The “BIG” issue FABULOUS LIVING IN FLORIDA

OH, WHAT AN OASIS! A grand getaway in ADD MUSCLE A company gets fit and smart

Spring 2015 CONTENTS EDITOR’S NOTE

“Go big or go home!” That’s the well-exercised expression that sets the stage for this particular issue of Home Smart Home. You may have used it yourself 6 40 to encourage a friend or family member to “go all the way…to do whatever it TIME TO UPGRADE? SUGAR + TECH takes…to not flake out.” (Or in modern day SMS-shorthand, perhaps you’ve just typed out “gbgh!”) Instead of taking this phrase at face value, however, we Find out what you're missing There's more to this candy used these five words as our inspiration to prove that with all the right home with the latest feature shop than meets the taste automation bits and pieces, you can do both: Go big and go home. enhancements included in bud. Get a load of the smarts With more and more people talking the talk of "connected devices" and Control4 OS 2.6 and 2.7. in this unique space. living the “internet of things” dream, we thought it seemed fitting to find a few interesting people (in a few unusual places) who aren’t simply walking the 8 walk of , but are in fact living it loud and large—and doing it right. And lucky us, because this mission took us on quite a journey. We found 12 44 a spectacular Spanish getaway designed to leave you longing. In Canada, HOLIDAY IN SPAIN MUSCLE AT WORK we toured an open house that closed before we could even say “Goodbye.” What happens when See how a few strategic Living large in a state where everything is big, Texas definitely delivered our fill, including a taste of a clever candy shop/ We also got an inside look at a an engineer who knows automation enhancements booming company that added more incredible muscle to its business, and a what smart homes can gave this HQ a serious IQ boost. peek inside a castle-like custom home just outside of Austin. When we finally do designs his own? made it to Florida, well…let’s just say we quickly learned that “home” can also Shanan M. Carney Welcome to Villa Oasis. mean a plush penthouse with every possible pushbutton to make semi-retired [email protected] 10 life even more relaxing. Control4 Creative Director 52 With that teaser, now you’ve got lots to read—and lovely photos to view, too! Editor, Home Smart Home SMARTS SELL 20 It’s a beautiful day in the PUSH-BUTTON neighborhood when your 28 PARADISE decision to invest in home GO BIG in Find out how one Floridian automation comes back your man cave couple enhanced a bright to you—and makes a new or media room. and beautiful new penthouse buyer happy, too. with invisible genius. HOME

30 Smart HomeLife under control BIG IN TEXAS Editor Shanan M. Carney Control4 Corporation Take a trip around the world in Corporate Offices this 10,000 square foot home in Design Jenny Duff 11734 S. Election Road Special thanks to the following contributors: John Draper, UT 84020 Texas where art meets smart. Anthony Foley, Dennis Burger, John Sciacca, David Seropian, Reuben Maness, Jim Stone, Mike Sawyer Copyright ©2015, Control4 Corporation. All rights reserved. Control4, the Control4 logo, the 4-ball logo, 4Store, 4Sight, Control My Home, Everyday Easy, and Mockupancy are and Katie McDaniel. registered trademarks or trademarks of Control4 Corporation in the United States and/ or other countries. All other names and brands may be claimed as the property of their respective owners. All specifications subject to change without notice. 58 WHAT'S NEW? Caught in the Act Enjoy more peace of mind with the new Merit Lilin Covert IP Camera. Positioned anywhere inside your home, it captures real-time video that’s accessible from any smartphone or tablet. You’ll be able to scope out the situation in high-def Driving innovation even when you’re miles away. When linked to a Move over, “Genie,” and make room for more garage door magic. With a smart Control4® system, its built- sensor and the new Control4® Garage Door Package, you’ve got an efficient and in motion detector can effective signaling device for your Control4 home automation system, where the trigger lights, an alarm, or a mere motion of your garage door can trigger certain routines. For example, imagine text notification. And unlike coming home from work: As the garage door lifts—and before you’re even in park—a most residential surveillance sensor communicates with the Control4 system, which in turn, preps your house for cameras, it has roots in the your arrival: select lights go on, the thermostats kick up the heat, and your favorite commercial security industry Pandora station plays through the living room speakers. And just in case you’re where it's used primarily to late for work, imagine it all in reverse. With one quick press of the garage door monitor ATM stations. This remote, your Control4 system makes sure the electronic systems in your house set means it’s super discreet themselves for "away mode" and the thermostats dial themselves down to save you and sensitive, giving you some money. Genie will forever hold a place in our hearts, but today’s homeowner the extra assurance of appreciates more than just the three “Open,” “Close” and “On Command” wishes. top-notch performance.

Got a leak? We'll text ya!

According to Water Damage Defense communicates with your Control4 (WDD), 98 percent of basements in the system, which then notifies you via text U.S. will experience some type of water so you can take immediate action. Not Stay in Control damage. Whether the issue stems from in town? No worries: with the addition control4.com/blog a busted water line, malfunctioning of an electronic shut-off valve, you facebook.com/control4fans water heater, burned out sump pump, can simply sign in to your Control4 or cracked fish tank, the average cost system to power off the main water twitter.com/control4 of a water damage insurance claim line remotely. Ask your Control4 dealer youtube.com/control4fans is $6,965, says WDD. Enter the new how this simple, affordable solution can pinterest.com/control4 Control4 Water Leak Detection Package. help save you a flood of headaches and

At the first sign of moisture, a sensor expenditures for years to come. BLOG.WATERDAMAGEDEFENSE.COM EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG,

