Maui Smart Home Bridges Sustainability and Technology

This socially conscious “smart home” checks off all of the boxes, offering control and monitoring capabilities that help the homeowners measure energy output, while still embodying a fresh and modern Hawaiian aesthetic.

Through a state-of-the-art automation system, the homeowners can now control their indoor climate, lighting, security, irrigation, shades, audio and video—all from a phone app.

“Sustainable technology has become a common topic among homeowners wanting to minimize environmental impact without decreasing functionality,” said Tommy Kissell, president of Eco High Fidelity, the company that installed the home’s new ELAN Entertainment and Control System.

However, when Dattilo Design Group, a Maui-based builder and design company, began rebuilding the Wailea home, the team was initially hesitant about incorporating smart home technology into the project due to the poor performance they experienced with previous smart home systems.

Even before the fire, the owners said they were frustrated with the electronics and shading technology previously installed. The A/V elements and home automation system were unreliable and prone to service calls, they said.

“It’s the same story we have all heard,” Kissell added. “Hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on a complicated system that ended up requiring constant maintenance.”

But after conducting research on technology options, Dattilo Design Group turned to the Eco High Fidelity integration firm to install sustainable audio and custom-shading solutions powered by an ELAN Entertainment and Control System in the Wailea project.

To counteract the owner’s struggle with electronics, Eco High Fidelity centered the new A/V system around a simple and reliable ELAN control system.

“I jumped at the chance,” said Kissell. “Dattilo Design Group’s visions require a higher standard than normal designers. Like all of our projects, we relied on the concepts and methods of sustainability. To ensure the best results, we assembled a diverse group of specialists to create a spectacular state-of-the-art system that would make the Jetson family jealous.”

“This ensures that the whole-home automation system functions perfectly and remains fun to use,” Kissell said.

An ELAN S1616A multi-zone audio controller was integrated into the ELAN control system, enabling the owners to enjoy whole-home audio. Through the ELAN system, the homeowner can listen to a 250,000-song music library and popular streaming services, including Spotify, Pandora, Maui Native 92.5 and Sirius XM, anywhere in the home.

But the automated electronics system is just one “smart” element of the home.

One of the most unique eco-friendly elements is this home’s custom-built shading system. With the ocean as this owner’s backyard and ample sunlit spaces, specialized shading was required to maintain a comfortable temperature, while also protecting the owner’s art and custom furniture.

Multiple, unique shading solutions were installed throughout the home, offering both daylight harvesting and blackout environments. Additionally, the house has a 35-foot-wide ceiling window over the entryway and foyer, so a sun-shield for that area had to be developed.

Working closely with Eco High Fidelity’s partners, the team was able to develop customized Roman, sheers and ceiling shades, operated through a Lutron system.

Fully linked through the ELAN controls, the owners can raise or lower any of the shades with the touch of a button.

To operate the entire ELAN system, three 7-inch, in-wall touch panels were integrated around the home.

For more portable options, the owners can use several global hard-button remotes or the ELAN App. Furthermore, ELAN provides remote access to the automation system, so the designer, homeowner or integrator can access the controls from any web-enabled device.

“Hawai‘i is very quickly becoming a bridge between sustainability and technology,” with many residents building smart homes to reduce their carbon footprint—without sacrificing luxury and style,” Kissell concluded. “Over time, technology will provide sustainable solutions to maintain the integrity of the islands, while still providing state-of-the-art features.”

To learn more about ELAN, the home automation system, visit www.elanhomesystems.com.

For further information about Core Brands, visit www.corebrands.com.

For information about Nortek Inc., visit www.nortek.com.

Ocean view from Wailea residence using ELAN, a home automation platform. Courtesy photo.

Pool at Wailea residence using ELAN, a home automation platform. Courtesy photo.

Master bedroom of Wailea residence using ELAN, a home automation platform. Courtesy photo.

Wailea residence using ELAN, a home automation platform. Courtesy photo.

Wailea residence using ELAN, a home automation platform that controls opening and closing of skylight shades. Courtesy photo.

Wailea residence using ELAN, a home automation platform that controls opening and closing of skylight shades. Courtesy photo.

Wailea residence using ELAN, a home automation platform that controls opening and closing of skylight shades. Courtesy photo.

Wailea residence using ELAN, a home automation platform that controls opening and closing of skylight shades. Courtesy photo.

Wailea residence using ELAN, a home automation platform that controls opening and closing of skylight shades. