Bringing His Own Skills To The Smart Home

THE CHALLENGE:

As a developer and member of Crestron's Design Build Program, David Shapiro was familiar with high-end home automation and has implemented it into his own business projects over the years. Using this experience, Shapiro wanted to design his own home from the ground up and include premium technology to bring his professional prowess into his residence.

THE SOLUTION:

After seeing an example of Simplicity’s work during the annual Kansas City Artisan home tour, Shapiro reached out to the company for his new build. The project would include a complete home automation system and incorporate voice control for added convenience. Shapiro is now able to showcase the unique and custom technology features that exemplify his experience as a developer in his own home.

THE TECHNOLOGY:

The Crestron Home® platform provides one centralized interface that can manage every inch of the home and each area’s unique capabilities. United under one automation system, Shapiro and his family can seamlessly control everything from the expansive outdoor entertainment spaces to the spotlight lighting and audio levels in the primary bathroom. With the Crestron Home app, turning on a light, controlling the fireplace or pool, and changing the audio or video source can easily be done through personal devices such as a phone or tablet, as well as from the homeowner’s custom engraved Crestron Handheld remote or one of the multiple Crestron touch screens.

For added security, visitors can chime in at the gate, alerting the family through each Crestron touch screen in the kitchen, theater, wine room, bedroom, and home gym. With added support for voice control, Shapiro and his family can make commands to the Crestron Home system without ever having to pick up a device. Voice control with Josh.ai and Crestron Home controls the sliding doors and screens to the patio, the fireplaces, and the outdoor fire bowls by the pool.

Shapiro is a well-known member of the auto racing community so having a space to showcase his car collection and keep the vehicles in perfect condition was essential. As a result, Simplicity installed radiant floor heating and lighting control that allows each car to be individually lit when on display. Horizon® Keypads, placed conveniently throughout the home, manage and control all lighting, heating, shading, audio, and video features. In addition to serving as a control function, the keypads fit nicely into the residence’s modern design.

Creating captivating entertainment spaces was an important part of the design process for this home. Using Crestron DM NVX® AV-over-IP, Shapiro can seamlessly switch video and audio sources throughout the residence. Overlooking the garage is a home theater with a 133” screen for incredible viewings. Automated shades surrounding the room can lower in unison to darken the space for a Friday night movie showing. The lower level has space for virtual wine tastings and a self-playing piano pipes music through the audio system throughout the home as well at the touch of a button on the Crestron Home System.

A portion of the patio space includes an outdoor grill that opens up to the kitchen and dining area featuring retractable screens, a television, and an immersive sound system with 360-degree speakers. The backyard features an expansive view that overlooks three levels of patio space complete with a concrete ping pong table and a putting green. The unmatched outdoor audio experience that lines the quarter-mile walking path which surrounds the pool and the firepit is controlled by Crestron DM NAX™ audio distribution. The landscape system contains 6 separate amplifiers that power the speakers coming off the Crestron DM NAX platform seamlessly. Outdoor sensors illuminate the pathways at night for guests or for an evening stroll with the dog.

RESULTS:

This project allowed Shapiro to bring the technology he had been familiar with from his professional projects and transform the experience in his own home with Crestron. While remaining consistent with the contemporary design and providing unique automation features, Crestron Home was able to provide a simple user experience for daily routines or hosting an unforgettable gathering with family and friends.

"Crestron Home allows us to customize certain aspects of the system without complicating the user experience, which is the most essential quality for our clients," says Joe Acree, Principal, Simplicity