4 5 for their own specific streaming services, Control4 has also made SEE IT, HEAR IT, LOVE IT that process easier by adding a global search function. So, for example, you can select your Sonos, search for The Strokes' "Under Get a load Control," and find every streaming source of the song at your disposal. of the latest Maybe you're in the mood to listen enhancements to the entire album on . Or from Control4 maybe you just want to listen to a Pandora station based on that specific song. Either way, the new Control4® Listen Experience makes it easier than ever, without forcing you to memorize the musical equivalent of the Dewey Decimal System. The new, streamlined Listen Experience has been enhanced with a sexy visual makeover as well, so no matter the source of your tunes, you'll be met with a stunning screen your home's heating, cooling and for heating, cooling and humidity featuring big, beautiful cover art humidity control system, as well. levels, too. You can think of these accompanied by easy-to-read artist Whether your thermostat is made by presets as the comfort equivalent of and song info, all of which provides Control4, Aprilaire, Carrier Infinity, lighting scenes, in that when you've a consistent visual experience no or, yes, even Nest, you'll now be able set everything exactly the way you matter the music source. to control the heating and cooling of want it, it takes takes only a single your home with a slick new screen button press to recall those exact TAKE A DIP that mimics the rotary interface settings. This could be particularly of thermostats of old, but with a handy if your schedule tends to f you're a smartphone user, existing hardware in ways that would and many more. Best of all, you Speaking of bold graphics, decidedly modern twist. Press the deviate from the norm from time to you're probably already make smartphone users jealous, by won't have to remember if is Control4 also added an innovative bubbles around the circumference time. As nice as it is to set up regular intimately familiar the periodic making exciting changes to the way housed on your Sonos system and twist to its user interface this past of the thermostat control screen and comfort control schedules (which the upgrade cycle: new software your smart home keeps you comfy your Napster subscription is tied fall with the new Pool & Spa control you'll be able to quickly and easily Control4 system still supports and updates, new features, new and secure, brightens your days, and to your Autonomic Controls media screen. Not only will you now be able dial in your perfect heating and in a much more intuitive way), what Iapps, new hardware. What if you keeps you entertained. server. Just press "Listen," poke to interact with your Jandy, Zodiak cooling set points. happens if you come home from work could do the same for your home? "Pandora," and you're now streaming iAqualink and Hayward Goldline pool a couple of random days per month Add new features, update your LISTEN UP! your personal radio stations and spa systems directly from your SMARTER SCHEDULING at 3 p.m. instead of 5 p.m.? Now you'll music experience, expand your instantaneously. TV, touch panels, and iOS or Android be able to tie these comfort control control experience to new areas of The most noticeable upgrade is smart devices, but you'll also be Not only that, but you'll also be presets to your "Welcome Home" the home? All on your schedule, Control4's newly enhanced Listen STREAMLINED STREAMING able to instantly assess the state of able to instantly create presets lighting scene, so that your smart at your convenience, as your Experience, which promises to your aquatic systems at a glance, home's schedule intelligently adapts budget allows? change the way you interact with Furthermore, you'll now have all thanks to water-in-motion animation to your own personal schedule. Actually, if you have Control4 your music—both your private of the functionality you've come to for the pumps and a color-coded And that's just scratching the in control of your lighting, your library and all of the streaming expect from services like Pandora thermostat control that glows red surface of the new enhancements entertainment, your comfort and tunes available from your favorite by using their their own smartphone when the water is heating up. added in added in Control4 OS 2.6 security, upgrading your smart home music services. Simply press the and desktop apps. Now you'll be and 2.7 updates. But best of all, these experience is just as easy as the "Listen" button on your remote, able to search for artists and tracks KEEPING COMFY monumental new features won't annual smartphone upgrade cycle touch screen, or the Control4 mobile straight from the Control4 screen, bog down your existing Control4 and a lot more convenient to boot. app, and you'll have direct access and even give tunes a quick thumbs Now Control4 is bringing that hardware one bit. If anything, your Thanks to two huge new software to nearly 50 streaming audio apps, up or thumbs down. same comfort control experience— old HC-250 or HC-800 Home updates, OS 2.6 and 2.7, Control4 including Pandora, Spotify, 7digital, If you do decide you'd rather dig the same look and feel, the same Controller should feel like a spiffy

REBECCA HENRY PHOTOGRAPHY HENRY REBECCA ■ has completely reinvigorated its Beats Music, Rhapsody, SiriusXM, around in your connected devices PHOTOGRAPHY JIM STONE colorful feedback—to the control of new device.

6 7 LIGHTS, CAMERA, AUTOMATION!

If there’s one town where the home automation What was once possible only in the fevered craze caught on early, it’s Hollywood. For imaginings of Hollywood screenwriters can now be more than 60 years, movies and TV have been an everyday reality, with Control4. With that in mind, showing us home automation at its best (and we thought it would be fun to take a look back at worst). Most of these depictions are portrayals home automation in film and television, and see of what were, at the time, only imaginary how the anachronistic representations of yesteryear technologies. My, how times have changed! compare with the modern realities of today.

The Spy Who Loved Me

The Best Home Addition To Your Smart Home When it comes to home automation, nobody does it better...than a James Bond Centralized multimedia storage supervillain. Over the years, 007 has visited (and destroyed) some incredible Compatible with Control4 System Remote evil lairs—beneath a lake, inside a volcano, even aboard a space station! But It becomes your multimedia storage for your Easily switch between watching your TV to your NAS none of them can top Karl Stromberg’s subaquatic base in "The Spy Who Loved home theater. Access across multiple devices contents with your Control4 System Remote. Me." Stromberg’s stylish aquarium had it all: wall hangings that rose to reveal a for easy sharing. stunning undersea tableau, home surveillance screens that showed his enemies’ every move, and a remote-control trap door that sent unwanted guests plunging into a private shark tank! Seamless integration First NVR compatible with Control4 Want to live like a Bond supervillain? Control4 can help make it happen (except The only NAS integration with Control4. Freely switch to check multiple camera live-view for the shark tank). Let us automate every aspect of your secret lair, so you can Easily sync your multimedia library between channels while you are enjoying your home theater.

take over the world without ever leaving home. MGM the NAS and the controller.

E-mail: [email protected] 8 9 Interested in becoming a QNAP reseller? Send us an email to [email protected] or call us at 1-909-595-2756 For big laughs & “tilt.” Just try it—you're feeling lucky! BITS & PIECES little-did-you-knows OR it “do a barrel roll.” See where it takes you.... en·gi·neer Twillionaire: a twitterer with a million or more followers. From the Latin words ingenium meaning “cleverness” and Nostalgic for some In 1985, Nippon ingeniare, meaning Speak & Spell? Telegraph and “to contrive, devise” Visit the online Museum of Endangered Sounds, Telephone offered Israeli engineers created which exists to allow streaming of once 's first mobile eTree, a structure resembling popular technological a real tree, but its canopy, sounds, like the dial-up phone service, called tone, ICQ chat tone, and made up of solar panels, Windows 95 startup. the "Shoulder Phone." would power WiFi, a docking savethesounds.info station to charge your device, a drinking fountain, and a computer monitor that allows you to video chat A computer for the Amish? with other friends at other The first computer mouse was invented Available at an Amish trade show, the key and developed by Dougles Englebart selling point of the computer is all the things it eTrees. It would also power during the 60s and was patented on decorative night lighting. November 17, 1970. It was made of wood. doesn't do: No Internet, no video, no music.

“There will come a time when it isn’t

In a small town outside Amsterdam, a stretch of highway ‘They’re spying on me through my is illuminated only by stripes of green paint that charge in phone’ anymore. Eventually, it will daytime, and glow at night for eight hours. Daan Roosegaarde, the designer, is paving the way for smart highways. be ‘My phone is spying on me.’”

