HTA Update - 09/30/2008 (Plain Text Version)

View Graphical Version | Subscribe to NAHB Publications | E-mail Our Editor
NAHB Home Page | Browse Other NAHB e-Newsletters | Search Back Issues

In this issue:
URGE CONGRESS TO PASS A FINANCIAL RESCUE PACKAGE!
What to Look for in an Electronic Systems Contractor
Home Automation – From Simplistic to Grandiose, A Solid Addition to Builder’s Repertoire
More Home Owners Seeking Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Home Technology Education Sessions
Custom Builder Symposium Can Help Navigate Downturn
Industry Recognition

Industry Recognition

The Custom Electronic Design Installation Association (CEDIA) Electronic Lifestyles® Awards honor excellence on technical and design/aesthetic aspects of technology installation projects in the residential electronic systems industry. Project categories include Best Home Theater, Best Media Room, Best Integrated Home, Best Special Project, Best Hidden Installation and Best Dressed System. Winners are selected by two panels of judges, a technical team made up of five CEDIA residential electronic systems contractor members, and a design team comprised of members from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

The HTA Update will feature an award winner to highlight one of the projects in each issue. Each member involved in these projects--the architect, builder, interior designer, and electronic systems contractor (ESC)--played an integral part to the finished product. As with any industry, developing partnerships is a clear way to expand your business by being able to offer more options to clients. Best Overall Large Home Theater Winner

Level VII Silver Technical Design
Future Home ~FM~

Murray Kunis
Los Angeles, CA
www.futurehometheater.com 

Architect: Performance Media Industries, Fairfax, CA

Builder: Gruen Construction, Agoura Hills, CA

Interior Designer: TK Theaters (Theo Kalomirakis), New York, NY

Level VII Silver Technical Design
Future Home ~FM~

Date design began: 11-01-04

Date installation was completed: 12-01-06

Feature Essay:
Studio acoustics, reference technical performance and intuitive operation were all priorities for Future Home’s client who wanted a purist private theater with a sexy 1960s ambiance. Audio and video live comfortably within perforated stainless steel columns and cool gray fabric. This neutral palette, ideal for movie watching, is bathed with a color-kinetics rainbow upon entering and exiting the theater. The same cool colors and finishes are in the foyer and illuminated with fiber optics.

Due to a low ceiling, the floor was lowered, and one exterior wall was pushed out six inches. The hundred-pound plus projector is hidden in the foyer, which also contains a 32-inch LCD HDTV that lowers from the ceiling. System racks are also in the foyer, conveniently close but out of sight. Control is accomplished through 10-inch wired and 6-inch wireless touchpanels.

Floating floors, shock-mounted walls and a double-seal door create an isolated world, and treatments include diffusive, absorptive surfaces. The center speaker is located behind an acoustically transparent screen; left and right speakers are behind the front gray panels. Eight beefy subwoofers provide bone-chilling bass for smooth LF response at all seats, while main speakers provide "martini smooth" sound with minimal boundary reflections and equal power to all channels. The neutral interior eliminates color bias or reflected coloration. In the end, this room creates the ideal impact by adding equipment that enhances an already cool room.

Runco, Crestron, Kaleidescape, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, DirecTV, Sony, Panamax, Furman, JBL, Triad, Monster Cable, Liberty Cable, Middle Atlantic, Screen Research, Sharp, Inca Lift, Color Kinetics, Lutron, and Cinematech.

For more information or to contact us directly, please visit www.NAHB.org | ©2008, National Association of Home Builders