How to get the most out of Integrators
A project we have been a part of this year is a full renovation to our client’s home. I have been on a bit of a rip about getting Lairds in at the design stage of a project. And this client did. He put us in touch with his interior designer before the project began. And this is how to get the most out of Integrators. We work in conjunction with both Designer and client to renovate every room in our client’s home. Read on to learn about this project including Home Automation, & a custom built media room.
Initial Site Survey
Our client has a lovely home, even before the renovation, with many rooms. He got in contact with us and explained his plans for refurbishment, and that he was interested in a few of our services. Namely, our Audio-Visual work, installing media rooms, and audio zones throughout homes. And also Smart Home features.
We visited his home and saw the potential right away to create a wonderful set-up in every room. We noticed too, that the client had lots of tech already in his home. However, we found behind his tech, and sticking out of outlets everywhere, horrible tangles of wires and cables.
Therefore we resolved to install the tech for the client, and to create for the client an infrastructure of cabling that would be behind his walls, and therefore, be hidden, tidy and discreet.
Working with Interior Designers
Once the survey was completed, we provided a quote for the client, to which he agreed, and then introduced us to the Interior designer working on his renovation.
Those who diligently read our case studies will know by know that we are rarely involved this early in a project. We are, more often than not, working out ways to insert ourselves into a concrete schedule decided on way before we get that first phone call.
Therefore it’s a real treat to be included in the design phase, and we were able to inform the Interior Designer’s plans and work with them on how best to proceed.
As you can imagine, the Interior designer was thrilled to learn about our plan to hide all the wires behind walls, and to install discreet tech that blended with the design of the room.
Cabling Infrastructure
I speak about what Cabling Infrastructure is in more detail here. For now, all I’ll say is that a Cabling Infrastructure is a series of cables, running throughout a home to whatever room or outlet required. This allows you to power them, connect them to the same network, and allow everything to work as part of one system. It’s helpful to picture it as a central nervous system for your home.
Working with the designer, we informed them that installing the cabling infrastructure first was the best way to begin. Cabling Infrastructures can be installed behind walls, floors and ceilings. Doing this as a first step means we don’t ruin any paintwork or plastering.
So we installed the cabling infrastructure, which means all wiring is hidden and discreet. Next we got to work on the technology in each room.
Media Room
The crown jewels of this renovation was to be a custom built Home Cinema/Media Room complete with full surround sound, and a 100″ 4K TV. We worked with the designer and learned how the room should look, and we incorporated the technology into their vision. Integrators pride themselves on their ability to blend technology in with the interior of a room, as it gives that clean finish, that makes a project… muah! *chef’s kiss*
We enlisted the help our our resident joiner who built a structure to securely hold the 100″ screen. Next, we installed a wall mount and then the screen itself, and connected it to the infrastructure, keeping cables secured and out of sight. We then set up surround sound speakers. This large screen and surround sound set-up creates the perfect cinematic experience.
As we were working closely with the designer, we planned a lot of this ahead, and so we were get in and get out with minimal fuss. We effectively shave days off our clients project.
Kitchen
Next we installed Sonance in-ceiling speakers, and connected them to the infrastructure to create an audio zone. Sonance speakers blend perfectly with the design of the room and often go unnoticed. Why Lairds go for them though, is because of their sound quality. Our client now enjoys a relaxing atmosphere, that oozes from the walls and ceiling. And with a simple to use Smart Home interface, he can set the mood for the dining table.
Gymnasium
We installed another audio zone in the gymnasium. We also included Home Automation features, giving our client easy control. When you’re trying to keep your heart rate up, or sticking to strict intervals, you want to keep pumping. You don’t want to be stopping and starting, to control music, heating, air conditioning via a clunky set-up. That’s why, we chose an automation software that would allow for a click-and-go interface.
Conclusion
So that’s how to get the most out of Integrators. We’ve spoken many times about installations of Smart Home Features, Media Room set-ups, and audio visual installations. It’s great though to explore the benefits of getting Integrators in at the design stage of your renovation or new build project.
We left this client satisfied and with a cabling infrastructure in place that he can expand, or upgrade in the future.
Out of respect for clients, we only publish photos with their consent. To get a look at other projects with these features, click here & here.