—Philip K. Dick, the author of the 1968 sci-fi novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” This novel was

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: SOL-LOGIC.COM/ETREE, WIKIPEDIA.ORG, "SRI COMPUTER MOUSE" BY SRI INTERNATIONAL, STUDIOROOSEGAARDE.NET SRI INTERNATIONAL, MOUSE" BY "SRI COMPUTER WIKIPEDIA.ORG, SOL-LOGIC.COM/ETREE, FROM TOP: CLOCKWISE NPR, SAVETHESOUNDS.INFO/WIKIPEDIA.ORG NTT, GOOGLE, WIKIPEDIA.ORG, FROM TOP: CLOCKWISE adapted into the 1982 film “Blade Runner.”

10 11 SPAIN'S SMARTEST VILLA

Project installation by he horses gallop past us in a Prince Louis Alphonse of . And nearby Homeplay, LTD. TAKE A TOUR OF ONE wild rumble as we watch one is the former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. rider arc his mallet perfectly Many of the others are dignitaries, dukes, downward, whacking the ball knights, and international film stars, and here’s OF THE SMARTEST and sending it down the field what all these folks have in common—they toward the goal posts. all have homes here in the idyllic community HOME IN SOTOGRANDE TYes, we’re at a polo match, also known as of Sotogrande, the largest privately owned the “sport of kings.” It seems a fitting name residential community in Andalusia. when you look at the others in attendance Southern Spain is beautiful this time of today. There is certainly royalty here in the year. Just look at that gorgeous blue sky!

PHOTOS COURTESY HOMEPLAY, LTD HOMEPLAY, COURTESY PHOTOS stands. Right over there is His Royal Highness As we leave the polo grounds and stroll past

12 13 Villa Oasis’s first The drawing room is the marina, the golf course and the which allows the new homeowners system I’ve ever done. But the end a fortnight, it needs to be intuitive.” perfectly bright and floor is shaped like airy in the daytime, spa retreats, we enter Sotogrande’s to choose their own interior design. result is actually really simple, and you When it comes to both the smartest a donut, with the open-air atrium romantic and cozy famed neighborhoods. This community Such was the case with Villa Oasis, don’t have to think too much to use it.” and the most challenging aspects of in the evening. always easily is very proud of its architecture, and a 20,000-square-foot house with The homeowner’s vision called the project, Ratcliffe cites the owner’s accesible, above. you can see why. The houses are large three floors, six bedrooms (each with for sophistication and simplicity, so request for different “modes” to be The master bedroom with its vaulted and magnificent. The reason we are its own en suite bathroom), a home Ratcliffe naturally turned to Control4 customized into the programming. ceilings offers high- visiting this coveted cinema, a gym, sauna, steam room, spa technology. “Without the Control4 “Throughout the home there are tech luxury with nothing “technical” neighborhood whirlpool, indoor swimming pool and system, the family would have myriad various keypads engraved with ‘Day,’ in sight, below. “HE WROTE A 4-PAGE today is to tour a outdoor swimming pool and pavilion. sub-systems to learn how to use. By ‘Evening,’ and ‘Night.’ When ‘Day’ very special holiday The homeowner is an engineer who combining these systems into the is selected, nearly all the lighting is DOCUMENT ABOUT EXACTLY home—this gorgeous, had specific designs for the bells Control4 Navigator UI, they can operate switched off and the various fountains HOW HE WANTED IT TO pale yellow one up and whistles he wanted to embed in them all with absolute simplicity. More are switched on. The heating or A/C ahead. Welcome his new home. To execute his unique than this, it means that the beautiful is switched off in the bedrooms and WORK, WHAT HE WANTED to Villa Oasis. Let’s and sophisticated vision, he called interior design of the property is freed switched on in various reception rooms, go inside; there’s upon the UK’s own Homeplay, Ltd., from all the ‘wall acne’ and unsightly depending on the outside temperature. DIFFERENT BUTTONS TO DO.” a lot to see. where he engaged James Ratcliffe, electronics that they would have Upon selecting “Evening,” the lighting is Our hosts are an a home technology specialist. had without the Control4 system.” set up to make the house look amazing. English couple and their four teenage “He was quite particular about what Another reason Ratcliffe chose And when “Night” is selected, all A/C children. They stay here at Villa Oasis he wanted to do,” Ratcliffe tells us. “It Control4 was the fact that families, is switched on in the bedrooms and eight weeks out of the year, and they was a blessing and a curse. He wrote a polo players, and others would be off in the rest of the house, and the rent it out the rest of the time. It is four-page document about exactly how visiting from all over the world to stay lighting adjusts to night-time mode.” common practice in Spain to purchase a he wanted the system to work, what at Villa Oasis. “It all ties in with ease- Now here’s how Ratcliffe and house when it's only partially complete, he wanted different buttons to do. At of-use because if you are renting out his team made a smart home even basically just a concrete structure, the time, it was definitely the toughest to someone who is just turning up for smarter. “The programming is also

14 15 The most spectacular gem in this treasure trove of a home is the amazing spa with its “starlight ceiling” option.

aware of whether each room is occupied comfortable when they are being used.” For example, the occupancy-sensing dawn’s early light to the ceiling coffers and or not, so if someone is in a room when This safeguard against energy waste programming will register if nobody has walls. There’s also a “Party” setting, where the the system changes to “Day,” “Evening,” or carries through to every aspect of the been turning the lights on and off in the light cycles through a series of crazy colors, “Night” mode, their selected lighting scene house, all the way down to the smallest fifth bedroom. The inaction would classify going from one to the other in fairly rapid or AV source will not change, and they will details. Take the towel rails, for instance. the room as unoccupied, and in that case succession. And at night, the house takes not be disturbed. When they leave the room, That’s right, the towel rails. the room's towel rails would not turn on. on moonlight hues, utilizing blue and white however, the lighting will change to the These are not simply bars for hanging It was important to the homeowner that lights. There is a “starry night” effect over the pre-defined scene for that time of day. This towels; they are high-tech heaters that keep Villa Oasis did not just have brains, but also 43'x17' indoor pool, giving you the feel that means that the family will not accidentally the towels warm and dry, programmed to beauty. Mood lighting was high on the list. you’re having a midnight swim outdoors. leave expensive air conditioning and lighting automatically turn on at 7:00 am and off Ratcliffe estimates the system uses 330 feet And if you really do want to swim outdoors, running in rooms that are not being used, at midnight. At Villa Oasis, a key aspect of RGBW LED tape. There’s a “Sunrise” setting well, you can. All the pools are equipped with whilst at the same time keeping the rooms of the luxury is that it is all eco-friendly. that uses the reds and oranges, bringing high-power underwater LED lights that make

16 17 FUN FACT

When Steinway launched their first speakers, they held a blind test with a group of concert pianists. The pianists were sat in a row, blindfolded, and treated to first a recording of a piano player, then a live piano player. When asked to differentiate which was which, the listeners could not.

