Jul 21 2005
When Anna Maria Canales set about to create a new home space for herself, she knew she wanted to incorporate some cool technology tools and equipment. As she began to do research, however, she soon realized that not only could she design the home of her dreams but also serve as an example for other novice homeowner-designers.
In the end, Canales created the ultimate connected home for new urban living. More than just a high-end entertainment home, through features such as voice recognition and music distribution, Canales designed The Future Home.
The Future Home -- located at 2721 First Ave. (at Cedar) in Seattle's Belltown district -- will be viewable during an open house on Wednesday, August 3, 2005.
Demonstrations of the home's integrated systems and technology components will be conducted and Canales will be available for interview on how the whole project came to fruition, with tips on how others can achieve similar results. From concept to actual implementation, Canales serves as the perfect case study of an average home owner who now is in the position to provide others with the tools, resources and information to go out and begin to create their own homes of the future. The key elements that Canales worked toward incorporating into the design of her new home included: affordability, scalability, safety, energy-efficiency, comfort, convenience and enjoyment.
"As a home owner, it was important that my home be scalable to future technology as technology moves forward, yet not be technology-weighted," said Canales. "It needed to be balanced and unobtrusive, to incorporate art and a sense of style, while still being cutting-edge, using technology as a means to complement my lifestyle, not define it."
Incorporating voice recognition technology alongside energy-efficient thermostat and lighting controls, as well as automated security functions and luxurious home-theater components, The Future Home acts as an intuitive partner and responds to Canales' programmed needs. Canales, President and CEO of Soleil Noir, Inc., a full service marketing firm, discovered that the home design process -- particularly utilizing the latest technology components -- does not have to be a daunting, expensive task. She believes others can create similar projects, suited to their own particular imaginations and budgets through a few simple factors.
Key to this is sitting down with a systems integrator for an informational discussion to evaluate needs and offer recommendations. Canales found her systems integration partner -- Tom Brown of System Specialties in Washington -- through a referral and discovered other sources in a variety of venues, including trade/home shows, designer directories, manufacturers, Internet and home/furnishing magazines.
The Future Home is a case example demonstrating how new and compelling technologies can be integrated into the home in an affordable, efficient and scaleable manner, providing the homeowner with the comfort, security and convenience for immediate enjoyment as well as future expansion.
For additional information and Open House RSVPs, contact: Hillary Lyons (Crowley) 206-351-1199 [email protected]