Future Lifestyle go East...

Future Lifestyle headed up the coast to Nerja this month to bring another home into the 21st century. This luxury 3 bed villa with its own 2 bed guest apartment in Frigiliana near Nerja is being built by an English businessman who is looking to the future. Although this will initially be a holiday home the client has every intention of moving over here on a more permanent basis in the future. So this is how Future Lifestyle approached the project, we wanted to give the client a system that would keep him entertained whilst he is on holiday, but with enough scope to upgrade the system as he spent more time in Spain.

More tubes than the London underground...

We have learnt from our experiences in Spain that there is no such thing as over tubing, although we did get looks of disbelieve from the Spanish workers on site when we started installing the tubes back in the summer. However, as the cable is installed they begin to understand the need for such a tube network.

In our 1st phase of cabling we are installing the cables for a Cat5 network, these points can be used for a number of things including a stable internet connection, networking of PC´s & printers, telephones (internal phone network with extensions), Wi-Fi boosters and a host of other IP based technologies. Also going in at this stage is the cabling for a Multiroom Audio System. We have used high grade speaker cable installed from a central location to points in the ceiling and walls where discreet speakers will be installed. We have specified the Nuvo system to provide the audio, control of which will be done using the Nuvo keypads placed at the entrance of each room, each of which needed a Cat5 cable for connection. The Nuvo system was chosen for its ease of integration with Control 4 home automation system which will be installed to provide control of all elements via touch pads in key areas, which also requires Cat5 cables for communication.

Although a coaxial network has been installed for the TV distribution thanks to the Future Lifestyle design it will be possible to install a satellite receiver in any of the 8 rooms with a TV or a PVR satellite system with dual input for recording (Sky +/Sky HD/ Canal+ HD) in 3 of the rooms and shared around the house.

Alternatively all systems can be installed in a central location (Head End) and distributed around the home, with control done via an IR repeater or Wi-Fi remote. But if that wasn´t enough to cover anybody’s TV addiction we have installed a Cat6 network to the rear of every screen. This is to allow the streaming of HD programs or films from a central location or via the internet with IPTV when it finally comes of age.

Surround sound set ups have been installed into two locations in the main house, one in the lounge and the other in the dedicated studio which should stop any arguments during next year’s world cup.

Also to be added is a lighting system by Rako that will give him full control of his lighting from anywhere in the house as well mimicking a presence when he is not in Spain, whilst saving him money on electrical bills and extending the lamp life of his lights.

Yet to be installed is the CCTV network and video entry system which would allow the client to check on any visitors - wanted or otherwise, from any TV screen in the house or anywhere in the world via the internet.

And that´s not all.......

The client has appreciated the approach that we took with his installation. Not only has he got all the elements that he wanted in his original brief but he has room to grow as he spends more time in his new home. Space left in the tubes means that extra cables can be added in the future if need be and the comprehensive paper work handed to the client at the end of the job means that he knows what his house has hiding behind the walls. And as with every Future Lifestyle system that is installed a member of the team is never more that a phone call away to answer any questions the client might have, be it now or in the future.

If you would like to know more about benefits of installing a Future Lifestyle system in your property or you would like to know more about any of the things mention here give a member of the team a call on +34 902 107 227

Plan now for the Future....

Confusion and fear of new technology - aswell as cost, have all been mentioned to us when we have spoken to architects, builders and homeowners on the Costa del Sol about home automation or intelligent home installations.

Not surprisingly then that home automation and home entertainment systems tend to be down on the list when refurbishing or building a new home. Future Lifestyle have created a guide to consider when you’re thinking about upgrading or building a new home which hopefully will prove that planning is everything.

Tips for your future home

1.Tubing for the future – The way homes are constructed on in Spain lends itself to plan now for the future. A well thought-out tube network installed at the build stage of a project will pay for itself in the future. The cost of installing the tubing is minimal compared to the added advantages it can hold.

2.Wire for everything now...even wireless technology – If you are building or refurbishing your Spanish home, start with a plan for future wiring needs. Cable is necessary to support even wireless applications. No one can guarantee what the future brings, however Future Lifestyle make it their business to look at the technologies coming through and likely to become part of our lives in the future and take this into account when designing any integrated home system.

3. Ensure the experts work together for you – Maximise your home by having your architect, builder and interior designer team up with Future Lifestyle from the very beginning of the planning process. All parties will work to create the home of your dreams, at the price you have agreed and in the timescale you require. We provide all of our designs in an AutoCAD format that can be integrated with that of the architects’ for the project so all parties are able to work with us.

4. Insist on integrated systems – Make sure the electronic equipment you are buying can be interconnected and operated as one, if required. Some manufacturers use a closed communication system, meaning that their equipment will only communicate with other hardware by the same manufacturer. This will limit you to what components you can install and will usually come at a premium cost.

5. Integrate lighting and heating control – Going green meets convenience. Get the most out of your system with the least amount of energy consumption. System integration provides automatic energy-efficient adjustments saving you time and money.

6. Think with your wallet, but lead with your head – Quality and long-term dependability are the most cost effective attributes that you can build into a home.

7. Think "green" – By utilising green practices, you can save money by having a more energy efficient system and help save the planet. Ask Future Lifestyle about how you can "go green" in your home.

8. Simplify your life – Easy to use, all-in-one remote controls are available for any system. Future Lifestyle can even custom program them so they make perfect sense to you. New technologies offer control from other devices and even through Internet browsers anywhere in the world.

9. Increase your expectations – Your home automation system is a big investment and you deserve to be satisfied with it. Future Lifestyle can provide you with comprehensive designs, a wide range of product options, a professional installation and especially, a full aftercare service for your system.

10. Consult a professional – Today's home automation systems grow, evolve and change over time, constantly adding entertainment, comfort and security features. Future Lifestyle will be with you every step of the way, from concept and design, through the build process and be on hand to help and advise well after the dust has settled.

Are you interested to find out more? Then why not give Future Lifestyle a call on +34 902 107 227 or contact them at info@futurelifestyle.net to arrange your free consultation.