Turn On, Tune In & Cool Off
(Space) living by design
living by design
Turn On, Tune In & Cool Off
Today’s Smart Home Can Be Controlled From A Smartphone. S to ry b y R o b e rta C ru g e r p h oto g r a p h s b y B R I A N M E Y E R A N D RYA N b e c k
A SMART NEW LOOK. Two-tone stucco and a curved wall serve as counterpoints to the linear motif in the exterior louvered skylight, Hardi Board fiber-cement siding and the metal railing off the family game room. One groundlevel garage houses a gym and dry sauna.
44
AUGUST 2012
(Space)
∫ When the Yeungs were ready to build their Covina dream home, an ultra modern dwelling with open spaces and views for miles, they hired HartmanBaldwin Design/ Build to create their vision. The Claremont firm kept the 1970s-era house’s existing foundation and structural elements but completely re-designed its look and functionality. From exposed steel beams to wireless automation, the home features integrated technology that allows room for future innovations. All systems can be controlled with the touch of an iPad, whether the owner is at the Hollywood Bowl or on the French Riviera. The automated house of tomorrow is here and, as predicted, it’s convenient, and saves time, money and resources. It allows homeowners to remotely flip on the lights, adjust the temperature or record a game. HartmanBaldwin integrated the Covina home’s systems in a central “brain” housed within a hallway closet to store electrical components—with room to add more. “The technology is moving rapidly,” says CEO Bill Baldwin, noting the Intelligent Home, as his firm calls it, wasn’t available just a few years ago. But it goes beyond the installation of clever gadgets. “Technology should support lifestyle. A home should be an art piece that expresses who you are.” To fulfill the Yeungs’ wish for an open plan and floor-to-ceiling windows onto expansive views of downtown Los Angeles, steel beams were necessary to replace interior support walls. “We turned the structural steel into an architectural feature to fit the design and integrity of the space,” explains architect Patrick Szurpicki, who exposed the material handsomely. To optimize energy efficiency they used spray-foam insulation that expands to a solid void without off-gassing. Green elements were included at the clients’ request.
AUGUST 2012
45
(Space) living by design
“Since the home faces west, we installed a slick system of concealed roller blinds on a timer to close between 3 and 7:30 p.m.,” Szurpicki continued. Glass with low-E (emittance) glazing also reduced solar heat gain and the laminated dual panes effectively address noise issues from the 10 Freeway. “Everyone is really attracted to the sexy stuff, but the key is building a foundation that’s smart and efficient, starting with basic things, and working your way to the glittery stuff,” Baldwin believes. “It needs to be scaled to the client’s needs. “Some homeowners love a beautiful garden while others love gardening; what’s high tech to one is low tech to another.” HartmanBaldwin conduct audits covering everything from mechanical systems to air quality. In one case study, the client saved two-thirds on utility bills—for both a beautiful and brainy home. To automate the Yeung residence, the architect used the Lutron RadioRA system to control lighting, blinds, audio, A/C, computers, speakers and more. “The great part is that wireless infrared technology can be installed in existing conditions very cost effectively now,” said Szurpicki. In the effort to design homes that last beyond the homeowner’s tenure, he adds, “We encourage clients to do as much wiring as the future can hold.” The Nest, a programmable thermostat by Apple, also learns residents’ at-home usage patterns and adjusts accordingly. “It’s where all the smart devices are going,” notes Baldwin. New refrigerators can identify contents and offer recipes and stoves double as refrigerators. The smartest home reflects what clients want—letting robotics eliminate the stuff they don’t want to deal with. “It’s about trying to reduce what’s not human, so you have more time to be human.”
46
AUGUST 2012
living by design
A TASTE FOR SPACE. An open plan kitchen and living room offers spaciousness desired by the homeowners, and structural steel beams are exposed to showcase the simple beauty of the material.
OPPOSITE: (top) Jeannine Clark of Mannigan Design brought Asian accents to this sitting room off the main entry. Warm cherry wood built-ins and maple flooring complement the modern industrial chic styling. (middle left) Wireless technology connects the home’s electronics, from the office computer to the entertainment system, all housed in a “brain” at the back of a walk-in closet. (middle right) The bath features Carrara marble, sandstone slabs and sustainable Caesarstone quartz countertops, with frosted glass block windows for natural light.
(Space)
THIS PAGE: CITY LIGHTS. Transforming the home from the 1970s to the 21st century, HartmanBaldwin created a serene living room focused on the sunset views across L.A. and sleek Spark fireplace clad in Lagos Azul limestone. Contemporary furnishings complete the minimalist design.
