The following information is courtesy of the 2008 CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Designers’ Choice Awards. For more information on how to become a member of CEDIA, or information on its awards program please visit www.cedia.org or call (800) 669-5329.

2008 CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles Awards Entry: Best Integrated Home, Level I: $67,500 – $120,000

IH6

Date design began: 01-06-06
Date installation was completed: 05-14-07

FEATURE ESSAY

1. Please provide a short four to six sentence synopsis describing the project goals, special features, or nuances.

The client desired synergy between the architecture, interior design, and electronics integration in the home. They required full sub-system integration that allowed user interfaces to be consolidated while also providing a high level of functionality. Frequent parties with music throughout, watching movies, and convenient control of lighting and climate were the primary needs. Ease-of-use, high quality picture and sound, and a special emphasis on lighting design with custom lighting scenes were important to this client.

2. Did you encounter any challenges or limitations that required special consideration in the design of the system or placement of equipment? Please describe the control system.

This project was a full-scale remodel and addition to the client’s 1950s era home. This created unique challenges such as integrating all new electronics and wiring into the existing and new structure. The client was also intimately involved in perfecting the results of the tastefully designed lighting which required hours of adjusting and refining 80 lighting loads for daytime, night time, and entertaining scenes. An entire closet was set aside in the design phase to house all of the wiring panels and equipment required for the home’s sub-systems; however the actual mount of usable floor space limited us to a single rack for the entire whole-house audio system, control system, and media room electronics.

3. Discuss the overall plan you created to accomplish the clients’ requirements.

We considered the requirements and decided to go with a complete Crestron system. This allowed us maximum flexibility to provide a mix of wall mounted touchpanels, hand-held controls and wall mounted keypads. In addition we could provide the client with the level of customization they required. The compact design of the components allowed all the equipment to fit in the small space we had to accommodate.

4. Describe the five most used functions of the system and how they benefit the client.

a. Distributed audio was made flexible and easy to control for the client with an appropriate assortment of Crestron touchscreens, APADs, and 12-button keypads, in fact almost every room in the house has its own zone, for a total of 17 throughout this modest 3,900 square foot home. In addition to audio, the 12-button keypads provide two lighting scenes each and are the sole user interface in all of the secondary rooms such as bathrooms and guest suites.

b. The media room is equipped with a wireless touchscreen control for all aspects of audio, video, lighting, and climate with full two-way feed back the client needed to enjoy simple operation of multiple complex systems. The touchpanel was created completely from scratch using Photoshop to create all elements down to the last button in a unique custom design.

c. Custom programmed wall mounted touchpanels centrally located in both the main living area and the master bedroom enabled the client to control all aspects of the integrated sub-systems. Both interfaces provide control of distributed audio and party modes, extended lighting scenes, climate, security, pool and spa, and front door camera viewing.

d. The security system was fully integrated into the Crestron control system. This allowed the traditional security keypads to be removed and allowed the client greater flexibility to check the status and control of all zones in the home with real time feedback as well as the home’s other sub-systems though one simple interface. Local room alarm annunciation was also provided through the internal keypad speakers of select 12-button lighting and audio keypads.

e. The control and sub-system integration was extended to the elaborate pool and spa area in the back yard. The client especially enjoys all aspects of the waterproof wireless remote which has access to the pool zone’s distributed audio source selection, control, and volume. Through the same remote, the entire pool and spa system can be controlled for the ultimate in convenience, allowing the client to adjust temperatures with out moving an inch.

EQUIPMENT LIST:

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: TPS-2000L
Product Description: ISYS 5� Wall Mount Touchpanel

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: TPS-4L
Product Description: ISYS 3.6� Wall Mount Touchpanel

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: TPMC-4X
Product Description: ISYS 3.6� Hand-Held WiFi Touchpanel

Qty: 10
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CNX-DB12F
Product Description: 12-Button Designer Keypad

Qty: 4
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CNX-BD8
Product Description: 8-Button Designer Keypad

Qty: 4
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CNX-DB6
Product Description: 6-Button Designer Keypad

Qty: 4
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CNX-DB4
Product Description: 4-Button Designer Keypad

Qty: 2
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CNX-DB2
Product Description: 2-Button Designer Keypad

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: WPR-68
Product Description: Waterproof Wireless Remote

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CHV-THSTAT
Product Description: Multi-Stage Configurable Thermostat

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CHV-RTHS
Product Description: Remote Temperature & Humidity Sensor

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: PAC2
Product Description: Dual-Bus Control System Processor

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: C2-ENET1
Product Description: Ethernet Interface Card

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: C2COM-2
Product Description: Dual Port Serial Card

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: MC2E
Product Description: Control Processor w/Ethernet

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CAEN-7X2
Product Description: 14 Space Automation Enclosure

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CAEN-2X1
Product Description: 2 Space Automation Enclosure

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CAEN-CK
Product Description: Automation Enclosure Cover Expansion Kit

Qty: 8
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CLX-2DIM8
Product Description: Dual Feed 8-Channel Dimming Module

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CLX-1DELV4
Product Description: Single Feed 4-Channel Electronic Dimming Module

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CLX-1FAN4
Product Description: 4-Channel Fan Control Module

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CLX-4HSW4
Product Description: 4 Feed/4-Channel Switch Module

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CLX-PWS75
Product Description: 75 Watt Power Supply

