Simply smart: combining technology with family living

Technology and practical family living combine to create a welcoming, relaxed home in Johannesburg.

Say “high-tech home” and you might expect a property that’s a modern showpiece, perhaps too sleek and complicated for everyday living for a young family.

Instead, in this Johannesburg house, technology is used to simplify the owners’ lifestyle, while enhancing the relaxed atmosphere they’ve created.

The couple worked with BNC Technology to integrate, automate and upgrade various aspects of the existing home, installing a full wireless and wired network, adding a cinema and tech hub, and making the home “awesome”.

As a family with two young children, they put a strong emphasis on user-friendly automation that would not obstruct the welcoming feel of the home, with the technology installed discreetly.

“We’re homely people. Our attitude is that we don’t want visitors arriving at our home and feeling like they can’t sit on our couch or that they’d best not touch any of the decor. We wanted something that created a feeling of sophistication, yet kept things simple,” explains the home owner.

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Now, for example, using the portable control panel, a remote or a smart device, lighting can be set for a desired mood or switched on and off remotely; blinds and curtains can be opened and closed; and music can be played in individual rooms or throughout the house.

“Even the kids are able to do more in the house independently, as they can push one button and have the television turn on to their favourite channel, or close the curtains on their own,” says the home owner.

The decor in the home matches this easy approach, with comfortable furniture, lighter colours on the walls and floors, and soft furnishings of plush cushions and throws adding warmth.

The open-plan living area leads onto an outdoor entertainment space, with motorised blinds to suit the weather, and a pool with an automated system to control the heat pump and filter.

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A favoured area of the house is the raised deck, where music can be switched to sport on the TV in seconds, with outdoor lighting programmed for ambience.

The area’s other enviable feature is that it overlooks the Sandton skyline, which was a deciding factor when it came to buying the property. “I wanted a house with a view, and compromised on a large, rambling garden for a tiered outdoor space with views,” says the home owner.

Upstairs in the main bedroom, the couple can open the curtains with the push of a button to admire their surroundings, or conveniently close them for privacy.

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Adjoining the main suite is the home cinema, which is a well-used spot. “We love watching movies as a family, and with just one touch, our cinema room comes to life with the appropriate lighting; the projector drops out of the ceiling and is switched on to the right channel, ready to go,” they add.

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It’s this idea of using technology for comfort, convenience and practical living that defies expectations of a stereotypical, somewhat impersonal, “smart home”, with the words “family, life, play, fun” on the patio wall summing up this property perfectly.

sub_head_start Q&A with Nick Caripis of BNC Technology sub_head_end

Why should home owners consider home automation?

Home automation makes life easier, by integrating all technology in the home, and takes care of the mundane tasks you do every day. It can save electricity and make the home more efficient.

What should home owners be aware of when installing home automation?

Choose a reputable company with experience and a good track record.

What are the costs in automating a home?

Costs are variable, but from about R1 000

to R1 500 per square metre.

What are the most common installations you’ve been asked to do?

Full integration, where everything is controlled through one control system, and turnkey home cinema solutions.

What have been some unusual requests?

We have proposed a weather station for one of our clients that will monitor the weather, and then close their skylight if the wind picks up or it begins to rain.

Any predictions for homes of the future?

There will be more integration, making more use of mobile phones. Digital media and digital systems will become more prominent. Clients are also going back to high-quality features for the home.