AUGUST 2012
47
living by design
Turn On, Tune In & Cool Off
Today’s Smart Home Can Be Controlled From A Smartphone. S to ry b y R o b e rta C ru g e r p h oto g r a p h s b y B R I A N M E Y E R A N D RYA N b e c k
A SMART NEW LOOK. Two-tone stucco and a curved wall serve as counterpoints to the linear motif in the exterior louvered skylight, Hardi Board fiber-cement siding and the metal railing off the family game room. One groundlevel garage houses a gym and dry sauna.
44
AUGUST 2012
(Space)
∫ When the Yeungs were ready to build their Covina dream home, an ultra modern dwelling with open spaces and views for miles, they hired HartmanBaldwin Design/ Build to create their vision. The Claremont firm kept the 1970s-era house’s existing foundation and structural elements but completely re-designed its look and functionality. From exposed steel beams to wireless automation, the home features integrated technology that allows room for future innovations. All systems can be controlled with the touch of an iPad, whether the owner is at the Hollywood Bowl or on the French Riviera. The automated house of tomorrow is here and, as predicted, it’s convenient, and saves time, money and resources. It allows homeowners to remotely flip on the lights, adjust the temperature or record a game. HartmanBaldwin integrated the Covina home’s systems in a central “brain” housed within a hallway closet to store electrical components—with room to add more. “The technology is moving rapidly,” says CEO Bill Baldwin, noting the Intelligent Home, as his firm calls it, wasn’t available just a few years ago. But it goes beyond the installation of clever gadgets. “Technology should support lifestyle. A home should be an art piece that expresses who you are.” To fulfill the Yeungs’ wish for an open plan and floor-to-ceiling windows onto expansive views of downtown Los Angeles, steel beams were necessary to replace interior support walls. “We turned the structural steel into an architectural feature to fit the design and integrity of the space,” explains architect Patrick Szurpicki, who exposed the material handsomely. To optimize energy efficiency they used spray-foam insulation that expands to a solid void without off-gassing. Green elements were included at the clients’ request.
AUGUST 2012
45
(Space) living by design
“Since the home faces west, we installed a slick system of concealed roller blinds on a timer to close between 3 and 7:30 p.m.,” Szurpicki continued. Glass with low-E (emittance) glazing also reduced solar heat gain and the laminated dual panes effectively address noise issues from the 10 Freeway. “Everyone is really attracted to the sexy stuff, but the key is building a foundation that’s smart and efficient, starting with basic things, and working your way to the glittery stuff,” Baldwin believes. “It needs to be scaled to the client’s needs. “Some homeowners love a beautiful garden while others love gardening; what’s high tech to one is low tech to another.” HartmanBaldwin conduct audits covering everything from mechanical systems to air quality. In one case study, the client saved two-thirds on utility bills—for both a beautiful and brainy home. To automate the Yeung residence, the architect used the Lutron RadioRA system to control lighting, blinds, audio, A/C, computers, speakers and more. “The great part is that wireless infrared technology can be installed in existing conditions very cost effectively now,” said Szurpicki. In the effort to design homes that last beyond the homeowner’s tenure, he adds, “We encourage clients to do as much wiring as the future can hold.” The Nest, a programmable thermostat by Apple, also learns residents’ at-home usage patterns and adjusts accordingly. “It’s where all the smart devices are going,” notes Baldwin. New refrigerators can identify contents and offer recipes and stoves double as refrigerators. The smartest home reflects what clients want—letting robotics eliminate the stuff they don’t want to deal with. “It’s about trying to reduce what’s not human, so you have more time to be human.”
46
AUGUST 2012
living by design
A TASTE FOR SPACE. An open plan kitchen and living room offers spaciousness desired by the homeowners, and structural steel beams are exposed to showcase the simple beauty of the material.
OPPOSITE: (top) Jeannine Clark of Mannigan Design brought Asian accents to this sitting room off the main entry. Warm cherry wood built-ins and maple flooring complement the modern industrial chic styling. (middle left) Wireless technology connects the home’s electronics, from the office computer to the entertainment system, all housed in a “brain” at the back of a walk-in closet. (middle right) The bath features Carrara marble, sandstone slabs and sustainable Caesarstone quartz countertops, with frosted glass block windows for natural light.
(Space)
THIS PAGE: CITY LIGHTS. Transforming the home from the 1970s to the 21st century, HartmanBaldwin created a serene living room focused on the sunset views across L.A. and sleek Spark fireplace clad in Lagos Azul limestone. Contemporary furnishings complete the minimalist design.
AUGUST 2012
47
