Aspire AVS programs comprehensive smart home with intuitive voice control

This project came about through a referral from Novella Homes, one of Aspire Audio Video Solutions (AVS)’s custom home building partner companies based in Charleston, South Carolina and Aldie, Virginia. The dealer had the opportunity to meet with the customer shortly after the presentation and receipt of the plans.

The clients visited Aspire AVS’s Sterling, Virginia office and were able to review and walk through the project thoroughly so that the integrator could then provide them with a well-thought-out design. They accepted the offer and shortly thereafter Aspire AVS began working on their documentation.

Beyond traditional home automation, owners expressed a desire for seamless control of various fire and heating functions throughout their property. This included controlling porch heaters, regulating fireplaces, maintaining the fire pit and creating the ambiance of poolside fire bowls, according to Aspire AVS President Ian Williams.

Their vision included a comprehensive central lighting control system with 65 keypads coupled with 13 Josh Nano devices.

“Aspire AVS took on this unique challenge and recognized the opportunity to deliver a customized solution that not only meets but exceeds (customers’) expectations and enhances their lifestyle with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled comfort,” explains Williams.

All of these features can be controlled through your Control4 system or through Josh.

Design challenges for Aspire AVS including rack position

According to Williams, Aspire AVS encountered significant hurdles during design and installation. The biggest challenge came from space constraints, as the home’s waterfront location required careful consideration of equipment placement.

Since the lower level was unavailable for installing racks and enclosures due to its vulnerability to water, the team had to secure sufficient space elsewhere. After careful consultation, a compromise was reached, albeit reluctantly: the clients agreed to allocate the main cabinet at the top of the stairs to the equipment, including lighting panels, future automation panels, shading equipment and a freestanding rack enclosure.

The complexity of the project increased when the client decided to expand the scope and required lighting control, fan control and Josh.ai integration in all four upstairs bedrooms. The late addition forced Aspire AVS to undertake a retrofit process during the nearly completed construction phase, which required careful planning and execution to seamlessly integrate the additional components.

Accommodating Palladiom blinds in his office and two large Lutron blinds outside on the covered porch, which required retrofitting with low-voltage power, presented another logistical challenge.

Teamwork ensures that everyone is on the same page

The extensive project took around 18 months from initial client briefing and needs assessment to final programming and handover. Aspire AVS worked closely with commercial partners to integrate cutting edge technology into the home, collaborating with Haddigan Electric for lighting control and JLV Creative for interior design.

“Our collaborative efforts were marked by a shared commitment to excellence and a meticulous attention to detail,” says Williams. “From coordinating electrical infrastructure to selecting keypad colors to implementing a minimalist design, the collaboration exemplified a cohesive approach to achieving the homeowners’ vision while maintaining a discreet and elegant integration of technology throughout the building.”

Aspire AVS provided comprehensive documentation by including pre-wiring schematics, full lighting designs and head-end schematics. The integrator certified all cables and carefully labeled everything in the enclosures and racks for future reference and easy maintenance.

The team provided comprehensive training to familiarize homeowners with the intricacies of their newly implemented systems and give them the ability to optimize the capabilities of their smart home.

Voice commands activate numerous automations

Aspire AVS’s Control4 programming anchors the system’s technology and convenience. With a focus on social programming, the team implemented intuitive controls that enhance the everyday experience.

For example, the keypad on the covered porch allows for effortless control of overhead heaters with a single, double or triple tap, allowing customizable heat levels at the touch of a button. Likewise, fire pit activation can be initiated either via a dedicated button or by voice command via a Josh microphone located outside on the covered porch, ensuring easy operation and accessibility.

The integration of a wide range of Josh commands makes complicated commands, such as creating a customized Christmas scene, easy. By simply asking Josh to start the Christmas sequence, Williams notes, “All seven Christmas trees are lit, outdoor lights decorate the area, festive music plays from strategically placed James Audio Small Aperture speakers, the temperature regulates to a cozy 73 degrees, the J. Geiger shutters elegantly open, and the fireplace lights up, creating a truly immersive and memorable experience for homeowners and guests.”

Careful programming extends to all areas of the home, including bedrooms, which are equipped with Josh Nanos for hands-free control, while occupancy sensors in closets and bathrooms optimize the user experience.