:

 

On To The Guest Suites:

The client chose to keep the guest suites very simple & elegant in design. Nonetheless, both guest suites feature full automation of Audio & Video, Motorized Window Treatments, and Lighting.

 

 

 

The Master Suite:

The Interior Designer on the project custom designed and built the wood pillar TV mount. We think it’s an inspired design, we’ve certainly never seen anything like it before. We ran wiring underneath the floor, and in the soffit above, and through the wood supports holding the TV:

 

 

The Master Suite has a sitting room that leads into the Master Bath. There’s a privacy curtain which is motorized and linked to the system:

 

 

At the touch of a button, the curtain opens, revealing an LED lighted wall:

 

 

Once in the Master Bath, there are several different lighting sources, all controllable through the system. The Smart lighting control can transform the space from a standard bathroom to a relaxing spa environment:

 

 

Now that we’ve got a feel for the property, in our next post (Part 2), we’ll talk about how the system is controlled, and all of the possibilities it has to offer.

 

Questions? Give us a call:

305-652-1138, or click to Contact Us.


 

 

 

Previous entries