The home cinema was designed to be more informal and comfy than the typical row-by-row screening room.

swimming at any hour a viable if anything has been left on by cinema I’ve ever heard,” Ratcliffe option. That goes for the indoor accident, and allows them to admits. “Mind-blowingly good. It’s pool under the starry ceiling, the switch it off without venturing actually reduced people to tears. 14'x10' spa whirlpool with swim down to the basement, where the I know it sounds crazy. We play a jets, and the 56'x20' outdoor pool 900-square-foot spa is located. particular Adele song in there, and with an infinity edge. All three run That kind of efficiency means it has actually made people cry.” on Control4 technology, as do more time can be spent in the villa’s Villa Oasis truly is its namesake— the fountains, waterfalls, sauna state-of-the-art home cinema, a retreat, a sanctuary, a refuge of and steam room. Alerts on the with its 4K Sony projector and smart luxury. Proof positive that various touch screens around Steinway Lyngdorf sound system. these days it is certainly possible the house let homeowners know “It’s definitely the best home to both go big and go home! ■

18 19 SUNNY STUNNER THIS FLORIDA PENTHOUSE IS OBVIOUSLY ELEGANT, BUT QUIETLY BRILLIANT

Every single one of the 39 drapes and shades in the penthouse is automated, giving the homeowners pen wide and say "ahhhh." It’s not owners, a semi-retired couple, are control of the a dentist request—it’s the feeling actually the first residents of the bountiful natural light with the that hits you when you enter unit (it was empty space before press of a button. this stunning, three-story Florida they built it out), and they’re no Openthouse. Behold: three stories strangers to automation...but of windows, clean lines, and open they’ve had rocky experiences in space. The rooms flow one into the past. Constant breakdowns the next. Tasteful furniture and of an automation system in their elegant touches blend harmoniously beach house required frequent with marble floors and sparkling visits from the installers. A previous

Project installation by chandeliers. A grand spiral staircase condo retrofitted with automation Control Your Life winds up the entryway. It’s such a was a flat-out disaster. Still, they clean and tastefully sparse look, it believed in the power of automation comes as a bit of surprise to learn and wanted it to be a part of this that this posh penthouse is loaded new space. They just needed to with automated technology. find the right system—one that This roomy residence is perched worked, of course, and, worked atop a building in Fort Lauderdale, within their specific aesthetic Florida. Huge windows offer vision: clean, open, bright. 360-degree views of the downtown “They wanted this apartment skyline and the Atlantic ocean. The to be high tech, but also easy on JIM STONE PHOTOGRAPHY JIM STONE

20 21 the eye,” says Frankie Blankenship, and lights brighten automatically. whose company, Control Your Life, Entering the office triggers the did the system install. The owners lights, and the TV turns on to wanted automation to be present a pre-selected channel. The and accessible throughout the space ability to access the system but not the focal point of the rooms. from anywhere in the residence As they have for nine years running, is extremely helpful in a space Control Your Life chose Control4 for this large. “Without automation, the project. “It’s super user-friendly you’d have to go and manually for the homeowner,” she explains. handle every situation,” Frankie “Any system is only as good as it’s notes. “Now the owners can sit on able to be used. And we made sure the sofa and use a touch screen, to program the system so that it iPhone or iPad. They don’t have would be as smooth as it is simple.” to move around all floors or room The Control Your Life crew to room. It’s a huge time saver.” took great pains to make sure the The owners also are getting technology stayed hidden—speakers lots of mileage out of the remote were built flush into the ceilings accessibility features. They get an and walls. Bedside keypads were alert when someone’s at their front built right into the millwork of the door. When they’re having work The master bedroom’s projection screen lowers Elegance is everywhere, and the high tech stays bed frame—an easy place to hit on command and disappears into the ceiling hidden, letting the design from "Interiors by Steven G” done in the apartment, the owners “All Off” before going to sleep. when not in use. Clever keypads are built into take center stage. Touch screens and light panels can check in remotely to see if bed frames and other convenient corners. keep the living spaces clutter-free and well-lit. Several rooms sport motion workers left the AC or lights on. detectors—you walk into a room, The master bedroom presented

22 23 a challenge—how to incorporate residence, and cameras show the a television without ruining the owners who is at the front door. beautiful view out the large “So before company even comes windows across from the bed. into the space,” Jason notes, “they Jason Debaugh, project manager get to use the technology.” for Control Your Life, devised a Being high atop a sunny Florida clever solution: on command, a skyscraper, natural light is an projector screen descends from essential factor in the mood and the ceiling, suspended on stainless feel of the residence. There are 39 steel cables. “The owners can automated blinds and shades in watch TV in front of the skyline the system, including several two- of Fort Lauderdale,” says Jason. story tall sections—and they are “When the TV isn’t needed, it programmed to move throughout just disappears. It’s really nice.” the day. “We have the shades Although the automation is following the sun,” Jason explains. notably inconspicuous inside the The blinds go down as the sun apartment, visitors do get a taste sets, and once the sun has set, the of the technology before they shades go up. Then, in the evening, even enter the unit. One of the the blinds lower for privacy. And buttons on the front foyer's keypad these blinds are intelligent enough is marked “Doorbell,” and when to adjust to the light levels: If it’s pressed, the doorbell sound rings cloudy out, they stay open. The throughout all three floors of the shades can be controlled manually,

The homeowners use pre-set scenes to adjust light and music for dinner parties and intimate gatherings.

24 25 as well and the keypad buttons bright at night. Everything can be offer far more than simple “Up” controlled. It’s controlled, but it’s or “Down” options—a double-tap not in your face. It blends nicely on some buttons, for example, with the style of the condo.” brings up the shades half-way. Control Your Life owners, Daryl Despite the system’s and Frankie Blankenship, are pleased sophistication, Jason says it has with the final results, too. “It was been painless to teach the owners a joy to be a part of this project. how to use it. “I’ve never had a “We were able to partner a person I couldn’t train on this high-end interior design company system, because it’s easy,” he notes. with a high-end AV company with “All the menus are the same, so a high-end automation company, whatever device you’re using, they and it’s worked out very well. all work exactly the same way.” It’s a match made in heaven.” This residence is a great example The home owners agree. The of how much awesome automation system works, and it’s easy to use. can be going on behind the “Part of the contract I signed with scenes. “You see a pretty light Control Your Life was, the last in here, you think it’s a beautiful payment would not be made until light fixture, but we can have it do my wife signed off and said she anything we want it to do,” Jason can use the system easily,” says the explains. “We can have it turn on husband. “They did get their final brightly during the day, and not as payment.” And it came promptly! ■

All three stories of the penthouse are automated, including the comfortably large lounge on the top floor, opposite, featuring a large television and views of Fort Lauderdale.

