A Technology Design to Complement an Art Collection

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 V: $380,000 - $675,000

IH23

Date design began: 01-15-03

Date installation was completed: 03-31-08

FEATURE ESSAY

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

This high-rise home is the extraordinary result of impeccable planning and stellar execution. From design through final, the minutia of detail-conduit wiring, stealth technology, and control over cutting-edge art installations resulted in a creative outpouring rivaling the client’s word-class modern art collection. The residence is comprised of a 5,000 square foot living space and an adjacent 2,500 square foot gallery purchased halfway though the project. Every aspect of the home’s architecture was scrutinized to maximize the open floor plan. A retractable 14’ multimedia screen, drop-down plasmas, and hidden gallery kitchen and guest quarters are just a few of the innovative design solutions that combined, afford an amazingly livable and visually stunning space. Our goal was to create an environment where the owner and his family use technology to live their best life.

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.

Challenges abounded from the start of the project through completion. The high-rise location in a dense metropolitan grid necessitated top-notch project management in all phases of the job. All wiring is pulled through conduit and our design needed to anticipate upgrades or changes in the system as the homeowner’s technological needs changed. The acquisition of a large gallery midway through the project required multiple solutions including system integration to the main living area and planning for automation of artwork that had yet to be delivered. In addition, the architect pushed for ways to conceal technology; tolerances were incredibly small. Intuitive Crestron wireless touchpanels, remotes, and keypads control all the home’s functions including lighting, distributed audio and video, artwork, shades, and security.

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

We learned at initial meetings that our client was a technophobe, a mindset acquired through previous unfortunate experiences. We became a trusted advisor by designing simple, intuitive systems that allow the family more time for living. They love to entertain and regularly use their home and its fabulous art as a backdrop for get-togethers. During construction, the homeowner couldn’t predict with certainty what artwork was going to be installed or where. In addition, in keeping with each artist’s vision, many of the more unusual parts of the collection needed to be run off computers and plasma screens. Our systems had to be flexible and we delivered. Through a relationship that necessitated trust from both the client and our company, we were able to create solutions that might otherwise have been thought impossible.

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

a. Lighting Control – The client’s modern art collection includes pieces in a variety of media. Simple yet flexible control of the home’s lighting is integral to the client’s passion for collecting.

b. Audio Distribution – Music plays an important role in this family’s life and the ability to listen to what they want, when they want, and where they want was a priority. A digital music librarian and iPod accomplish this need.

c. Artwork Integration – The home’s 21st-century art collection requires automation of computers, monitors, and large-format projection.

d. Video Distribution – Varied film tastes of each family member can be accommodated throughout the residence and gallery using Crestron distribution systems.

e. Wireless touchscreens and touchpanels tie everything together and allow the homeowner and his family complete control over their environment.

EQUIPMENT LIST:

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Apple Computer

Model#: Mac Mini

Product Description: Computer

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Chief

Model#: MCD

Product Description: Dual LCD Mount

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Chief

Model#: MCS

Product Description: Plasma Mount

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Chief

Model#: Versa

Product Description: Mount

Qty: 5

Manufacturer: Comcast

Model#: Cable Box

Product Description: Cable Box

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Concord

Model#: Security System

Product Description: Including Automation Module

Qty: 5

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: BB-1000

Product Description: Touchpanel Enclosures

Qty: 3

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CAEN-7X1

Product Description: Lighting Enclosure

Qty: 15

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CHV-RTS

Product Description: Flush Mount Control Sensor

Qty: 8

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CHV-TSAT

Product Description: Communicating Thermostat

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CLX-1DIM4

Product Description: Dimmer Module

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CLT-1DIM4

Product Description: Terminal Block

Qty: 4

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CLX-2DIM2

Product Description: Dimmer Module

Qty: 4

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CLT-2DIM2

Product Description: Terminal Block

Qty: 3

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CLX-1DIM8

Product Description: 8-Zone Incandescent Dimmer

Qty: 4

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CLT-1DIM8

Product Description: Terminal Block

Qty: 5

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CLX-2DIM8

Product Description: Dimmer Module

Qty: 5

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CLT-2DIM8

Product Description: Terminal Block

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNMSX-PRO 2

Product Description: Processor

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: C2N-SPWS300

Product Description: 300 Watt Power Supply

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNRFGWA

Product Description: Radio Transceiver

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: ML-500

Product Description: Mini-LCD Remote

Qty: 5

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNTBLOCK

Product Description: Network Terminal Block

Qty: 16

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNX-B2-12

Product Description: Scene Control Switches

Qty: 3

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNX-BIPAD8

Product Description: Audio Distribution Processor

Qty: 3

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CT-1000

Product Description: Color LCD Touchscreen

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: PAC2

Product Description: Lighting Control Processor

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: ST-1550C

Product Description: Color LCD Touchscreen

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: ST-COM-RS232

Product Description: Communications Module

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: TPS-2000L

Product Description: Color Touchpanel

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: C2N-TFM

Product Description: FM Tuner

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: C2N-TAMWX

Product Description: Tuner

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNX-PVID8X3

Product Description: Video Distribution Switcher

Qty: 8

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNX-RMC

Product Description: Room Solution Box

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: C2-ENET-1

Product Description: 1-Port Ethernet Card

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNRFGWA-418

Product Description: RF Gateway

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNANT

Product Description: Gateway Antenna

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CAEN-BLOCK

Product Description: Terminal Block

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNLFDB-4

Product Description: 4-Zone Dimming Module

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CENIPOD

Product Description: iPod Interface

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: TPS-3100

Product Description: Color Touchscreen

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: C2ENET-1

Product Description: 1-Port Ethernet Card

Qty: 4

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNPWS-75

Product Description: 75 Watt Power Supply

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: STRFGWX

Product Description: RF Gateway

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: STX-1700CW

Product Description: Wireless Touchpanel

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNAMPX-12X60

Product Description: 12-Channel Multi Room Amplifier

Qty: 3

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CLX-1DELV4

Product Description: Low-Voltage Dimmer Module

Qty: 3

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CLT-1DELV4

Product Description: Terminal Block

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CAEN-4X1

Product Description: Lighting Enclosure

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNXRY-8

Product Description: Control Card

Qty: 6

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: C2N-CBF

Product Description: Cameo Keypads

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: CNX-PVID8X3

Product Description: Video Router

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: STX-1700CXPW

Product Description: Wireless Touchpanel

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: TPS-RFGWX

Product Description: Antenna

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: PW-2420RU

Product Description: Universal Power Pack

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Crestron

Model#: PW-1215

Product Description: Power Pack

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Da-Lite

Model#: 41466

Product Description: Matte Fabric for Gallery Screen

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Denon

Model#: DVD-2800

Product Description: DVD Player

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Denon

Model#: DVD-1930CI

Product Description: DVD Player

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Dell

Model#: Computer

Product Description: 17” LCD Monitor & Windows XP

Qty: 3

Manufacturer: D-Link

Model#: DWL-2100AP

Product Description: WiFi Access Point

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Escient

Model#: Fireball E-120

Product Description: CD Controller

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Escient

Model#: Fireball DVDM-100

Product Description: DVD Manager

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Fujitsu

Model#: P50XHA40US

Product Description: 50” Plasma Monitor

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Fujitsu

Model#: P55XHA40US

Product Description: 55” Plasma Monitor

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Fujitsu

Model#: P42HHA4OUS

Product Description: 42” HD Plasma

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Lexicon

Model#: RV-8

Product Description: 3-Zone AV Receiver

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: LG

Model#: 42PX5D

Product Description: Plasma w/Cable Card

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Lutron

Model#: GRX-FDBI

Product Description: Florescent Dimmable Interface

Qty: 3

Manufacturer: Middle Atlantic

Model#: Slim 5-43

Product Description: Rack Enclosure

Qty: 5

Manufacturer: Monster On-Q

Model#: 363476-25

Product Description: 42” Enclosure

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Monster Power

Model#: HTS-5100

Product Description: Power Conditioner

Qty: 3

Manufacturer: Monster Power

Model#: HTUPS1000

Product Description: Power Supply

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Monster Power

Model#: HTFS500

Product Description: Surge Protector

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Panamax

Model#: Towermax CO/4

Product Description: Surge Protector

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Panamax

Model#: Towermax KSU

Product Description: Surge Protector

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Panasonic

Model#: KX-TDA100

Product Description: Hybrid IP-PBX

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Panasonic

Model#: KX-TDA0144

Product Description: Cell Station

Qty: 4

Manufacturer: Panasonic

Model#: KX-T7431B

Product Description: Telephone

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Panasonic

Model#: KX-T7453B

Product Description: Telephone

Qty: 9

Manufacturer: Panasonic

Model#: KX-TD7680B

Product Description: Wireless Telephone

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Panasonic

Model#: KX-T7633B

Product Description: 7600 Series Telephone

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Panasonic

Model#: KX-T7431

Product Description: Digital 12-line Display Telephone

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Panasonic

Model#: KX-TD7895

Product Description: Digital 900 MHz Cordless Telephone

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Premier Mount

Model#: PCM-100

Product Description: Plasma Mount

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Runco

Model#: VX-44D 1080p

Product Description: Projector

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Runco

Model#: McKinley Lens

Product Description: w/Autoscope

Qty: 5

Manufacturer: Sonance

Model#: Silhouette 1

Product Description: In-Wall Speaker

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Sony

Model#: CDP-CX420

Product Description: 400 Disc CD Changer

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Sony

Model#: DVP-CX777ES

Product Description: 400 Disc DVD Changer

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: Sony

Model#: KDLV32XBR2

Product Description: LCD Display

Qty: 3

Manufacturer: SpeakerCraft

Model#: BB1235

Product Description: 12-Channel Amplifier

Qty: 5

Manufacturer: SpeakerCraft

Model#: 6.5 DT

Product Description: In-Ceiling Speaker

Qty: 22

Manufacturer: SpeakerCraft

Model#: CRS6 Three

Product Description: In-Ceiling Speaker

Qty: 4

Manufacturer: SpeakerCraft

Model#: OE DT6 One

Product Description: Speaker

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: SpeakerCraft

Model#: OE6 Three

Product Description: Outdoor Speaker

Qty: 2

Manufacturer: SpeakerCraft

Model#: BASSX-W 10

Product Description: In-Wall Subwoofer

Qty: 5

Manufacturer: Sunfire

Model#: CRM-2

Product Description: Compact Ribbon Speaker

Qty: 1

Manufacturer: Triad

Model#: Bronze 6

Product Description: In-Wall Subwoofer

TIME AND EXPERTISE:

Client Interviews: 14

Electronic Design and Engineering: 42

Proposal and System Documentation Preparation: 42

Project Management: 70

Pre-wire/Rough-in: 222

Trim-out: 250

Shop Time for Racking and Testing: 42

Programming: 347

Final Installation and Calibration: 350

Client Instruction: 16

Interior Design and/or Architecture by your Company: 0

Interior Design and/or Architecture by Others: 25

Project Management by Others: 0

Other time: 0

Describe Task:

Total Hours to Complete: 1420