How Lutron Plays a Role
There were a wide range of Lutron solutions included in the project, primarily Ketra fixtures and motorized shades. Since this client had a very set style they were adhering too, we worked with them to keep their existing Roman shades in place. We customized Lutron Triathlon motors to the shades and integrated them with the overall Lutron control system.
We also ensured that Lutron was compatible with the other technology in the home. For example, Lutron integrates with the two 2N door stations and driveway gates on the property via the Lutron app which is not only available via the customer’s phone and tablet, but also through the 2N touch panel located inside the house.
The Coastal Source landscape lighting system is also tied to Lutron. Schedules turn lights on and off while custom programming allows the homeowners to press a button on their keypad to extend the time they stay on if they’re hosting a party. However, the lights will still turn on automatically later in the night to avoid wasted energy.
An Unprecedented Bat Cave
The home is full of hidden surprises that made for one of our most unique installations to date. Perhaps the most interesting one was the basement/garage, also known as the “Bat Cave”, which is only accessible through a secret driveway or a hidden door in the main level of the house. When turning onto the secret driveway,, the Lutron system turns on the lights using a Cartel sensor that detects disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field. The lights will only turn on for a car not an animal or anyone approaching on foot. The Bat Cave is a compound in of itself with a bar/game area built to resemble a speakeasy, wine cellar, gym, and a car garage.
The garage showcases their antique car collection via a motorized platter that moves the cars around. We had a lot of fun using Lutron’s Ketra lighting control system here. We emphasized each car based on the color of the vehicle to generate a high-end feel to the entire garage. As cars are added or exchanged in the collection, we can easily adjust the Ketra system to match. In addition, we integrated DMX-controlled WAC LED strips in the Bat Cave tunnel to help the architect create the cinematic effect she wanted.
Unique Master Bedroom Applications
The bedroom also presented us with some unique challenges that we were able to resolve with Lutron’s help. The bathroom shades were stacked, so we had to create a sequence to get the shades to go up and down at the same time and remain level with each other.This was only possible using Lutron’s precise motors and hembar alignment technology. There was also a window in the master bathroom that required a custom cut that we were able to connect to Lutron drivers to keep it integrated with the entire home.
Bringing it All Together for the Client
For all our Lutron solutions it was important that the client be able to control everything just the way they wanted. That’s why we integrated multiple control options for the client. For the primary Lutron system, we used seeTouch keypads, Pico remotes and the Lutron app. Additional integrations included the aforementioned 2N intercom panels, visor controller remotes and the Cartel driveway sensor. There were also automated scenes–like the ones for the Coastal Source landscape lighting–that allowed for hands-off control.
