What does every 27,000-square-foot home need? A fully automated 7,000-square-foot garage, of course. And that's exactly what Bixby, Okla.-based integrator BlueSpeed AV was able to create for a client who wanted an automated showroom for an impressive collection of rare luxury vehicles and authentic race cars.
“He wanted a trophy room of sorts, a gallery where he could showcase his cars under one roof and host events and dinners,” says Ryan Sullivan, owner of BlueSpeed AV, of the purpose behind this unique, 7,000-square-foot space outfitted with Savant control.
It was a feat that earned the project a Gold Award from CE Pro sister publication, Electronic House, for the Electronic House Home of the Year category of Best Unique Space.
Systems & Equipment
- Epson video projector
- Savant control system
- Lutron lighting and motorized shading
- Screen Innovations 160-inch screen
- Samsung 75-inch TVs
- Bowers & Wilkins, MSE Audio speakers
- Kaleidescape media server
- Autonomic music server
- Honeywell security
- Luma security cameras
Lutron Puts Owner in the Pole Position
Constructed as a separate wing of the 27,000-square-foot house, the area goes from zero to 60 in seconds.
The clients only need to tap a button on any of seven sleek Lutron Palladiom keypads positioned throughout the room to activate the lights, music system, video projector, and adjust the thermostat.
The settings of these systems vary depending on which keypad button is pressed so that the atmosphere is perfect for any number of activities.
“Event,” for example, commands the Epson video projector to lower its hiding place above the ceiling, each of six TVs (two are 75 inches; the rest are 65 inches) to activate and tune to preselected sports channel (without audio), 100 loads of lights to illuminate the entire area, seven Lutron motorized shades to lower, and music from an Autonomic music server to spill through more than two dozen MSE Audio SoundTube and Bowers & Wilkins speakers.
The SoundTube speakers hang like pendant lights from the ceiling; the B&W speakers are mounted flush into the ceiling.
Projecting the Right Image
A 160-inch Zero Gravity Slate screen from Screen Innovations displays images from the Epson projector; the owners use a Savant app on their iPads and iPhones to select video from one of several cable boxes, 4K Apple TV, Kaleidescape movie server, or a presentation from a laptop.
“Fundraisers are often held here, so presenters can plug their laptops right into the projector system,” Sullivan says. They can quickly interrupt the music, and instruct audio from the laptop (or any of the seven TVs) to broadcast through the speakers instead.
Savant and Lutron Light Up Car Collection
Another favorite scene, called “Presentation,” switches everyone’s focus to the owner’s car collection, which includes Jaguars, Ferraris, Aston Martins, and a few NASCAR race cars.
Upon engaging this scene—either from a Lutron keypad or Savant mobile app—30 light switches brighten and dim connected fixtures to highlight the key features of each car.
The car collection is the focal point of this expansive space, but there are other goodies that eat up the real estate, as well.
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Also under the supervision of the Savant control system are a 1950s-style diner, candy and ice cream shop, and media room. After admiring the owner’s prized possessions, guests can grab a snack or catch a movie.
When the evening draws to a close, the owner just taps an “Away” button to switch off every light and A/V component. At the same time, the security system goes into high alert, ensuring this uniquely designed and automated area is well protected.
