Futurian Systems - Longhorn Spirit
University of Texas Alumni are known to possess a long-lasting spirit for their school. That pride for U.T. carries over into this home which contains not only a wealth of memorabilia, but technology that exemplifies the enthusiasm for the great college it’s known to be.
The North Texas division of Futurian Systems was contacted to build a completely custom home system in this almost 8,000 square foot home. The design was to take into account the desire to perfectly accent all of the collectibles that would be placed around the home. Lighting, motorized shades, audio, and video all had to highlight the obvious dedication to the college.
The project took almost two years to complete starting with a pre-wire that addressed every type of current technology while preparing the home for the future. With over forty windows that required motorized shades, wiring for those alone was a huge task in of itself. Sixteen zones of audio and ultra-high-definition video, full camera surveillance covering the outside, WiFi Access Points throughout, robust security, and expansive home automation features added to the already demanding pre-wire requirements.
With an oversized closet dedicated to multiple equipment racks full of electronics, there was more than enough room to build a very large system to operate the entire home. Two full size racks connected together and loaded with devices demonstrates just how powerful this system has become.
Futurian met with the owners in the design phase of the home. It was discussed that the home was going to be a long-term residence for the owners and they didn’t want to limit themselves in any way. With Futurian’s forward thinking mindset, all possibilities for each room were taken into consideration and wiring and conduit was to be installed supportive of future electronics.
Communications within the home had to be top notch. The fastest Internet service was expected with the distribution of WiFi available anywhere on the property. Gigabit speeds were essential to the owner’s business conducted at home, while the personal streaming of content from the Web was just as important.
Audio and video distribution in every room of the house was preferred. Starting with nine displays and the option to expand to sixteen was planned for. A combination of three surround sound areas and fourteen whole-house audio zones were wired and installed. All of which gives the home an incredible viewing and listening experience that is sure to impress.
The owners love to entertain, so the Media Room and Game Room areas had to offer the best electronics experience available. With the challenge of an asymmetrical Media Room, and the desire for Dolby Atmos Surround Sound, Sonance Invisible Series Loudspeakers were installed in the ceiling to conceal the odd placement of each speaker location, but achieving simulation of the surround sound format that was demanded.
Surround sound was also highly desired in the Master Bedroom as many movies were viewed from bed. Another asymmetrical vaulted ceiling and a heavily framed TV wall required some out of the box thinking to achieve the sound that was put in place. 7.1 surround sound gives the audio quality of many dedicated Media Rooms all while lounging in the ultimate comfort of the bedroom.
Every request of the client was delivered upon. Components seamlessly blend into the home giving a true enhancement to the quality of life. Features of the system offer the convenience of simple activation along with Smart Home intelligence.
Mobile devices throughout the home achieve strong WiFi connections enabling the fastest access to the Internet and other system functions. Interfaces upon those mobile devices allow viewing of multiple cameras on property, control over any of the motorized shades in the home, climate adjustments, activation of the pool/spa, and so much more.
Multiple audio and video sources tucked into the equipment racks include AppleTV, DirecTV, Xbox, and more which all distribute out to the many TVs and speakers in the home. The setup allows for a very clean room-side environment free of electronics clutter only requiring the display and speakers to be visible.
The wiring infrastructure allowed for upgraded surround sound in multiple areas of the home offering the ease of choice for enjoying a true cinematic experience in several locations. Coupled with the ultimate luxury of over-sized bean bags, super-soft beds, and comfy couches make you want to stay in the home forever.
Lighting control covering the entire home accentuates the particular areas the owner wanted guests to notice. Multiple lighting scenes activating at various times of day always placed emphasis on the most notable pieces. Effortless control over all such lighting gives the owners the peace of mind to know everything activates without much interaction.
Tying the entire system together was achieved through the Control 4 system. Management of the electronics by Control 4 allow the owner super simple use of this rather complex arrangement. Intuitive design of the interface on iPads, In-Wall Touchscreens, apps on phones, and on-screen TV interfaces gives rise to no shortage of easy use.
The owners have been delighted with the system, and have stated:
“We are very happy with the project.”
Ben Hood
4153 Idlewild
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(512) 947-2616
Futurian Systems - Longhorn Spirit
Category
Project > Custom Home of the Year between $50,000 - $150,000
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