Challenges
Located in the Marquis Seven Hills development outside of Las Vegas, The New American Home 2013 blends desertcontemporary design with high technology. Now in its 30th year, The New American Home (TNAH) is constructed annually in conjunction with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show to showcase innovative residential construction technologies and the latest building products. A Crestron whole home automation system was the focal point of this highly sophisticated desert sanctuary.
The New American Home continues to spotlight green building technologies and builder best practices. NAHB challenged the design team to create a state-of-the-art home with the best design, materials and energy efficiencies. “Our company is so focused on innovative design and trying to push the envelope in terms of construction science, architectural design, and green building technology. This is a chance to put all of our best ideas forward into one showcase home,” said Tyler Jones, Founding Partner, Blue Heron.
Blue Heron, builder of the highly acclaimed 2009 home and one of Las Vegas’ most successful residential builders, was tasked with designing and project managing the construction of the show home. The builder called on Southern Nevada’s leading custom electronics design and installation company, Eagle Sentry, to handle the integration of technology systems. “Integrated technology goes hand in hand with what we try to do in our homes,” said Jones.
“Technology is becoming commonplace in most newly constructed homes today,” said Tucker Bernard, Director, NAHB Leading Suppliers Council & The New American Home. “We try to feature technology that is attainable to the average buyer.”
Solution
Crestron showcased many of its solutions ideal for indoor and outdoor entertaining, including its multiroom HD audio and video. Guests can enjoy music in any room – indoors or outdoors or watch movies in several rooms with beautiful displays. Crestron in-wall and in-ceiling speakers deliver high performance sound throughout the 17,000 square foot property.
“Crestron was a natural fit because of their Integrated by Design TM concept which delivers a complete home technology solution on a single platform,” said Greg Simmons, Co-owner, Eagle Sentry.
The nearly 7,000 square foot home features several multidirectional locations for indoor and outdoor entertainment. The technology, coupled with the design elements, aim to educate and inspire builders, architects, designers, and potential home buyers.
Crestron technology makes the home smarter. As guests enter the home, smart technology is at their fingertips. And one touch does it all from sleek tablet-style Crestron touchscreens or the VPanel™ tabletop touch screen. They can control lights, shades, thermostats, entertainment, security cameras – even the fireplace – from any room or the outside patio areas surrounding the home. “Guests will get a feel for how simple and intuitive the touch screen is to use and navigate,” added Simmons.
Several preset functions highlight the home technology. When the “morning” button is pressed, the TV turns on and the morning news appears on screen, the shades rise, and the lights adjust to the desired level. Selecting the “Away” mode on the security system will arm the system, lower the shades, dim or turn off the lights, and adjust the HVAC system to a pre-set level based on the time of year.
Additional unique features include pool control, water features, misting systems, outdoor heaters, and control of the giant pocket doors throughout the home which allow guests to smoothly transition from the indoor spaces to the outdoor. “The open doors allow the house to flow into the pool and patio lounge area,” added Simmons.
“The seamless integration of technology complemented the design elements we created for this home,” said Jones.
“This was the first time we’ve used Crestron as the complete supplier for integration of the whole house,” said Bernard. “Crestron offered a one-stop shop for everything which worked very well.”
Team Work
The collaboration between the design team was crucial to the seamless completion of the home. The builder, architect, interior designer and custom electronics design and installation firm worked closely to ensure that technology and design considerations were made in the early stages of the project. “Because of the modern nature of the home, a lot of interaction was necessary during the pre-wire phase,” noted Simmons.
As construction began, the team met daily. When it came to technology, the team selected the locations for touch screens and window shades together. “We left each meeting knowing we were all on the same page,” said Simmons.
Results
The New American Home 2013 achieved LEED Platinum Status from the U.S. Green Building Council and Emerald status under the National Green Build Standard.
With their alluring architectural design and courtyard style floor plans, the custom home elevates personal luxury living to a new level. The home demonstrates the harmonious relationship between technology and design, when collaboration happens at the beginning of the project.
Blue Heron and Eagle Sentry are scheduled to collaborate on 40-50 additional custom homes over the next few years. Each home will include Crestron infrastructure.
“The 2013 New American Home puts smart technology front and center. The design build community is embracing the technology and homeowners expect it,” said Joe Russo, Regional Sales Manager, Crestron.
“For our business, smart home technology adds another layer to our business. It’s one more great service to offer our clients,” said Jones.
“Crestron was integral in tying everything together,” said Simmons.
About Creston
Crestron designs and builds control & automation products to simplify technology for homes, offices, schools, hospitals, hotels and more. Offering integrated solutions to control audio, video, computer, IP and environmental systems, Crestron streamlines technology, improving the quality of life for people in corporate boardrooms, conference rooms, classrooms, auditoriums, and in their homes.