26 27 WAYS TO GO BIG WITH AUTOMATION IN YOUR MAN CAVE OR MEDIA ROOM

The “Man Cave” is said to be the “last bastion Keep Your of masculinity” within the home, and whether Hands Free Boss Is Coming your sanctuary is in a garage, spare bedroom, Sure, remote controls, basement or media room, there are many ways If you’re of the “What Custom Themes touch screens, smart- Use the Force with Smart Lock that you can make it even cooler...way cooler than phones and tablets are happens in the man Pressure Detectors cave should stay in the adding neon signs, mini-fridges, or even your Different activities call for all great ways to control When it comes to man cave” mindset, favorite team’s memorabilia. In fact, integrating a different lighting, music your fortress of soli- keeping your space Every great room has a automation can be variety of devices, sensors and programming into and other settings to tude, but what are you private, a key is so old “best seat in the house,” the perfect concierge create the right mood and supposed to do when school. And besides an automation system can make your personal and that seat should of discretion. Activate atmosphere. A custom your hands are full? Say looking way cooler, a space into something you might want to share belong to you. And a scene like “Private button like “Martini Hour” you’re cradling a dram smart doorlock can do so with everyone! wouldn’t it be great if Time” and a motion could turn on the lights of 21-year Glenlivet in much more. For example, your seat knew when you detector outside the The first step to enhancing your room is adding over the bar, power up one hand and a Cohiba you can restrict access to were sitting and when you door can automatically an automation controller, like a Control4® HC-250 your old college lava Esplendido in the other… certain times of the day weren’t? Add a pressure pause whatever you're lamp and start playing a Are you expected to to keep the kids out until or HC-800. Next up: replace all the “dumb” detector and it can! Sit watching, then flip over “Swingers” playlist to make put one of them down, homework is done. You lighting controls with smart dimmers and switches down after entering to show a video camera sure you and your friends like you're some kind of can also view a log to see that allow you to create and recall specific scenes the room and the lights image of whoever are totally money. A “Go animal, just to change who entered your room could slowly dim while is outside the room. at the touch of a button. A smart thermostat Team” button could play the channel or adjust and when, or get an email 5 a Vader-esque, “What is If the door happens the volume? Or what if or text every time the ensures things don’t get too hot during the big your team’s fight song and thy bidding, my master?” you’ve managed to score to get thrown open door is unlocked. You can game, and a variety of controllable shades, drapes flash lights highlighting announcement plays from a date with a beauti- suddenly, the system also unlock or lock the and blinds will create a perfect movie theater jerseys or pennants. A the speakers. Stand up, ful woman, and you’re can automatically bring door from a smartphone environment regardless of the time of day. “Game Day” button could and the movie can pause deep in a cuddle session. up the lights and flip without ever having to queue up multiple TVs and and the lights can go up, Here are five ways you can use automation to Hunting for the remote to another channel. All leave your seat—perfect tune them all to different ensuring you never miss a make your special room even more spectacular! could be just the thing without judgment. when your special channels so you can keep moment of the action and to kill the vibe. Integrate someone returns from track of every play in real can also easily find your VoicePod with your a replenishing beer run! time. A “Romance” button way to the bathroom or system and you can just Even better, the system could drop the shades, dim fridge. Of course, the lights tell it exactly what to do. can be programmed to the lights, lock the door will drop and the movie Your words are, literally, do practically anything and fire up your “Love resumes automatically its command, because whenever a code is Songs” playlist. If that’s as soon as you plop it it can be programmed entered, say, turn on your thing, that is. back down. Impressive. to perform any auto- the lights, fire up the Most impressive. mated activity you like. AV system and set the cable/satellite to ESPN HD whenever you enter your code. ISTOCKPHOTO.COM, VOICEPOD, GALLERYHIP.COMYALE VOICEPOD, ISTOCKPHOTO.COM,

28 29 FIT FOR A KING

AUTOMATION GIVES A TEXAS HOMEOWNER THE POWER TO LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER

An automated hey say a man’s home is his castle. infrastructure was included in the But sometimes, a man’s home is a build, allowing the castle. That is nearly the case with high tech to take backstage to the Ronnie Harpe and his magnificently internationally massive residence in Horseshoe intriguing Bay, Texas. It’s a 10,000-square- interior design. footT beauty, featuring towers, giant statues and a boathouse. It’s a Shangri-La in the Lone Star State, and it’s the kind of residence fit for a king—or, in this case, a very successful businessman with exceptionally high standards. “It’s a very special place,” notes Ronnie. He's spent the past three years planning and building his home on a large lot in the Escondido Lake and Golf Club in Horseshoe Bay, about 50 miles west of Austin. After starting the project, Project installation by Satellite Station however, Ronnie decided to go bigger. He Fire & Security bought the lot next door and doubled the size of his house design. The result? A truly stunning residence that delights around every turn, including a snazzy outdoor kitchen with a wood-burning oven capable of cooking an Italian pizza in minutes at 800 degrees. Touring the interior is like wandering through a museum of international design. Every nook and cranny of the six bedrooms and 11 bathrooms is filled with eclectic treasures from around the globe—a stockpile of souvenirs

JIM STONE PHOTOGRAPHY JIM STONE amassed when Ronnie and his wife owned a

30 31 home furnishing business. There are Indian rugs, paintings from Pakistan, Moroccan tiles and columns, huge now seamless security + chandeliers constructed from antlers, and even a 100-year-old connected home automation Chinese wedding bed. It’s a weave of international curiosities, boasting go smartly hand in hand bright colors and bold statements. Every detail is intentional, right down to the custom-built and Secure the best peace of mind & convenience custom-hammered copper kitchen with a smart Napco Security System now hood. And it all comes together to integrated to the max with Control4, at your make a unique aesthetic statement. fi ngertips, home or away. “We don’t do anything traditional,” Ronnie notes. Monitor, manage and control your security system This stunning and more, wherever you are. Sure, you can turn your There’s no doubt that a house antique, a traditional advanced security system, perimeter or interior, on or like this was built and is run by Chinese "bridal bed," off, from any Control4® touch screen or station, at home someone who knows what he wants. makes a lasting or from a smartphone or tablet through 4Sight®, but impression in one of smarter customized protection’s just the beginning. “I’m a control freak,” Ronnie admits. the guest rooms. With your Napco Security System reporting any and all activity in your home directly into your Control4 System you’ll also know status of what’s happening and where, anytime. Stay in the know: Get updates of comings and goings, when it’s armed or disarmed; know where motion is detected, keep an eye out on certain areas, people and more.

Your smart home’s suddenly smarter, plugged in with your Napco Security System, and that means you’re smarter. + Know to relock your door, since your son’s no longer home, or the cleaners just left + Get proof that your special delivery or repairman really arrived + Automatically turn the lights off and the thermostat down, and save energy, since everyone’s out + In an alarm emergency, know who’s there, who came to the rescue; how and where it started

napco. the smarter home security you deserve

Napco Gemini. The 1st Security Systems with Automatic Control4 SDDP ® & Ethernet Integration

32 Now available to Control4 Dealers in the Online Store. www.napcosecurity.com/control4 1.800.645.944533 An HC-800 controller and two HC-250 controllers power the system from a climate- controlled rack room, automating everything from ice machines to aquariums.

