The challenge was to create a system that offers advanced control and automation features and integrates with key sub-systems in a 40,000 squarefoot Greenwich, CT home.
The solution was a fully integrated Crestron system that controls audio, video, HVAC, lighting, motorized shades/draperies, hidden doors, pool, multiple security/alarm systems, and motorized exterior doors that drop into the basement.
The integrator for the job was John Clancy, CTO and executive VP for Audio Command Systems.
Welcome to Cave 76. Named after the sanctuary in the Mel Brooks/Carl Reiner “2000 Year Old Man” skit from the 1960s, this impressive home features the most advanced Crestron AV and control systems and delivers the ultimate entertainment experience for the homeowner and his family.
With one touch from the Crestron remote, the French doors surrounding the indoor/outdoor pool drop down and disappear into the basement. In just seconds, the indoor pool and lounge convert into a breathtaking outdoor space. “The clients have a tremendous passion for technology and love the Crestron product line,” Clancy noted.
The new construction project took nearly five years from its design phase to move in.
“The size and scope of the project were huge,” Clancy said. “It took a lot of time, planning, and coordinating with the design team, which consisted of the homeowner, architect, builder, interior designer, and integrator. The team took a plot of land and created a truly magnificent estate, boasting the best control and automation solution, plus integration with many sub-systems. We used Crestron for everything possible, from the surround sound processors to amplifiers and audio systems.”
The massive home features CAT speakers in its home theater, Focal in a two-channel room, and a blend of Stealth Acoustics, Sonance, Totem Acoustics, Triad, and Leon speakers throughout.
Here’s a tour of some of the more unique rooms and features of the home.
Library/Office
The gym’s Crestron touchscreens are programmed with a one-touch button feature that turns on a path of lights to the gym for pre-sunrise workouts. On display in the library is the homeowner’s vast comic book and memorabilia collection. With its high ceilings, all-wood walls, 12 bookshelf speakers, and large assortment of books, the room could easily be one found in Wayne Manor, residence of Batman’s alter ego Bruce Wayne. The space combines the best of both worlds–high technology and high design to create a cool hangout and command center for the homeowner.
Audio Command made sure the homeowner’s collectables are displayed and lit properly by using Crestron lighting control. Crestron motorized shades help protect the collection from damaging UV rays. Additionally, Audio Command installed electronic locks on the password-protected safe that contains the most valuable comic books.
Another unique feature of the library is a “hidden” technology element straight out of the movies. “By pulling the lever disguised as a book, the concealed Crestron-controlled door in the bookshelf opens, leading to a secret passageway to the upper library and balcony,” said Brett Hager, senior project manager at Audio Command Systems.
Clancy added that the book trigger is a simple contact closure to execute the mechanism’s operation.
After three months of cable management and systems integration using 14 Middle Atlantic Products racks of AV equipment, the result is an incredibly organized, easily serviced, clean space that the clients can show off to their guests as part of the home tour. The homeowner loves to enjoy a drink and a cigar in his office, but doesn’t like the room filling up with smoke and lingering for days. The solution? An air filtration system akin to those used on submarines is integrated with the Crestron system to clear out the smoke and circulate fresh air. In fact, there are multiple air ventilation systems; in addition to the house-wide HVAC system and exhaust fans, there’s also one in the two-channel room and another in the gun range. Although Audio Command Systems’ automation system is controlling all of them, they were devised by the project’s mechanical engineer.
Gym
The Crestron touchscreens are programmed with a one-touch button feature that turns on a path of lights to the gym for pre-sunrise workouts. The same button-touch simultaneously sets the HVAC to the desired temperature in the gym and turns on the TV and music to the homeowner’s favorite stations. The homeowner says that with the system, he spends more time working out, and less time preparing the gym.
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom features an 85-inch TV, full surround sound, Triad speakers, and multiple subwoofers. The homeowners can control their entertainment, shades, lights, thermostats, alarm, security, and much more from the MTX-3 handheld remote or tabletop V-Panel V12 touchscreen.
“The client can look at cameras and manage their entire property from their bedroom,” Hager added.
Lighting and Shades
The house is enormous, and the clients are very energy-conscious. Complete control and automation of shades and indoor/outdoor lighting enables them to increase energy efficiencies while maximizing comfort.
Home Theater
With a collection of more than 10,000 Blu-ray Discs and DVDs, this movie buff needed a place to enjoy his Mel Brooks collection and other favorite classic films. The 16-seat dedicated home theater does the trick.
As they enter the theater, the homeowner, his family, and guests load up on popcorn and candy from the fully stocked concession stand in the lobby. When it’s show time, path lighting, 26 speakers from CAT, and the ultra-bright Digital Projection TITAN Quad Reference 3D projector (located in a separate room) provide a mesmerizing experience.
“The theater is amazing in its own right. In terms of sound, it’s definitely the best theater I’ve ever heard,” Hager noted.
The Crestron DigitalMedia system routes any AV source to any room in the house, including the home theater. The homeowner can watch movies from his comprehensive collection and other content via a Kaleidescape server with multiple M700 Blu-Ray vaults, cable boxes, or Apple TV. Whatever the client selects comes to life with the help of the Crestron PROCISE surround sound processor and amplifiers.
Indoor/Outdoor Pool Area
With one touch from the Crestron remote, the French doors surrounding the indoor/outdoor pool drop down and disappear into the basement. In just seconds, the indoor pool and lounge convert into a breathtaking outdoor space.
With a collection of more than 10,000 Blu-ray Discs and DVDs, this movie buff needed a place to enjoy his Mel Brooks collection and other favorite classic films cuts. The 16-seat dedicated home theater does the trick.
The library/office space combines the high technology and high design to create a cool hangout and command center for the homeowner. The Sonnex multi-room audio distribution system pipes music throughout the home, and even through the barreled ceiling above the indoor pool for some added aquatic entertainment.
Outdoor Entertaining
Inside and out, this home showcases the best of home automation. There are three large outdoor zones in which to enjoy music. There’s also a screened-in porch with electric heaters tied to the automation system. If no one is occupying the space after a certain amount of time, the heaters turn off automatically.
Security
The client can monitor the CCTV cameras on the Crestron touchscreens or from an iPad anywhere in the home. They can view a sequence of camera images by room or by floor. The homeowner and Audio Command worked with a security consultant to integrate the burglar alarm, fire safety system, and perimeter system with the Crestron system to protect the entire estate and give the homeowners total peace of mind. If a visitor drives up to the front gate, an alert button is activated and the panel displays a lock/unlock button. The homeowner simply taps the unlock button to allow the visitors to proceed to the house.
After three months of cable management and systems integration using 14 Middle Atlantic Products racks of AV equipment, the result is an incredibly organized, easily serviced, clean space that the clients can show off to their guests as part of the home tour. The customers were thrilled with the simplicity, control, and convenience the system brought to their lives.
Meet the Team
Integrator: Audio Command Systems
www.audiocommand.com
Architect: Mark P. Finlay Architects, AIA
www.markfinlay.com
Builder: Hobbs Inc.
www.hobbsinc.com
