SMART HOMES
Terminology and taglines vary, but whether called a "Smart Home" a "Wiser Home" or an "Automated Home", basically the meaning is the same i.e. personal residences that incorporate automation technology to increase the comfort and security of those living there.
Although many techniques used in commercial building automation (such as light and climate control, control of doors and window shutters, security and surveillance systems, etc.) are also used in home automation, additional technology for Smart Homes often includes the control of multi-media entertainment systems (e.g. home theatre), automatic irrigation systems, programmable scenes for dinners, parties, etc and a more user-friendly control interface.
When planning a new home, or a major refurbishment of an existing one, creating a “Smart Home” is a smart decision. Your family will benefit from the increased level of comfort and security, and from potential savings in 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 commencing. Speak to your architect or project manager about involving us in the planning process, or contact us direct.
Building a new home is stressful enough without having to decide what technology is required? Who can design the right system? What will the system include? Who is installing it, programming the system, and managing the process?
Intelligent Environments Limited have a sound knowledge of all products, and can select the appropriate technology to ensure you get what you want, when you want it.
Creating an intelligent environment for your home is all about entertainment, comfort, convenience and security.
We help you customise a smart or wiser home especially for you.
HOME THEATRE ENTERTAINMENT
Enjoy that “ cinema experience” in your own lounge room. From the comfort of your armchair simply dim the lights, draw the blinds, and start the movie – all via remote control.
It’s a Party!
As friends arrive for dinner, switch to party mode 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
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.
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 boogying away poolside to their favourite sounds.
COMFORT
Remote Control
Control the temperature from any room. No matter where you are in your home you can control the heating and airconditioning using a remote control.
Open or close your windows and drapes by remote control. Or pre-program them to open or close at certain times of day.
It is even possible to control your Smart or Wiser Home when you are at work, or on holiday - from a PC, laptop or even your mobile phone!
Goodnight Mode
No more night time circuits to turn off all the lights. Simply press the “Goodnight” button 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” automation allows a level of independent living for those with severe disabilities.
CONVENIENCE
Welcome Home
As your garage door opens your house comes to life to create the environment you’ve chosen – selected room lights turn on, air conditioning or heating starts up, music begins to play. Whatever you’ve chosen to instantly create that cosy family environment! You can also create a “Goodbye” mode.
Outdoors
Turn on spa or pool pumps, garden sprinklers, outside garden lights, by remote control or on pre-set schedules. Program your irrigation system to suit the time of year, or link with sensors so it comes on – only when it hasn’t rained!
Savings
Other automated 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 benefits your bank balance, but benefits the planet too!
SECURITY
Panic Mode
A strange noise outside? Hit “Panic” mode and turn on outside lights and selected internal lights instantly!
On Vacation
Don’t 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 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. You can even check your security camera footage live from your workplace PC, laptop or mobile phone!
Alarm Systems
Your 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
Blue tooth 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?