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: AADS
Product Description: Adagio Audio Distribution System

Qty: 2
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: AAE
Product Description: Adagio Audio Expander

Qty: 5
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: APAD
Product Description: Adagio Wall Mount LCD Controller

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CEN-IDOC
Product Description: IPod Docking Station

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Crestron
Model#: CNTBLOCK
Product Description: Cresnet Distribution Block

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Linear
Model#: MGR-2
Product Description: RF Receiver for Automation from Homelink Car Transmitter

Qty: 4
Manufacturer: Stereostone
Model#: Gibraltar Stealth
Product Description: Audiophile Rock Speaker w/Stealth Design

Qty: 18
Manufacturer: Triad
Model#: Omniround 6
Product Description: 6� In-Ceiling Speaker w/Backcan

Qty: 3
Manufacturer: Triad
Model#: Omniround DT
Product Description: 6� In-Ceiling Dual Tweeter Speaker w/Backcan

Qty: 2
Manufacturer: Triad
Model#: In-Wall Silver/ 4LCR
Product Description: Silver Series In-Wall Speaker for Left /Right

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Triad
Model#: In-Wall Silver/6LCR
Product Description: Silver Series In-Wall Speaker for Left/Right

Qty: 2
Manufacturer: Triad
Model#: In-Ceiling Silver/6 Omni
Product Description: Silver Series In-Ceiling Speaker for Surrounds

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: REL
Model#: T1
Product Description: Dual Driver T-series Subwoofer w/high-level Crossover Network

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Samsung
Model#: HL-T7288W
Product Description: 72� DLP TV

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Arcam
Model#: AVR300
Product Description: Diva Series Surround Receiver

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Lumagen
Model#: Vision HDQ
Product Description: High Definition Video Processor & Scaler

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: LG Electronics
Model#: BH100
Product Description: Blu-Ray/HD-DVD/DVD Disk Player

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: BrightHouse Networks
Model#: SA8300HD
Product Description: HDVCR Digital Cable Terminal w/DVR

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: BrightHouse Networks
Model#: SA3250HD
Product Description: Digital Cable Terminal

Qty: 2
Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic
Model#: 5-43-26
Product Description: 43 Space Slim-5 Series Rack

Qty: 4
Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic
Model#: RSH
Product Description: Custom Brushed Aluminum Rack Shelf

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic
Model#: PD-2415SC
Product Description: Power Distribution Strip

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic
Model#: PB-5A
Product Description: Power Adapter Bracket for Slim-5

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Linksys
Model#: WAP54G
Product Description: WiFi Access Point

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Linksys
Model#: BEFSR81
Product Description: 8-Port Ethernet Router w/QOS

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Furman Sound
Model#: Elite-15DM
Product Description: Power Conditioner & Surge Protector

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Furman Sound
Model#: PST-2+6
Product Description: 6 Outlet Surge Protector

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Furman Sound
Model#: AC-215
Product Description: Flat Pack Surge Protector for Lighting Processor

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: APC
Model#: SUA1500RM2U
Product Description: 1500VA Rack Mount Battery Back-up

Qty: 2
Manufacturer: Tributaries
Model#: 7DH-020
Product Description: Series 7 Digital Video Cable

Qty: 2
Manufacturer: Tributaries
Model#: 7AO-020
Product Description: Series 7 Digital Audio Cable

Qty: 3
Manufacturer: Tributaries
Model#: 7A-020
Product Description: Series 7 Analog Audio Cable

Qty: 350
Manufacturer: Tributaries
Model#: CS-122
Product Description: 12 Gauge Speaker Cable

Qty: 9
Manufacturer: Tributaries
Model#: CON-BP101
Product Description: Banana Plug Pair

Qty: 8
Manufacturer: Tributaries
Model#: 7P
Product Description: Various Right Angle Power Cords

Qty: 18
Manufacturer: Tributaries
Model#: 3A-010
Product Description: Series 3 Analog Audio Cable

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Channel Vision
Model#: DP-5252
Product Description: Door Intercom System w/Integrated Camera

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Channel Vision
Model#: P-0920
Product Description: Intercom Controller

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Elk Products
Model#: M1EZ8
Product Description: Security Control Panel

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Elk Products
Model#: M1EXN
Product Description: 16-Zone Expansion Board

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Elk Products
Model#: M1MSI
Product Description: Serial Interface

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: MD Mfg
Model#: AF2
Product Description: Air Force Vacuum Power Unit

Qty: 1
Manufacturer: MD Mfg
Model#: Stealth Pack
Product Description: Stealth Accessory Kit w/Electric Power Brush

Qty: 6
Manufacturer: MD Mfg
Model#: Inlets
Product Description: Powered Vacuum Inlet

Qty: 3
Manufacturer: MD Mfg
Model#: Vacpan
Product Description: Sweep Inlets

TIME AND EXPERTISE:

Client Interviews: 18

Electronic Design and Engineering: 12

Proposal and System Documentation Preparation: 20

Project Management: 51

Pre-wire/Rough-in: 80

Trim-out: 32

Shop Time for Racking and Testing: 10

Programming: 25

Final Installation and Calibration: 42

Client Instruction: 3

Interior Design and/or Architecture by your Company: 5

Interior Design and/or Architecture by Others: 0

Project Management by Others: 0

Other time: 0
Describe Task:

Total Hours to Complete: 298