Between the architect and the installer
The work undertaken by home automation installers comes under scrutiny in a white paper informing architects about the industry. It stresses the responsibility of architects to understand the installer’s job and ensure an installation doesn’t look like an electronics showroom.
The hazards of employing an inexperienced, under-qualified home automation installer are outlined in a new white paper aimed at architects.
Failure to understand the complexity of integrating the electronic systems needed for successful home automation can lead to the smart home looking like an electronics showroom, the report says.
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Published by home automation providers AVD Australia and Project Connection Australia, the white paper instructs architects on what to look for in a home automation designer – and when hiring an electrical contractor for a project.
“Working with a home automation designer is no different to working with an interior designer, landscape architect or other design professional,” says AVD Australia managing director Sandy Howard.
“Busy architects have their hands full providing core services and can’t be an expert at everything. The white paper provides a seven-step solution for creating intelligent environments in new homes and is something that should be carefully read by anyone and everyone contemplating a smart home project.”
The seven steps cover developing the scope of works, such as energy efficiency, future technological needs, budget and aesthetic preferences.
“A detailed scope of works is the foundation of every successful home automation project,” the report says.
“However, since home automation is a relatively new field, home-owners sometimes struggle to understand the benefits the latest technology can add to their lifestyle.
“They often need a little help to understand the wide range of possibilities.”
It also emphasises the amount of liaison needed with the client, architect, builder, interior designer and other contractors when discussing design and documentation.
“This stage of the project can be very complex and it’s when many projects come unstuck.
“The home automation designer goes through the plans room by room in fine detail with the client, architect and builder. Once the designer understands the function of each room they can specify what services and electronic hardware are required.”
Selecting an electrical contractor is cited as step three in the white paper, which points out that the home automation designer creates the tendering specification document for electrical contractors during the design and documentation phase.
“A detailed tender specification helps minimise erroneous interpretations by electrical contractors.”
In a discussion of the cabling and infrastructure installation the document says that if design documents have been prepared properly and an experienced, accredited electrical contractor has been selected the process should go smoothly.
“The cabling and infrastructure installation should flow with the project and not impede any aspect of the construction.”
Project management requires a single point of contact to save time and help reduce waste and duplication of effort.
And it is crucial for the home automation designer to support and liaise with other specialists ranging from architects to electricians, plumbers and security contractors.
Products are not selected until the home is nearly finished. Initially, equipment choice remains theoretical. It is only when clients walk into a room and think about where they will put the sofa that they can decide whether they want a 42-inch or 60-inch plasma screen.
Hand-over and tuition comprise the last of the seven steps in the white paper.
“At this stage the home automation designer explains how to operate the finished system. Since the essence of a great home automation system is simplicity, lengthy manuals should not be required.
“The learning curve for a home automation system should be gentle. A well-designed system will be very intuitive to use.
“However, the home-owners usually experience a brief period of adjustment as they become accustomed to using centralised controls such as touch screens and multi-function switch plates.”
The document concludes by explaining that, as there is a period of fine-tuning the system, the home automation designer needs to return to implement refinements to meet the exact needs of the client.
The architect’s guide to home automation can be downloaded from www.avd.com.au and www.project-connection.com.au
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