International. When prospective homebuyers enter "The Cameron," the new model home from Michigan luxury homebuilder Sapphire Homes, they are transported to a world of luxurious opulence highlighted by expertly designed interior design, modern architectural styles, and the latest smart living technologies from Snap One.
According to Chadi Shaya, owner of custom integration firm Intellitech Systems, the builder's theme "Redefining Luxury Again" perfectly represents The Cameron's advanced technological enhancements that help automate and optimize daily household activities while providing greater enjoyment and preparation for the future.
"Homebuyers rarely have a thorough understanding of all the components needed to provide the living experience they desire, so it's vital that we and Sapphire Homes present them with the possibilities and options before they make a final decision on their new build," said Shaya. "At The Cameron, we took the opportunity to showcase all the available features we can offer with Snap One's™ extensive portfolio of technology, from whole-home AV distribution and a state-of-the-art home theater system to mobile device control with colored LEDs. lighting, security, surveillance, network equipment, video doorbells, electronic locks, thermostats, blinds and even garage doors."
Cameron's experiences and demonstrations are based on the Control4 smart home system, which allows virtually any home technology to be integrated into a centralized platform where actions can be automated, scheduled, and grouped into larger events and scenes, while also providing instant mobile control from anywhere in the world via the Control4 mobile app. As customers tour the model home, they can experience the various accessories and trims that Sapphire offers while experimenting with the advanced, customizable control offered by all the Snap One solutions that Intellitech Systems can implement.
"Snap One technology has played a critical role in our sales over the years, allowing us to offer fully integrated home automation that is tailored to the needs of our customers who are often looking for the latest technology for smart living," said Randy Najjar, owner of Sapphire Houses. "The ability to create custom scenes that enhance comfort or set a particular mood is a highly desirable and popular feature."
"At The Cameron," Najjar added, "we've created a lot of custom scenes like 'Dinner Party,' which turns on specific light fixtures at specific levels while launching our favorite Frank Sinatra playlist through the entire home audio system; Movie Night", which automates the ambient lighting of the home theater, turns on the projector and starts Netflix with the volume at a preset level; and "Goodbye," which turns off all interior lights, closes blinds and curtains, closes doors, and sets the alarm. This is an eye-opening experience for many customers, demonstrating the power and value of these technologies to simplify their daily lives and increase the enjoyment of their home spaces."
Nearly every space on the property has connected technologies, including two outdoor audio and video zones with Episodio® speakers and Sunbrite® outdoor TVs. The home features 15 Triad ceiling speaker audio zones®, 14 video zones with intuitive control via dedicated Control4 Halo and SR260 remotes, a 7.4.2 Atmos surround sound home theater system with Control4 LED-based Triad Gold and Vibrant Linear speakers. Lighting system with full-color RGBW capabilities.
The technological backbone of the home is a professional-grade Araknis® networking solution with Wi-Fi6 access points that supports all of the systems mentioned above, as well as the Luma® security and surveillance system, two doorbells with Control4 video, two Kwikset electronic locks, six HVAC Zones with Control4 thermostats, and Lutron® motorized blinds for each window. In addition to TV remotes and the Control4 mobile app, the home also features multiple Control4 touchscreens recessed into the wall and Control4 backlit keyboards that provide convenient access to control no matter where users are.
The tour allows prospective buyers to try out all the benefits of the home and determine what systems they want, what experiences excite them, and which spaces can be enhanced for greater personalization, simplicity, and enjoyment. When they first see the intuitive interface of the Control4 system, they recognize the convenience of appearance and continuity of use on mobile devices, wall touchpads, tabletop touchscreens, and even the on-screen display available on TVs. Basic use of the system can be learned in just a few minutes, and buyers receive further training upon move to allow for deeper control and adjustments of automations, scenes, and individual components.
Reliability and consistency are crucial elements for successful technology integration, which is why Intellitech also implemented OvrC® remote system management appliances that allow the integrator to troubleshoot minor issues remotely, receive automatic malfunction alerts without the action of the owners, and initiate software updates when necessary. . Visitors are shown how they can control all the lights in the house at once, how to view live surveillance camera feeds remotely, and how easy it is to make changes to the ambiance of rooms or zones, including TVs, music, adjustable color lighting, weather, and window shades.
"We try to make the whole process as easy as possible for buyers, and the first thing we do is give them a two-page AV and automation checklist to show all the solutions available and help them decide what their priorities are," Shaya said. "That's also why we chose Control4 as our automation system, as it offers one of the most streamlined and reliable user experiences available."
In the competitive luxury home construction industry, making advanced technologies a critical part of the design and construction process also helps differentiate Sapphire from competitors who often see home control and integration as a secondary concern. By getting buyers excited about the possibilities from the start, contractors and integrators can ensure optimal system design and efficiency while also reducing construction complications that can arise due to late changes or incomplete planning.
"Our goal at the Cameron model home is to elicit awe and awe, and the Snap One solutions deliver such impressive performance that 70 to 80 percent of buyers end up adding a Control4 system with various levels of integration and peripheral systems," said Shaya. . "Taken together, the experience really redefines luxury."
Cameron is the latest model from Sapphire in the distinguished gated community Bloomfield Hunt Club, located on a vast 1-acre lot. The home features a two-story great room with an Italian marble fireplace and exceptional light fixture, along with a state-of-the-art Eurocraft kitchen equipped with Miele appliances. The master suite offers a private balcony, a spa-like bathroom with heated floors, and a two-story closet. Additional features include a guest suite, three bedrooms on the second floor, and a fully completed lower level with a 20-seat cinema, home gym, spa facilities, and a wine bar.
