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Movie magic from Home & Living Trends volume 2104
Family, work and entertainment – the fundamentals of a modern life. Each has different demands, and with today's busy lifestyles, it can be hard to find enough time for them all.
This is one of the reasons why houses today are no longer being designed as just places to rest our heads – instead, they incorporate space for all the things we love to do. So it's not surprising that home automation, sound systems, and home theater are increasingly being placed at the top of design wish-lists.
This home is a prime example of how good design and smart automation can exist cohesively. Alongside Italian leather furniture and marble surfaces sit the latest technologies. There's an LCD screen in the kitchen and a 50in plasma in the main living area on a rotating arm that makes it visible to all corners of the room. There's another plasma in the master suite and ‘rock' speakers outdoors.
However, it also shows how elements can be upgraded and re-arranged to suit without compromise. Thanks to architect John D'Anvers, fixed speakers and extensive cabling were part of the original design, allowing for automative flexibility. So, when the home was sold, the new homeowner could customize his own entertaining environment.
Audiovisual designer, Clayton Knowles, project-managed the system upgrade.
"The homeowner places a high value on entertainment. Although he has a dedicated home theater room, he chose to have his main system in the living area, which is where he does the majority of his entertaining," he says.
As intended, the styling of the visual equipment complements the decor. But it's the behind-the-scenes components that make the picture and sound quality as good as it is, says Knowles.
"The flat screen televisions are basically all you see. Everything else is hidden away," he says. "This is the case in many new homes today, as homeowners seek to create sleek interiors."
He refers to the componentry like the DVD player, speakers, processors, amplifiers and sub-woofers – much of which is located in the cabinetry below. As well as room for equipment in the middle cupboards, this cabinetry accommodates built-in speakers, and drawers for DVDs and CDs.
There is also an in-wall speaker system that runs throughout the house.
The most recent addition is the Lutron lighting system, which replaced dozens of switches and dimmers with one easy-to-use control panel.
Designed for entertaining, this home integrates the latest technology with contemporary design. The 50in plasma sits alongside Italian furniture and a Philippe Starck mirror, while componentry is hidden away in customized cabinetry. Most of the speakers are mounted in the walls and ceiling.
An LCD screen provides private viewing for the cook.
Pre-wiring, done at building stage, provides flexibility in this home. Recent additions include ‘rock' speakers in the outdoor entertaining area.
Another addition is a Lutron lighting system.
A Philips touch screen remote control for audio, visual and lighting.
The living room plasma is on an extendable arm, allowing for viewing from any position in the room.
A dedicated home theater room is a luxury many of us would enjoy. Here's an example of what a no-expense-spared room can be like. The Sony projector displays movies on a 160in screen, while floor standing speakers give optimal surround sound quality. A separate data room is provided for the componentry.
The decor of this theater room matches the high-end technology. The wood wall panelling was imported from South Africa, and 18-carat gold detailing features above the viewing screen. Guests can set and save their preferred seating position so the chair reclines to their requirements automatically on their next visit.
Credit List
Audiovisual designer
:
Clayton Knowles
Lighting system
:
Lutron
D
:
Loewe
DV
D player & processor
:
Rotel
Power amplifier
:
Rotel
In-wall speakers
:
Speakercraft
In-ceiling rear speakers
:
Triad
Sub-woofer and theater speakers
:
Monitor Audio
A
V cabinet
:
Custom
Photography by Kallan MacLeod
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