Fully Automated Penthouse Exceeds Minimalist’s Expectations With Covert Technology Powered by ELAN

Designing a fully automated home for a minimalist can be a challenge. When a New Jersey homeowner began renovating his Edgewater penthouse, he dreamed of an easy-to-use automation system that was free of cluttered switches and unsightly wires to fit seamlessly into his picturesque residence. After little deliberation, he turned to Union City-based integration firm Serious Audio Video to install a completely invisible automation system into the penthouse powered by the user-friendly ELAN Entertainment and Control platform. This smart home automation system subtly manages several components of the penthouse, including lighting, HVAC, audio, video, security, cameras, fireplace and even the piano.

“The owner likes to build and has had other automation systems in former homes,” Serious Audio Video Operations Manager Rick Truocchio explained. “However, he never used the systems because they weren’t user-friendly or reliable. When we met through mutual friends, he began explaining his penthouse renovation and desire to have an automation system just to up the resale value. Although he liked technology, he hated seeing it all over his other homes.”

Honoring the owner’s minimalistic style, in-wall ELAN touch panels were incorporated into each room of the penthouse, eliminating excess wall clutter. Everything from the light switches to the thermostats were hidden in convenient touch panel controls, with pre-programmed scene settings to turn everything on or off with one tap. “When the owner comes home, he uses a pre-set button to turn on the Lutron lighting, raise the motorized window shades, and start playing his music,” Truocchio added.

For music, the ELAN system controles iTunes, Spotify and Pandora. The owner can listen to his favorite tunes through the 16 speakers and subwoofers hidden throughout the home. With multiple zones of audio connected through an ELAN M86A multi-room audio controller, music can be played everywhere; through the custom-made chrome-plated speakers in the steam shower ceiling and even through the Bösendorfer piano, which was specially integrated in the ELAN system so the music library can be played back by the piano itself.   

Outfitted with one-of-a-kind Giorgio Armani furniture and custom mahogany, the penthouse is sleek and stunning. “Aesthetics and functionality were two of the main requests from the homeowner,” Truocchio stated. “He insisted on not seeing any technology, but having the latest and greatest of everything.” 

Through the ELAN platform, the Serious Audio Video team found a way to do it all. Concealed behind a 75-inch mirror, a secret 65-inch Seura TV hangs above the fireplace. Utilizing a Future Automation articulating wall mount, the angle of the mirror TV can be adjusted with the push of a button. With different settings, the state-of-the-art TV can be easily seen from the kitchen or dining room, and then effortlessly hidden when not in use. Additionally, there are no computer monitors in the owner’s home office. With just a few clicks on an Apple Wireless Keyboard, the Samsung 55-inch HDTV changes displays and turns into a computer monitor ready for use. 

When it comes to smart home automation, many people are turned off by the complex, finicky nature of some systems. “After the customized construction process took over two years, the owner was concerned that the technology would be another big problem,” Truocchio continued. “Luckily, the integration and installation was the smoothest part of the entire process, which made him very happy.” 

The lavish penthouse looks extremely refined and minimalistic, but is stacked with sophisticated technology. The owner was so happy with the outcome of the penthouse, he hired Serious Audio Video to install an ELAN Entertainment and Control system into his office as well.

To download additional high-res photography, click here. All photography is courtesy of Anthony Torsiello and Serious Audio Video. ​

Yogurtology Simplifies Multi-Store Management with an ELAN Control System

No matter how hard you try or how little you sleep, you can’t be in two places at once. That’s why operating multiple businesses requires handing off some control and responsibility. But what if you could literally check in on your properties from home at any time and see what is happening on site? Susan McCart, a franchisee and now part corporate owner of Yogurtology, a premium frozen yogurt store chain, found that with the ELAN control system pulling together the lighting, HVAC, audio, video, energy management, security and surveillance, she’s never more than a smartphone tap away from the pulse of her businesses.

According to Sarasota-based electronics integrator Mark van den Broek, the ELAN system made such an impression in the first store that McCart is going to install nearly identical systems in her other four franchise locations in the next two months. 

“When we talk about control systems in food establishments it’s usually focused on audio and video, and maybe security,” van den Broek said, “but together, Susan and I created a very powerful tool for her to manage her multiple locations. Once all five stores are finished, she’ll know for certain that all the lights, TVs, audio equipment and registers turn on 30 minutes before opening and turn off 30 minutes after closing. She’ll know how many people are going in and out of each store each day through intelligent software that parses the surveillance camera recordings. Best of all, she’ll be able to quickly login to each location from the ELAN g! app on her smartphone or tablet, from anywhere in the world, any time, and view live video feeds plus see the status of the lighting, A/V and climate control at each store.” 

Consolidating the utilities of multiple physical locations into a single smartphone app is a monumental shift in small business management. While individual locations obviously still require managers, franchise owners with this kind of instant access can get the truest sense ever available of what goes on in their restaurants. Beyond the owner accessibility, automation offers promises to cut maintenance and daily hassles from the staff, freeing them up to interact with consumers and enjoy their work more. By scheduling lighting, A/V and HVAC systems, the owners can closely monitor and adjust their energy usage across multiple locations. The ELAN system’s climate history feature provides a snapshot of energy use over time, which can help guide decisions and ultimately provide significant energy and cost savings.

The first Yogurtology store to receive the ELAN system features seven 42” TVs, seven speakers from SpeakerCraft and Niles, eight IP surveillance cameras, a 4TB NAS drive to keep surveillance footage, Lutron Radio Ra2 lighting, Leviton HVAC control and a commercial WiFi access point to provide consistent coverage throughout the store.

To download additional photogrpahy, click here.

Mandeville Beer Garden Focuses On The Details With The ELAN Control System

Launching a restaurant is often a sink-or-swim moment. It’s stressful, exciting and demanding, so any help keeping things organized and flowing smoothly is essential. Just ask Rebekah Gelvin, the proud owner and operator of the new Mandeville Beer Garden in Sarasota, Florida. With 30 draught beers, 150 bottles and a classic beer garden-style food menu, the last thing the staff wants is to have to remember tricky procedures for operating TVs, stereos and other utilities on site.

As the city’s first-ever beer garden, Gelvin knew it might be popular, but was pleasantly surprised at the community’s overwhelming response. Luckily, she thought ahead and outfitted the establishment with advanced technologies designed to lighten the load for her and the staff, centered around an ELAN control system that automates the audio, video, lighting, surveillance cameras and HVAC.

“It’s nice not to worry about turning things on and off,” Gelvin said. “It might seem like a little detail, but there are hundreds of little details that we need to nail every day, so anything that checks a couple items off the list is a big help. As far as grand openings go, ours has been wildly successful, but that does mean that the staff can sometimes be racing around to keep every customer happy. In that environment, giving the bartenders the ability to change TV channels or turn up the music from their personal smartphones is a big help. It saves time and frustration, and even attracts the customers’ attention when they ask how we did that.”

Automating the utilities of the beer garden was a core consideration during construction, according to Mark van den Broek, owner of the Sarasota-based electronics integration firm Smarthouse Integration.

“Technology is basically a given for a modern bar or restaurant, and Rebekah knew that going in,” van den Broek said. “But where legacy owners might see TVs and speakers as the end-all be-all, she recognized that more could be done to simplify operations and free up staff to attend to customers quicker and more effectively. In addition, the energy savings can be considerable. For instance, the beer garden’s lights, TVs, and speakers all automatically turn on 30 minutes before opening and off 30 minutes and after closing. This eliminates the need for a worker to be responsible for these duties, and ensures that it always happens. Even if someone did turn on a light after closing, Rebekah can see that and turn it off using the ELAN g! mobile app on her smartphone or tablet.”

In addition to the automated on/off settings, van den Broek worked closely with Gelvin to create a smart lighting timeline that self-adjusts the lighting levels throughout the day to match ambient light. Combine that with an intelligent HVAC schedule, an integrated security system, 10 IP surveillance cameras and three separate zones of audio and video, and it’s clear the ELAN control system plays an essential role in the beer garden’s operations. It even gives the staff instant control over the beer garden’s functions through their mobile phones.

“Another thing we knew going in is that every customer wants WiFi. They want to take pictures, upload them, search for our beers on apps and be as connected as they are at home,” Gelvin added.

To satisfy this insatiable desire to be connected at all times, van den Broek installed Luxul networking equipment to provide a private network for the staff and a public network for customers. To keep customers informed of specials and restaurant info, two commercial LG display panels show special info and menus as well as TV programming through digital signage software.

