14 Acre Estate is Like a Park Filled with Home Automation Tech

EVERY DAY WE BECOME MORE RELIANT on the technologies that surround us and become more comfortable with the conveniences they afford. In this always-on world, being disconnected is simply unacceptable. Whether in our homes, our backyards, or our places of business, we want to be able to check in with friends and be aware of our family’s comings and goings. That’s why, when spearheading this top-to-bottom overhaul of a 14-acre estate in Atlanta, ensuring constant connectivity was the top priority for the local home automation systems integrators at Sunbelt Technology.

“Our clients transformed their entire estate, knocking down one building and expanding their outdoor living space significantly,” says Wes Bradshaw, owner of Sunbelt Technology. “Our task was to bring the comforts of indoor living—audio, video, security, and reliable Wi-Fi and cellphone service—to the entire property. That’s no simple feat over an expanse this size, and it required running Category 5 cabling throughout the property to the pond equipment bunker, where we installed a Control4 home automation module, Sonos Connect music system, and Wi-Fi and cell extenders. Additionally, we placed eight different long-range wireless access points in and out of the home to guarantee Internet connectivity no matter what.”

The result of this detailed planning and design is a backyard entertainment and wireless data system that is rivaled by few and loved by the owners. No matter where they wander on their property, from the tennis courts to the putting green, or swimming pool to the batting cage, there isn’t a dead spot to be found. The Control4 home automation system makes it simple for the family to enjoy their favorite music and TV programs throughout the premises, which houses 20 Sonance outdoor speakers and a 55-inch outdoor SunBrite TV, which Sunbelt chose in white to match the wall on which it’s mounted. Should the owners take a dip in the pool they can keep on watching by using the TV’s articulating arm to swivel it toward the water.

The outdoor space is also outfitted with 10 Wirepath and Speco surveillance cameras for added security and peace of mind, intercoms for immediate communication throughout the estate, and automated lighting. Since the owners are constantly on the move, the mobile accessibility through the Control4 app was a must-have, allowing them to check in on the property and control the electronics from anywhere in the world.

“A big part of this project was reorganizing and cleaning up the existing wiring and equipment in the home and connecting both buildings,” Bradshaw adds, referring to the main house and guest house on the plot. “The home interiors are fully integrated with HVAC, audio, video, TVs, in-ceiling speakers, a security system, and electronic door locks, so the outdoor setup had to live up to that level of sophistication. Our clients are thrilled with the results, and that’s the best thing about this job. We get to make people happy.”