Geeks of Technology has installed Crestron Home, Sonance audio, security, remote management, water detection provisions and more while meeting the aesthetic requirements of this Florida vacation getaway. (All images provided by Geeks of Technology)
The custom for this massive secondary home project was a New England couple looking to build a vacation home in Juneau Beach, Florida. They wanted to incorporate as much technology as possible, to enjoy the greatest comfort and entertainment while at home but also to have the full potential of remote home management while at home, says Dan Hanga of Florida-based Geeks of Technology (GT has offices in Hollywood and Miami). They are far away.
He adds that complete security and protection of the home from disasters were also essential. Hanga said the integrator designed and planned a system around the Crestron Home platform, and ultimately the successful job took just over a year.
“Project planning was critical, as we were dealing with tight deadlines, on top of the challenges presented by working during the onset of the COVID pandemic and maintaining social distancing between various trades and construction crews,” he adds.
Crestron, Trufig, Sonance Help Meld Design & Technology
After planning to build using the influences of traditional architecture for a New England coastal home, making the technology disappear in plain sight was a top priority.
Hanga describes how they implement design-friendly products: “Take the cool room—there’s a tremendous amount of technology in that room, but you’ll hardly notice any of it.”
“All Crestron shades are ceiling-mounted, a 10-inch Crestron TSW panel flushes into the wall using Trufig panels, and Crestron Horizon consoles are mounted inside bookshelves, and are virtually invisible from any corner of the room.”
In addition, a full 7.1 channel surround system is built into the ceilings, using Architectural Series tweeters and a Sonance over-the-ceiling waveband subwoofer – which also fitted the 85-inch low-profile tweeter below the TV, perfectly matching the width and seemingly part from him.
Integrated outdoor areas for recreation and comfort
Outdoor recreation was just as important, with the couple planning to take full advantage of the tropical paradise during their stay in the Sunshine State. Hanga says the outdoor dining area is equipped with audio, video, lighting and ventilation controls as well as robotic insect screens, while pool systems are fully integrated into the smart home.
The entire backyard including the pool and the designated green space is filled with nightclub-quality sound using the Sonance Garden string system and underground speakers.
To stream high-quality audio and video everywhere including the outdoor patio, pool, and outdoor playgrounds, use Geeks of Technology Crestron DigitalMedia for video distribution and Crestron Sonnex for audio distribution. “The solution not only responded to their request, but gave them peace of mind that the technology would not be out of date in a few years, proving the investment in their homes for the future,” says Hanja.
Lighting controls, water shut-off systems add peace of mind
Hanga explains that the Crestron central lighting system allowed the team to maintain a very clean architectural look by using Crestron Horizon consoles in only a few locations, while ensuring complete control of the entire home is within easy reach at any given moment.
Occupancy sensors combined with the system’s internal astronomical clock help automate many light and shadow events each day. Vacation Mode automatically switches lights during evening and night, simulating home occupancy and increasing home security.
To help with the disaster protection order, Geeks of Technology has integrated a FloLogic shut-off valve on the main water line, along with flood sensors in specific areas, to monitor the tiniest water leaks or storm water flooding lower areas. “The shut-off valve turns off the water line on any of these events, and the system sends notifications directly to the owner’s mobile phone,” says Hanga.