PHPD discovers how housebuilders can create the ‘wow’ factor with cost-effective smart lighting and audio controls.
Smart controls and home automation systems have become hugely popular, yet they can also require huge budgets to implement. However, as new technologies become increasingly accessible, it’s now easier and more cost-effective than ever to incorporate these technologies on a budget and give new developments that extra ‘wow’ factor while appealing to the energy conscious home-owner.
Smart technology and devices have become everyday essentials for many in today’s ‘always connected’ life, enabling people to do whatever they want, whenever and wherever. House buyers are looking for extra special features when making their purchase, and technologies such as smart lighting and audio controls are delivering just that.
“We’ve seen an increasing market demand for smart controls thanks to changing lifestyle choices,” says Gavin Williams, Marketing Manager for electrical accessories manufacturer Hamilton Litestat. “Lighting and audio controls are seen as a luxury item with a very high perceived value. Yes, you need a light switch in a room but having lighting control is a whole new level that’s extremely desirable. Now by also adding multi-room audio you are giving the home-owner a total lighting and sound package.”
Mercury rising
Hamilton has developed an ‘off the shelf’ Lighting Control and Multi-Room Audio system called Mercury. Designed to be simple and cost-effective to install Mercury Lighting Control allows the user to create, store and easily recall lighting scenes all at the touch of a button – setting the mood in any area of the home or be changed depending on the desired function of the space at that time. Another option is RGB DMX control where a colour wash can be given to an area with lighting. The DMX standard is becoming more popular domestically to provide accent lighting and even add drama to a space.
“Not only does the functionality appeal to today’s home-owner but so does the energy efficient properties,” adds Williams. “Dimming a light can save energy, so having certain dimmed settings for watching the television or for lights to automatically switch off when a room is not in use can result in huge energy and cost savings.”
Hear hear
The popularity of the company’s lighting solutions has led to the development 
of its Multi-Room Audio solution. The two can be integrated, giving the home owner the versatility to control the audio played in any room, even in an outside patio or garden space. “A more lavish setting might be the ability to control both the lighting and audio around a hot tub or pool area, but it can be used in any living space,” adds Williams. “That new level of luxury is now much more accessible with this simple to use off-the-shelf system.”
Both the lighting and audio functions can be controlled via a range of different switch options. Mechanical push button switches can be supplied by Hamilton in a huge variety of styles and finishes, which coordinate with other switch plate and socket options from the company’s range. Glass capacitive touch and touchscreen options are also available, or the lighting and audio can be controlled with a mobile or tablet using Hamilton’s downloadable iOS/Android app.
