With the help of SmartHouse Integration president Mark van den Broek, Josh is providing every new client with a customisable, completely intuitive and easy-to-use home control system that offers iPhone, iPad and in-wall touch panel control of every core system in the home, from the lighting to the audio to heat.

“Homebuyers today want technology that can simplify things they do and improve their quality of life,” Wynne says.

“By including a base home entertainment and control package with the ELAN g! system, Mark and I are giving clients a taste of the possibilities. From now on, every new client of mine is going to be able to use an iPad to control their six-zone audio system, lights, HVAC, pool controls, irrigation and security system. And we let them know right from the start that the possibilities really are endless—they can add to the system now as they see fit, and even prewire for future upgrades.”

Each home is custom designed and built, so the layout of each ELAN g! system is completely customisable. If the client isn’t ready to expand the system just yet but wants to put three of their audio zones in the backyard, they can.

According to Mark, “Working with Josh to make home control an integral part of every house he builds is something that virtually no one else is doing, and it shows that he is ready to give every one of his clients a home that is personalised. Each new homebuyer can specify how they want their package laid out, and can expand from the base system to include shade control, additional audio or video zones, or add more touch screen interfaces, HR2 remotes and OSD on-screen displays for controlling the system right on the TV.”

According to Josh, choosing the right system is the first critical step to get homeowners to accept that new technology can greatly simplify and improve their homes. The ELAN g! system was his choice because it so simple to use that he knows every client will be able to master the user interface quickly, regardless of their age or technological prowess.

“The majority of my clients are building their last home,” Wynne says.

“They are interested in improving quality of life and security, and want nice things in their home, but don’t want to have to fuss with the tech side of it. Where 10 years ago virtually every person would quickly be intimidated by a room with five remotes in it, nearly everyone now can operate and iPhone and iPad, because they are so easy to learn to use. The ELAN g! system operates the same way, with a simple touch and swipe interface that is identical on every interface device they sell, as well as on iPhones, iPads and iPod touches.”

Each new homebuyer will receive a base ELAN g! system that consists of an ELAN HC6 Home Controller and an ELAN M86 multi-room audio controller the provide six independent zones of audio. It will incorporate Lutron RadioRA lighting both indoors and outdoors, the home’s HVAC systems, pool and spa controls, and the irrigation and security systems as well. Each client will be able to access the system through two TS7 7” in-wall touch screens, three TS2 4” in-wall touch pads, one HR2 multimedia and home control remote, and one iPad with the g! app preinstalled. They can also get the app for any existing iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, Apple computers or PCs they currently own.

Mark adds that, “My customers love their systems more in the third year than they did in the first year. The system can grow with the owner and is constantly being updated to include the newest music and video sources, as well as new interface devices and software upgrades that make the system even simpler and faster to use. Because expanding the system is a relatively simple process, people like to add additional surveillance cameras or purchase motorised window shades once they realize how much the g! system has changed how they live in their homes.”