Winner of Best Integration Utilizing Crestron Partners and Extensions demonstrates seamless control over third-party offerings.
While many homes are unique and irreplaceable, the Meta Residence is truly unlike any other. Located in Florida, it exists not only in the physical world but within the metaverse as well. The sprawling real-world home includes seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a media room, and outdoor entertainment areas, while the metaverse replica includes additional features such as a multi-level nightclub and a UFO garage.
The challenge
Luxury developer Gabe Sierra sought to create a home that would be further personalized with cutting-edge technology and a welcoming home automation system. Not only would this brand-new home come equipped with the best technology, but the buyers would also have the option to create a fully functional version in the metaverse.
The solution
As with any smart home integration, reliable and easy-to-use solutions would be integral to creating a cohesive and user-friendly home automation system. With the added layer of a second home in the metaverse, integrator Think Simple was selected to complete the installation and selected the Crestron Home® OS platform as a rock-solid option that would tackle all facets of Sierra’s requests.
The technology
With a strong tech-savvy inclination, Sierra aimed to add technology that would suit a lifestyle in both worlds seamlessly. The Florida residence is equipped with audio, video, and lighting controls to entertain guests, all powered by the Crestron Home OS. Multiple user interfaces are accessible throughout with Crestron touch screens, remotes, and the Crestron Home app on phones and tablets. This home is unique in its utilization of the Bodhi Building Management Platform, which extends the use of capabilities of the smart home system. Bodhi is compatible with Crestron solutions and additionally provides monitoring and control through a simplified dashboard. Working in concert with Bodhi, Crestron technology can automate any task, including initiating lighting scenes, selecting temperature presets, and changing audio sources based on time of day or room occupancy. With the third-party integration, the homeowners can set “away” and “welcome” modes through Crestron control to ensure energy is saved by the lighting and HVAC systems. Bodhi Predictive Maintenance can monitor and analyze data from the climate, lighting, entertainment, and automation systems in real time to verify that everything is working properly.
In Sierra’s vision, the homeowner can entertain family, friends, or business colleagues in both the physical house and the virtual world. In the physical home, Sierra has his pick of using a rich contemporary living room and dining room or the outdoor patio and pool area for entertaining. A chef’s kitchen is incorporated into the home for large family meals and is suited for caterers or professional chefs, as well. The home also features a dedicated Crestron-controlled home theatre for premier viewings of shows and movies. The homeowner can move his guests to the media and game room, providing a smooth transition to another world – the metaverse. Here, there are no limits to socializing, as the homeowner can connect with friends from all parts of the globe for conversations, music, and games.
A whole home audio system using Crestron DM NAX™ Audio-over-IP technology allows the homeowner to strategically install speakers indoors and across the outdoor landscape. To craft unforgettable atmospheres, Crestron lighting control and motorized shades line each room within the home. Crestron Horizon® keypads and Horizon® thermostats are used to control the lighting and HVAC systems. A keypad is present in every room to manually control the lighting and can also be used to select specific scenes. Leveraging occupancy-based control, the homeowner can conserve energy by regulating climate and lighting in the home.
The results
Sierra is extremely satisfied with the successful implementation of his home automation system. Whether for entertainment, relaxation, or daily living, Crestron has helped create a space for the homeowner to feel comfortable and enjoy in both physical and virtual worlds.
“I wanted top-of-the-line technology in this mansion, and Crestron allowed us to do just that,” says Gabe Sierra, Builder and Developer, Sierra Development.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
