Smart Homes
When it comes to home automation, Smart Homes are those that use automation technology to increase the comfort and security of those living there.
Many techniques used in commercial building automation are also used in home automation (such as light and climate control, control of doors and window shutters, security and surveillance systems, etc.)
Additional home automation technology for Smart Homes often includes the control of multi-media entertainment systems. These include home theatre, automatic irrigation systems and programmable scenes (e.g. for dinners, parties, etc) to name a few.
When planning a new home, or a major refurbishment of an existing one, creating a Smart Home using home automation systems is a great decision. Your family will benefit from the increased level of comfort and security, and from potential savings in energy/power (benefiting your bank balance and the planet!). However, just as importantly, you are future proofing your home to ensure it retains value and desirability in years to come.
The cabling for your home automation system is commonly installed at the same time as your electrical wiring, prior to the walls being lined. It is important therefore that consideration is given to creating a Smart Home in the early stages of design and prior to building commencement. Speak to your architect or project manage about involving us in the planning process, or contact us directly for a free consultation.
Building a new home is stressful enough without having to decide what technology is required. Who can design the right home automation system? What will the home automation system include? Who is installing it, programming the system, and managing the process?
Intelligent Environments Limited have a sound knowledge of all automation products, and can select the appropriate home automation technology to ensure you get what you want, and when you want it.
Smart homes are all about entertainment, comfort, convenience and security.
We help you customise a smart home especially for you.
Home Automation & Entertainment
Home Theatre
Home automation allows you to enjoy that cinema experience in your own lounge room. From the comfort of your armchair you can easily dim the lights, draw the blinds, and start the movie all via one remote control.
It's a Party!
As friends arrive for dinner, switch to party mode (see creating scenes) and welcome them with outdoor lighting, the water feature activated, soft lighting in the dining area, the fire or air-conditioning functioning, and ambient music to set the mood!
Multi Zone Audio & Home Automation
Home automation allows you to enjoy your favourite music anywhere in your home.
Play the same track throughout, or play different tunes in each room. Your kids can even plug in their MP3 players and listen to music in their rooms.
Home Automation & Outdoor Living
Make the most of your outdoor area with lighting, music, heating, movies all connected to your home automation system.
Sit in the spa on a Saturday night to watch the rugby! While the kids are burning off that excess energy in the pool or dancing away poolside to their favourite sounds.
Home Automation & Comfort
Remote Control
Control the temperature from any room. No matter where you are in your home you can control the heating and air-conditioning using a remote control.
Home automation means you can open or close your windows and drapes by remote control or pre-program them to open or close at certain times of day.
Goodnight Mode
No more night time circuits to turn off all the lights. Simply press the Goodnight button on your home automation remote and all the lights will gradually dim to off, and the alarm system is activated.
Need to get up during the night? Touch another button to turn on lights dimmed low so you can move around without disturbing the rest of the family.
Assistance for the elderly or disabled
Manipulating switches can be challenging for the elderly or disabled. A Smart Home can be set-up to simplify these tasks and create pre-determined lighting sequences, either operated from a single switch, or scheduled into the system. Voice activated home automation allows a level of independent living for those with challenging disabilities.
Home Automation & Convenience
Welcome Home
As your garage door opens your home comes to life to create the environment you have chosen. Selected room lights turn on, air conditioning or heating starts up, music begins to play. Whatever you have chosen to instantly create that cosy family environment! You can also create a Goodbye mode.
Use your home automation system to turn on spa or pool pumps, garden sprinklers, outside garden lights, by remote control or on pre-set schedules. Program your irrigation system (read more on irrigation systems) to suit the time of year, or link with sensors so it comes on only when it hasn’t rained!
Other home automation systems to assist with tasks may include setting the air conditioning or heating to an energy saving level when the house is unoccupied, and restoring the normal setting when an occupant is about to return.
Blinds can be controlled by sensors to ensure your furniture is protected from direct sunlight. Lighting levels can be controlled using sensors to make use of ambient luminosity.
Lighting can be set to turn off when no movement is detected. No more following the kids around switching off lights behind them! Saving energy not only benefits your bank balance, but benefits the planet too!
Home Automation & Security
Panic Mode
A strange noise outside? Hit PANIC mode and turn on outside lights and selected internal lights instantly!
On Vacation
Do not advertise your absence to would-be burglars! Give your home a lived-in look by scheduling lights to turn on and off at set times, and opening and closing curtains morning and evening.
Feeling Safe
Security aspects can be built into your home automation system to ensure that your family feel safe anytime of day or night. Security cameras can be linked to your TV – see who is at your door before you answer.
Home Alarm Systems
Your home automation system can be linked to your alarm to provide additional safeguards. For instance, when an alarm detects a fire, or a certain level of smoke, then all the lights in the house could be set to blink, to alert occupants. Where a home theatre is installed, all audio and video components could be closed down to alert the homeowner to a possible fire or burglar.
Do we expect more from our car, than we do from our home?
With a quality car we expect:
Remote, keyless entry- Power windows
- Power mirrors
- Electric seats
- Climate control
- ABS brakes
- Light sensing headlights
- Cruise control
- Automatic transmission
- Traction control
- Bluetooth phone kit
- Rain sensing wipers
- Reversing sensors
- GPS navigation
So why is it with our home we put up with:
- Manually locking and unlocking doors
- Manually switching lights on and off
- Manually turning on the air conditioner or heater
- Manually drawing the curtains
- Turning off the lights
- Turning on the TV
- . . . just to watch a movie?