The installation includes a variety of indoor and outdoor speakers from JBL and SpeakerCraft with Niles and Crown amplification, all distributed through the ELAN system. Each audio and video zone can be controlled independently from the ELAN mobile app or a 7-inch ELAN touchscreen mounted behind the bar. To keep all the equipment running smoothly and reliably, van den Broek utilized the Panamax MB4315-Pro Power Manager to deliver clean, consistent and protected power.

University of Arkansas Alumnus Creates the Ultimate Weekend Party Pad Controlled by ELAN

For a serious college sports fan, owning a 12th floor penthouse overlooking your alma mater is a dream come true. One University of Arkansas alumnus who regularly hosts university and team staff for parties has taken this idea even further by creating a Razorbacks-themed party pad where everything from the colored LED lights and window shades to the video wall and multi-room audio can be controlled right from his iPhone with the ELAN control system.

Looking around this penthouse, which used to be two separate condos, it’s clear that just about everything is custom designed. Walking through it can leave you in awe at the hallway’s tongue-and-groove hickory ceiling with backlit red glass sections, the glass floor that looks down into the wine cellar, the master suite with an open bathing area, the bathroom with chandelier lights, and of course the five-TV video wall in the living room. Add all of that to the home’s fully automated colored LED lighting, window shades, thermostats, audio in every room, and even a connected electronic door lock, and it really does seem like a home from the future.

According to Chad Moore of DeBoards, the Arkansas electronics installation company responsible for this home’s incredible systems, the future is now. “The owner of this penthouse had a grand vision, to be able to host parties in a space like no other without thinking about the logistics or fretting over how everything works. With our creative designs and the ELAN system we were able to give him everything he wanted, including a home completely free of wall switches. There is not a single light switch on the wall because all the lights including the many, many colored LED lights are controlled through the ELAN system.” 

The color red permeates through the home, paying homage to the Razorbacks and creating a distinct mood that’s perfect for parties and game day celebrations. There are LED strip lights almost anywhere they could be hidden, including under the stairs, behind decorative support beams and above and below cabinets. They can be set to any color through the ELAN g! system, allowing the owner to pump up the red for games or subdue the room in blue for a relaxing night.

“Guests at this home would be hard pressed to say they’ve seen anything else like it,” Moore added. “There’s a glass floor that looks down into the large climate-controlled wine cellar in the lower level and a wall of Razorbacks footballs autographed by the guests of each party the owner throws. There are LED lights in the ceiling, the floor and even the walls! It’s a great feeling as an integrator when the client is excited about creating a cool space and has ideas they want to flesh out.”

To add to the ambience, Moore was asked to make sure that every electronics component is hidden. There are no wires, no visible speakers and no cable boxes. All speakers and even subwoofers are in the ceiling and almost completely hidden from view, while the receivers, amplifiers and everything else are located in two equipment racks far from the living areas and completely out of sight. Using IR relays and IP communication, the ELAN g! system makes sure that every part of the house works smoothly and easily.

With 10 audio zones, four climate zones, an outdoor audio system on the balconies, and a DirecTV box for every TV, the possibilities are endless. While the owner loves using his iPhone and iPad to control the system, DeBoards also installed an ELAN touch panel in the great room (where the video wall is located) and by the front door for reliable always-on functionality. This is perfect for when the owner leaves his phone in another room and wants to close the blinds or turn on the lights. 

In addition to the ELAN equipment, this project uses Sony and Sharp TVs, Lutron lighting, Aprilaire thermostats, Integra receivers and amplifiers and Luxul wireless solutions to ensure every spot in the residence has full WiFi and connectivity to the g! system.

To download additional hi-res photos, click here.

High-End Housing Community Creates Ultimate Living Experience With Upscale Amenities Powered by ELAN

Luxury housing communities throughout the nation are making a concerted effort to up their amenity game, and in Little Rock, Arkansas, the goal is no different. Professional management company Richardson Properties crafted the ultra-lux Pointe Brodie Creek housing complex on 40-acres, and connected more than 25 services through one ELAN Entertainment and Control System. 

