Lake Tahoe home

When building a new vacation home in Lake Tahoe, one homeowner wanted to guarantee that his new spectacular lakeside cabin would remain secure, even in his absence. To do so, he turned to Scott Ruzich and Epic AV Automation to integrate a cutting-edge control, security and entertainment system into the home. The goal, which was met with exceeded expectations, was to intertwine the advanced technology into all aspects of the home without taking away from the design.

With clear blue water, snow-capped mountains, and lush forest, Lake Tahoe is one of the country’s most serene locations for a vacation home. In summer, winter, and anytime in between, there is much to see, do and experience. That’s why one California-based homeowner decided to demo an existing residence and re-build a new vacation home on a plot of land nestled in the region’s secluded lake-side woods. And, since he and his family wouldn’t be present year-round, he wanted his new private oasis to be as safe and secure as it is serene.

Before building, the homeowner had security concerns. He wanted to be alerted immediately if an intruder was detected, ensure that the security system was always functioning properly, and check in on his property’s camera feeds instantly, from anywhere. That’s why, when designing, developing and building the new vacation home, Truckee, they turned to Scott Ruzich from Epic AV Automation to equip the luxurious lakeside cabin with a high-tech A/V system, centralized by an ELAN smart home automation platform, which allows the homeowner to tap directly into his security system from anywhere in the world on a smartphone or tablet.

Designed around an ELAN System Controller, the homeowner can operate various media and entertainment options, security and IP cameras, climate, pool and spa, lighting, and irrigation from a single application. For security, three network cameras were strategically placed, so the homeowner can view the property at any time, from anywhere.

And, in addition to instant control, Epic AV Automation configured the ELAN system to work autonomously by programming two key settings into the platform: ‘home’ and ‘away.’ The ‘home’ and ‘away’ buttons easily prep the house prior to the homeowner’s, or a guest’s, arrival, as well as help expedite departure of the house. When the ‘away’ setting is activated, the thermostat drops, every audio and video zone is turned off, and all of the security systems are armed. This setting completely shuts down the home with only one button press.

To operate the system while at the residence, the owner has seven ELAN remotes docked throughout the home, along with an ELAN in-wall touch panel centrally located in the home’s main entrance. When the homeowner is home, the new system provides him and his family with limitless entertainment. With 10 zones of audio, the homeowners and guests can be entertained in every room. Ruzich and his team installed 17 Niles loudspeakers and woofers indoors, and 8 Niles OS6.3 loud speakers outdoors around the BBQ area and patios. Additionally, TV shows and movies can be watched through seven zones of video on televisions ranging from 19 to 60-inches.

No customer testimonial provided.