And the perfect complement for a home like Ronnie’s? An automation system that gives the homeowner the power to control every detail. With a house of this magnitude, Ronnie knew he wanted the best automation system to help control the home. He saw other systems in action in other people’s homes— both good and bad examples. “I saw the problems and heard the horror stories, so I was pretty cautious,” he admits. Ronnie explored several options but eventually chose Control4, primarily because of its adaptability. “Some of the other systems were really in their own world,” Ronnie says. “You have to buy only their products for it to work. With Control4, you can use all kinds of add-ons and other products, and it all works together, easily.” Ronnie commissioned Satellite Station Fire & Security to build the system—and what a system it is! “This is a very, very big project, probably our biggest project,” notes David Root, the installer. The system features two full-size, seven-foot

34 35 Whether visitors arrive by car, foot or boat, the Door Station system announces their arrival to the homeowners with both video and audio.

racks that run 19 televisions, 16 audio distribution, three theater rooms zones, 14 security cameras, six In- with surround sound, outdoor Wall Touch Screens, two Portable lighting, Door Stations with video Touch Screens, three Door Stations, security, and even the Christmas 126 Panelized Lighting circuits, lights are included on the system. “I and several ZigBee circuits. It’s a don’t know of anything else we can huge system that, David admits, automate,” Ronnie laughs. “I guess was a bit intimidating at first. we could get the toilets to flush “The biggest challenge was just with my iPhone, but that’s about it.” the sheer size of the project,” he Large vases that flank the outdoor says. “But as we started putting pool can spit fireballs at Ronnie’s the equipment in and seeing how command. The Door Station at the things were coming together, I front gate alerts Ronnie to visitors, got more comfortable with it.” whom he can allow entrance (or Ronnie directed David and his not) with a touch of a button, which crew to go all-out. So what did opens the grand front gate. Ronnie Ronnie automate? “What didn’t can turn on the outdoor firepit—or I automate?” he jokes. The pool, any other light or heat source in the lighting, music, audio and video home—from his phone. “This house

36 37 Regal flourishes include a wine cellar, an exotic sitting room and a master kitchen—each featuring its own audio zone, naturally.

was made for entertaining,” he heavy-duty blinds that cover the the tone, and now the dogs notes. And automation helps windows and shield the room from don’t make a giant racket when Ronnie and his wife party in style: outsiders. Why did the homeowner someone calls from the front door. They use several lighting scenes to go to such extravagant ends for a So, is this self-admitted power- instantly set a morning or evening man cave? “Because I could,” Ronnie hungry homeowner content with mood in any room in the house. says with Texas charm and a smile. his system? In a word…very. “I know It’s a fairytale house, no doubt, Every homeowner likes to fine- Ronnie is happy,” David tells us. “He but the real magic happens tune their automation systems to lets me know when he’s not happy. on the lower level. Here, you’ll their liking, but Ronnie takes it a He understands the complexity find a beautiful wine cellar step further and makes the type of what we’re doing. He’s very (accessible from the butler’s of technical adjustments with happy with it. Every time I come kitchen by elevator) and, behind the Control4 software that are here he always has something some unassuming bookshelves, typically done by a professional. For new for me to add to the system. a secret man cave straight out instance, Ronnie’s three dogs got He just keeps adding stuff!” of a James Bond movie. accustomed to the doorbell sound, Ronnie agrees. “If you look at the “That’s where the guys go and and would bark loudly when it went whole scale of the house and what hide,” Ronnie laughs. The ultra- off. “My old doorbell just freaked the automation system cost, it was masculine lounge features a them out,” Ronnie notes. So, Ronnie well worth it. If you’re not happy, it 750-gallon aquarium, three TVs, and went into the system, changed ain’t working. It works. I’m happy." ■

38 39 SUGAR, SPICE, AND… EVERYTHING SMART A dash of tech in this shop is satisfying and delicious

he moment rennovation structure, she had an entirely new vision commenced on a century- for the space. The wrap-around deck old clapboard home on its outside still flaunts its colonial- in the historic district era charm, but the inside was gutted of Roanoke, Texas, the and transformed into a large showroom scrumdiddlyumptious with a kitchen (for chocolate making by candyT store, Hey Sugar, captured the a well-known local chocolatier Stephen imagination of children and adults alike. Smith) and a storage room in the back. “The remodel took about a year and "We have your regular bulk candy, Pre-programmed was extensive,” says owner Kristin nostalgic candy, plus a bunch of funky DVDs entertain Brittan. “It's pretty much brand new." things like suckers with scorpions inside, guests with delicious sights and sounds. Brittan, the daughter of a real-life candy and tons of bacon stuff. And we have distributor, is only the second owner great ice cream.” Beyond your standard of the building since 1880. And while butter pecan, chocolate and strawberry, she appreciates the rich history of the Hey Sugar appeals to the “adult” ice-

Project installation by H. Customs Audio Video

40 40 41 Pez was invented in 1927 by Eduard Haas, an Austrian inventor and an anti- smoking advocate. Peppermint-flavored Pez was first sold as a cigarette substitute. The word “Pez” comes from the German word for peppermint (“Pfefferminze”).

inspire their tastes. When it’s time check in from whereever they idea is to integrate the to close up shop, the last employee are, all over the globe. (Willy projection system into out makes it all happen in reverse: Wonka, eat your heart out.) And their Control4 automation system One tap of the “CLOSE” button and if they needed to change the so everything is tied together and this sweet shop goes to “sleep” just temperature for their food products controllable from one app. And with as quickly and easily as it awoke. remotely, they could handle that, additional plans to build tree houses As candy is a natural business too…all from their phones. and place a vintage Airstream in of temptation, there are also six It should be no big surprise, then, the back yard as a sort of party strategically placed IP cameras that the owners of Hey Sugar enjoy space for groups, you can bet this within the store. Because the the automation so much, they’re Candy Woman makes anything owners travel to candy conventions hungry for more. Since they also she touches both satisfying and year-round, they love that they project outdoor movies onto the delicious—clearly, a sweet success. ■ can use the Control4 mobile neighbor’s brick wall during their app from their iPad or iPhone to summer movie series, the next big

Top-selling candy around the world

BRAZIL: Trident, made by Cadbury, is not only the No. 1 candy in Brazil, it is also the No. 1 brand of chewing gum in the world. : Milka, a milk chocolate manufactured by the Kraft Foods Company. JAPAN: Meiji sells chocolate flavors such as cheese, black pepper, jasmine, basil, and lemon salt.