Nestled among the serene outdoors, The Pointe Brodie Creek offers the best of luxury living in Little Rock. “We traveled to several Class-A multifamily communities in Texas to get ideas for this luxury property,” Steve Tracy, Vice President of Real Estate at Richardson Properties explained. “The goal was to craft a community with amazing amenities that weren’t available at other properties in the area.” The community boasts an array of services and facilities including a 78-seat theater, virtual fitness room, poker lounge and climate controlled wine lockers, 24/7 Precor fitness center, late night concierge, Las Vegas-style pool, and much more. 

After developing the overall design, Richardson Properties sought expert advice from Jonesboro-based design and integration firm, Sound Concepts. “In terms of square-footage, this is one of the largest jobs we’ve completed to date,” Sound Concepts Owner Ryan Heringer stated. “We showed Keith Richardson and Steve Tracy a variety of automation systems in our showroom, and they ultimately selected ELAN for the job.” 

According to Tracy, the main factor in choosing the ELAN system was its usability. “We needed a system that was user-friendly and easy to operate, and the ELAN system has definitely exceeded our expectations.”

The Pointe Brodie Creek has become its own community within Little Rock. Residence can enjoy Thirsty Thursdays, Wine Club meetings, and other special events in the main Club House weekly. However, with most amenities available to residents until 10PM, Richardson Properties needed a way close down the facilities after hours. “Most of the systems are on a schedule,” Tracy explained. “Our irrigation system, pool pumps, music, TVs, fountains, and fireplaces are all scheduled to turn on and off at certain hours with ELAN.”

With more than 500 multi-family units situated around the Club House, residents can enjoy a variety of amenities right outside of their door. Among them is a fully loaded 78-seat movie theater situated on the entire third floor of the main building. Built with state-of-the-art acoustics, the room comes equipped with a Draper 16:9 screen, Epson projector recessed in the back wall, and an ELAN System Controller to keep everything running smoothly. What’s more, the theater is completely operated by the ELAN g! App from an iPad built into the wall.

Throughout the rest of the Club House, The Point Brodie Creek residence are entertained by more than 10 Samsung 3D Smart LED TVs ranging from 46” to 55”. An 80” SHARP 3D Smart LED TV is also available in the communal Conference Room, which is utilized by not only residence but Little Rock-based organizations as well.

For audio, an ELAN S1616A Mulit-Room Audio Controller is used to operate more than 30 zones throughout the facility. The three-story building can receive audio inputs from up to 16 sources, creating full-bodied sound through 78 in-ceiling speakers. The MRA system allows The Pointe Brodie Creek’s Community Manager, Shelley Ellis, to create the perfect atmosphere in each room, so residence using the Library won’t be subjected to the same music as those attending “Thirsty Thursday” down the hall. Furthermore, custom Lutron LED Lighting systems were installed throughout the Club House, making the ambiance of each room unique to its purpose. Through the ELAN g! App, Ellis can not only turn the lights on and off, but also change the colors of the lights to set the exact mood desired for a sports game or other special event.

“The ELAN system is basically a time saving device,” Ellis explained. “Running around the property to turn everything on and off manually would take hours. With ELAN, I am able to operate and monitor everything straight from my phone which makes my job a lot easier.” 

The A/V doesn’t stop with the Club House. “We installed just as much audio and video equipment outside than we did inside,” Heringer added. “The green space is filled with speakers and 40 Wirepath™ surveillance cameras to keep residence not only entertained, but also make them feel safe.”

Twenty landscape speakers line the entire outdoor area, so residence can enjoy music at the Pet Park, Playground, Volleyball Court, Putting Green, Garden, or while barbecuing with friends by the Las Vegas-style pool. Surrounding the pool, residence can receive a resort-like experience with cabanas, fire pits, and an additional 30 outdoor speakers hidden in the greenery. Residence can also be entertained from every angle in the lush pool house. The inside bar boasts a Samsung 80” Smart 3D LED TV, while the outside bar comes equipped with a 55” 3D LED TV and the patio hosts a 65” Smart LED TV. Best of all, the entire outdoor A/V system is connected to an ELAN HC4 systems manager, allowing The Pointe Brodie Creek’s operations team to keep everything running smoothly without second thought.

“We recently broke ground on a similar facility right across the street,” Tracy concluded. “We’re working through the details now, but with the success of The Pointe Brodie Creek, we know it will be another fully automated community.” 

To download additional hi-res images, click here. All photography is courtesy of Jennifer Barakat.