Home Automation
Futuristic Fantasy or Mainstream Reality?

Remember The Jetsons-the TV cartoon where everything in their home was automated-if they needed anything, all they had to do was push a button and it was done? Today, home automation is no longer a futuristic fantasy; it is a reality that is moving into mainstream design.

Some of today's home automation control solutions include audio and video, lighting and dimming, security monitoring, and window-shading, controlled through an assortment of different devices including decorative wall switches, touch screens, personal computers, and remote controls.

HOME AUTOMATION TRENDS: INTEROPERABILITY, AFFORDABILITY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Although there is a vast array of options, most automation companies agree the biggest trend today in home automation is interoperability.

Interoperable devices allow the homeowner to integrate all of their automated systems. Whether utilizing a remote, voice activated system, or the Internet, the command of all home automation components are on one device.

Jackie VonTobel, WFCP Master, owner of Plush Home, and author of The Design Directory of Window Treatments, recently completed an integrated home automation project-the client's garage door opener signals the house to respond to his arrival by creating the perfect setting according to his preferences.

Not only does interoperability make for luxurious living, it also helps homeowners to simplify-with so many remotes and passwords to remember, many people today are looking for "efficient, automated solutions for the home that enhance their décor and are simple to operate," says Laura Gabriel, Lutron Electronics marketing project leader.

Mara Vollbrecht, WFCP Expert, and owner of Designs by Mara Inc., agrees, saying her clients are looking to consolidate and coordinate all home automation into one easily manageable system.

AFFORDABILITY
Although the home automation market remains predominantly within the higher income, luxury, and custom homes, because of increased developments in technology and demand, home automation is slowly becoming more affordable-making its way into the mainstream.

"While there still remains a strong presence by leaders in high-end home automation, there are some relative newcomers to the industry that are gearing their solutions toward more middle to upper class residences," says Nicole Lauer, Techniku national sales and marketing manager.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
As the importance of the environment continues to gain momentum, and energy prices increase, clients will be increasingly interested in how to improve the efficiency of their home. And whether building new or remodeling and retrofitting-the efficiency of the home can be increased through home automation.

This increased focus on energy efficiency in the home has inspired many manufacturers to design devices that better serve the environment.

Phantom Screens offers a number of devices that automate the functions of the screens: Sun & Wind Sensors automatically trigger screens to lower when direct sunlight hits the building and to retract when a storm arrives. Their Executive Screens can also be integrated with the home automation system so the screens come down or retract at specific times of the day.

MechoShade® Systems' SolarTrac® automated WindowManagement® system can reduce energy costs by raising and lowering window shades in a home, based on the time of day or the amount of light entering a room. Thus, the amount of electricity needed to cool or illuminate a room can be appreciably reduced.

HOME AUTOMATION AND THE WINDOW
As home automation, energy efficiency, and green building trends continue to grow, the need for window covering automation to be integrated with operating networks will continue to increase. "How window-covering automation interacts with networks has become a major issue for both residential and commercial construction," says Jon Vrielink, president of BTX Window Automation. "This interconnected control not only gives vivid expression to home theater applications, but brings real function, such as light, heat, and cooling control, to design."

INCREASE YOUR SALES
Although the housing market is hurting, home automation companies such as Vertilux, Comfortex, and Lutron say that home automation sales are still strong.

Automation will be here to stay, and as it becomes more affordable, more homeowners will be open to include it in their homes-and designers will be able to reap the financial benefits. VonTobel says that many of her clients already know what they are looking forwhich "makes it all the more important that designers stay abreast of the current trends and educate themselves as to the many products the architect or contractor might suggest to the client. The successful designer must possess a specific expertise and spend additional time in order to specify these products and charge the client accordingly." VonTobel adds, "as demand for automation increases, the savvy designer who can advertise expert knowledge in this category to contractors and architects, as well as to their clients, will be giant steps ahead of the competition."

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