Invisible in a sea of scrumptious sweets are strategically placed security cameras to keep tabs on acts of temptation.

Don't be fooled cream eater with more creative technology that’s making an already also to simplify everyday actions for by its colonial charm: This historic flavors like Jack & Coke, Dr. Pepper, sweet business even sweeter for everyone—employees included. By building is smarter and maybe even something customers and employees. programming one-touch “scenes” than you'd think. about bacon...in ice cream?! When Control4 dealer H. Customs via a Control4® home automation But sprinkled between the salt Audio Video was called in to add solution, they made both opening water taffy, bulk popcorn, toffees, a bit of “eye candy” (pardon the and closing the store as easy as vanilla cremes and good, expression) to add the store’s devouring Hey Sugar’s house- old-fashioned lemon own unique flavor to the shopping made waffle cones. When an drops, you’ll also find experience, the installation team employee reports to work in the a perfectly healthy immediately saw an opportunity morning, all it takes is one tap of a dose of brand-new to not just impress the guests, but button to fill the store with music and turn on the outdoor lights. Pre-programmed DVDs also start William Morrison and John C. Wharton from Nashville, TN. to play on TVs throughout the debuted their new invention at the Paris Exposition in 1900, store—and continue to play over naming their spun sugar “fairy floss," later renamed in the the course of the day, entertaining

1920s as Cotton Candy. guests with sights and sounds to ISTOCKPHOTO.COM HAZLETT, W. ADAM

42 43 he Nutrabolt execs must have had extra “Technology is such a huge part of our company, helpings of their own product this year. we were really able to bring our culture to life through The company is doing well—remarkably this building,” notes Colton Leonard, the company’s well. Their Cellucor line of supplements Chief Culture Officer. The CEO and President of (and several other brands) are flying Nutrabolt laid out a vision for the new building: It HQ with an IQ off the shelves at stores like GNC wasn’t just going to be a square of boring cubicles. aroundT the country. They had the momentum, Instead, it was to be a space that reflected the up- There's a new powerhouse and the need, to build a new headquarters in tempo values of the people and the corporation. Project installation by College Station, Texas. No surprise, during the And with the help of installers High Definition

High Definition Technologies at this Texas fitness company PHOTOGRAPHY JIM STONE design process, they decided to go big. Technologies, they’ve really delivered on that plan.

44 45 From any room in the office (including one of several relaxation lounges), Nutrabolt employees can select their own video and audio and schedule meetings, allowing staffers to work and play hard—sometimes at the same time.

WORK PALACE surrounds this mid-Texas town. Of course, a high-tech Nutrabolt’s brand-new, sprawling, headquarters like this is loaded with multi-building headquarters near automation. A Control4 system Texas A&M rivals that of any oversees more than 20 televisions, snazzy Silicon Valley startup. 25 audio zones, 35 lighting loads, Visitors are welcomed with a cool and over 30 IP cameras, offering an music soundtrack. In well-lit, open automated experience that packs spaces, employees play pool or just as much punch as a cup of catch the latest sports scores on Nutrabolt’s muscle-building fitness television screens. The walls are powder, which, coincidentally, painted with a special white paint happens to be named "C4." In the that can be drawn on and erased café, televisions fire up to the news; with dry-erase markers. There are in the pool room, it’s ESPN. All compelling indoor and outdoor “chill employees can access the system zones” where employees can take through the Control4 app on their breaks. The exterior is all modern iPhones or Android devices, or wood and glass...a stark contrast through one of the 10 iPads or six to the agricultural landscape that touch screens throughout the office.

46 47 The Learning Center holds 40 to 50 people and all kinds of automation, including a 205-inch projection screen. In the mornings, the office TVs automatically come on, tuned to different stations: In the café, it’s the news; in the pool room, it’s ESPN.

...we can set the WORK SMARTS Even though the project presented several challenges— room however we “Control4 is awesome,” Colton having one interface work through want to—dim the notes. “It’s incredibly easy to multiple buildings, for starters— use. Everyone here uses it on a Eric Stanford, the installer from lights, add lights, daily basis.” Employees use touch High Definition Technologies, is screens to schedule meetings. pleased with how things have increase the There’s a high-tech theater (known gone. “This is a top-notch facility music. We can at Nutrabolt as the Specialized from top to bottom,” he notes. Learning Center) that sports its The Nutrabolt company is thrilled change the vibe own automated bells and whistles, to be automated. “We’ve gotten including a 205" projection screen. great feedback from everybody of the room very “Whatever speakers are scheduled here,” says Eric. “It was easy to quickly and easily. to come in, or whatever event get everyone up and running, too. we’re having in there, we can set One 30-minute training seminar is the room however we want—dim all it took.” And, as the company the lights, add lights, increase the has discovered more possibilities music. We can change the vibe of of what an automation system can the room very quickly and easily.” do, they’ve brought High Definition

48 49 THE HIGHEST DEFINITION OF EASY. 4K ULTRA HD

Multiple audio zones within the fitness center allow basketballers to crank up the jams, while the Yoga class on the other end can get their “om” on.

Technologies back to add more As with the offices next door, part is, says Joshua, it’s easy to get features. “We take care of the nitty- the fitness center is loaded with up and running with the system. gritty details,” Eric notes, “so that automation. When he opens up “It’s awesome. It’s so user- they can worry about their business.” the center, Joshua simply has to hit friendly, I don’t have to give a DISCOVER EFFORTLESS ENTERTAINMENT "Morning On" to trigger the lights lesson every time someone’s in WORK OUT and music, and the televisions turn the gym,” Joshua says. As the Control4 IP Integration — SDDP Support on to ESPN. Each area of the gym man in charge of the facility, The jewel of Nutrabolt’s new digs has its own audio zone. Visitors can Joshua also takes full advantage is a 20,000-square-foot fitness access their own music from their of the remote accessibility. He can facility. Talk about work perks: phone and pump it through any of control the system from home if This flashy gym features a full- the areas of the gym. That means someone needs help. He can also size basketball court, weights and the folks on the basketball court access the security cameras to machines, full spas for men and can listen to some big jam tracks, see who has been in the facility. women, and a full-time corporate while the people cooling down from “It’s really easy to use,” he says. wellness instructor, Joshua Works. the pilates class across the building With their high-tech HQ up and “My job is to bring all the people can opt for something more chill. running, the sky’s the limit for this from the company and get them At the end of the day, one touch red-hot company. And with a base involved in fitness,” Joshua notes. of the “ALL OFF” button shuts the of operations like this, who knows “This is kind of my home base.” entire facility down. And the best how far they’ll reach next year. ■ dish.com/cedia

