We live and rely on ever-evolving technology, especially in our homes. How do we keep up with this pace without renovations once the latest updates are released? The answer is in future-proofing your smart home system.
Ready for What Comes Next
For technology to be seamless in the modern house, it must be “future proof.” Interconnectivity among hardwiring, wireless, and the physical space is essential. Not only must each aspect work together, but they also need to be serviceable and upgradable in the future.
Start with a robust foundation, says Brian Schulman, Acoustic Architects’ Field Systems Designer. A very thorough pre-wire allows you to build on. It also adds value to your house and has a tangible resale value. Always prewire, even if it’s for tech you don’t currently have. It’s cheaper to do when the walls are open, and construction is underway. In a year or two when a new system comes out, or you’re ready to purchase additional devices, or if you want to change the guest room into a home office, the groundwork has been laid.
From a behind-the-scenes perspective, this means thinking about the system from a macro scale. The infrastructure, panel rooms, AV rack rooms, and other utility spaces are arranged to be serviceable and upgradable, yet take up as small a footprint as possible.
Planning Ahead
The bigger picture of the technology’s lifespan is important to consider. “When I design these systems architecturally or on the back-end, I want to make sure they are future-capable,” says Brian. A system prepared to or designed to receive upgrades as technology matures integrates them incrementally. This can be as simple as refreshing the keypads or audio system rather than removing the entire system.
For example, the feasibility of a very large screen in your media room isn’t a big stretch. Video walls are rapidly becoming more available. Anticipating that TV screens could potentially get bigger and thinner, consider the framing, millwork, structure and even placement in the room so that it makes sense. Another example is lighting and keypads. The way you use a room may change throughout your time in your home. Add or subtract lighting, reconfigure programming, and update keypads easily with thoughtful design.
It’s easiest to prepare for advancements during new construction or renovations. However, an experienced team can ensure headaches related to inevitable upgrades are a thing of the past. The team at Acoustic Architects stays in constant communication with interior designers, architects, and contractors during a project to ensure that the infrastructure is in place for whatever the future brings.
Responsive Living, the term coined by Acoustic Architects founders, Aaron Flint and Spencer Hauldren, is the concept of seamlessly enhancing the client’s unique lifestyle using smart home technology. Responsive Living allows you to interact with your space via touch input, voice command, and predictive automation, placing you in full control of your home.
If you would like to learn more about integrating new systems into your smart home system, feel free to connect with us. We will be happy to schedule a demo with you.
For more information, visit acousticarchitects.net.
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