Increasingly, clients are demanding that their home technology solutions are as discreet as possible. Ian Trudgeon of thinkingbricks argues that, with a little planning upfront, you can provide hi-tech solutions without cluttering the home.
A common misconception is that the technology brief will end up in heaps of cables, huge speakers all over the place and a myriad of different sockets at various heights across the building. It doesn’t have to end up like that.
Commonly, we deal with a number of interior designers with the brief of “hidden technology”, or at the very least, everything as discreet as possible. Simple considerations, such as matching the socket outlets or door furniture finishes can be arranged with a little communication over the specification.
If bespoke cabinetry is being designed, supplying and laying out the dimensions for the AV equipment or Sky HD box upfront will ensure that the final look is a perfect fit.
Using the walls or ceilings to house discreet white speakers, means less clutter or use of floor space.
Why is technology on show when not in use? A press of a button retracts the cinema screen, until next time. Curtains or blinds can be cabled ready to be motorised, so that they glide silently back and forth.
Lighting control can entirely change the look and feel of a room: from a single, simple keypad. Touchscreen panels now have a variety of backgrounds, set to match the room décor.
There really is no excuse for technology, with a little time and effort, to be that obvious.
Ian Trudgeon is project director with thinkingbricks. He is offering RIBA-certified CPD courses on all aspects of home technology.