© 2015 DISH Network L.L.C. All rights reserved. 50 51 The homeowner programmed specific lighting and audio scenes to demo during the Open House, which led to a record-setting sale. SMARTS FOR SALE AUTOMATION ADDS ADVANTAGES WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

n a street in Toronto, Canada, two neighborhood homes went up for sale at the exact same time. The homes had the exact same floorplan and square footage, and were on the same street. One home sold in three days. OThe other is still on the market, over two months later, with a reduced price. What’s the difference? Automation. Marcel Mukerjee is the happy home seller in this case. His home was one of 20 or so spec homes built in a new development. After deciding to put his three-bedroom home up for sale, Marcel did something very smart—he automated the main floor. As a Senior Area Manager for Control4, Marcel knew the power of automation and hoped a small investment would help differentiate his home from the others on the market. In fact, when he built the home three years ago, Marcel had it pre- wired for automation, which helped immensely. When

Project installation by Ashton Martyn Interactive Interiors

PHOTOS COURTESY ASHTON MARTYN INTERACTIVE INTERIORS INTERACTIVE MARTYN ASHTON COURTESY PHOTOS and Marcel Mukerjee

52 53 The 3500 square-foot preparing to sell, Marcel added a semi-detached home attracted an offer within days. Three days later, Marcel had system worth about $14,000 on the in Toronto features The buyers were familiar with successfully sold his home. “I did three bedrooms, main floor, including eight lighting each with its own automation but were especially quite well on it,” Marcel admits. loads, a Portable Touch Screen, bathroom suite. impressed with how much could be The home, which he had bought Door Station, an integrated alarm integrated. Marcel agrees: “What for $940,000, sold for over $1.25 system, and seven audio zones. they really liked was, they don’t million, setting a record for a A simple HC-250 home controller have to worry about coming home semi-detached home sale in this runs the relatively basic system. at night, because the porch lights area of Toronto. And although the “I didn’t go crazy,” Marcel notes. come on automatically.” The buyers residence is a beauty in its own By the open house, Marcel also were wooed by the security right—open floor plans, lots of knew he had done the right thing. system, especially the ability to get natural light, new everything—Marcel Prospective homebuyers were notifications or arm it remotely. The is confident that automation is what wowed. Marcel had set up a demo “Good Night” button, which shuts set his home ahead of the pack. button to showcase the system: down all lighting and audio in the Marcel’s real estate agent, Lights came on and distributed home, was a draw, as well. And, the Ralph Fox, agrees. “It definitely audio kicked in throughout the potential new owners were happy was an advantage,” Ralph says. floor. “It just made the place feel to learn how easy it would be to “Automation is definitely the wave more warm,” Marcel notes. expand the system if they wanted, as of the future.” Automation is steadily The home—and the system— they determine their specific needs. becoming a standard factor in

54 55 The main floor’s new homes, especially in red-hot automation includes “They can imagine themselves it up and make it really nice. I say, markets like Toronto, which, Ralph 8 loads of lighting, utilizing the functions,” Ralph why don’t you just fix it up and live video, seven audio notes, sports one of the strongest zones, security, and adds. “Turning on all the lights, in it like that for three or four years development markets in North an intercom system. locking the door remotely…it really and take the premium then?” America. Automation abounds in the creates a unique experience.” Meanwhile, Marcel is savoring new condominium towers, but the So, if you’re considering adding his success. “Automation definitely value-add of a smart home system automation to your house, but helped sell the house, there’s no is something that all homeowners you’re not sure you’ll be in that doubt about it,” he notes with should consider. “People buy with house forever (and who does that a smile. The sale has sparked emotion,” Ralph notes. “When anymore?), rest assured: automation other projects on the block, as you have a property that can can increase your home’s appeal well—after witnessing Marcel’s connect emotionally with people and make it that much easier to quick turnover, two neighbors are from the outset, the likelihood sell, if that day comes. Plus, you adding automation to their homes. that they’re going to convert to get the added benefit of enjoying Perhaps that other struggling buyers significantly goes up.” an automated system while you seller on the block will take note—a The real advantage to selling live there. “That’s one of the things thought Marcel had when he a home with automation is that as an agent that drives me crazy,” visited his neighbor’s open house, it really helps people envision Ralph admits. “People wait until telling him, “maybe you should themselves living in the home. they’re ready to sell a house to fix see what I did in my place.” ■

56 57 Project installation by Digital Interiors HOW VERY HARRODS

TAKE IT FROM THE LARGEST DEPARTMENT STORE IN ALL OF EUROPE...

mnia omnibus ubique—all things Digital Interiors, who helped create the demo suite. for all people, everywhere! This is Control4 has been a part of Harrods since 2009, Harrods’ motto, and with over one but it was behind the scenes. “This was around the million square feet of shopping time Harrods was sold by Al-Fayed to the Royal acreage, it feels true to its word. You Family of Qatar,” Jones tells us. “The new chairman Ocan find almost anything—anything!—at Harrods, instructed the design team to create a new suite from suntan lotion to Christmas trees, and everything to incorporate meeting rooms, board rooms, and in between, including Control4 automation. On the chairman’s office.” Digital Interiors collaborated the third floor, right next to the famous Egyptian to create a discreet system, including a hidden escalator, the “Harrods Technology Room” doubles projection system in the board room, multi-room as a Control4 demo suite. Two 85" screens, a Runco audio, and multiple in-wall Control4 touch screens. projection system, a Kaleidescape premium and “The PAs in the chairman’s office are grateful for Cinema 1 system, an IP security camera, and other making what was potentially a very complicated AV equipment such as Blu-ray players populate the bespoke system simple to use and operate. room, all controlled by Control4. “[The Harrods staff] So next time you find yourself in the exclusive have all commented on how easy Control4 makes a district of Knightsbridge, London, be sure to pop demonstration of the various televisions’ projection into the historic Harrods to experience the very

123RF, TIM KAVANAGH PHOTOGRAPHY TIM KAVANAGH 123RF, and video sources,” says Berwyn Jones of the UK’s best in luxury, beauty, food, and now…hi-tech.

58 59 DREAM BIG SAVE BIGGER Ask Your Dealer What’s New

From the minute you start designing the smart home of your dreams, expect nothing short of excellence from Control4 home automation solutions and your authorized dealer. Not only is it easy to add more features and functionality to your system as inspired, but it’s also practically impossible to pass on an opportunity to upgrade to a little more magic since you qualify for special savings* just for being an existing Control4 customer. Call your dealer today to learn more about the latest and mind-blowing greatest Control4 solutions and software that will take your system to a whole new level.

Learn more at control4.com/promo

*For all details of this promotion, see www.control4.com/owners/promotion.

©2015, Control4 Corporation. All rights reserved. Control4, the Control4 logo, and the 4-ball logo, are registered trademarks or trademarks of Control4 Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other names and brands may be claimed as the property of their respective companies. Photos may not depict actual product. All specifications subject to change without notice.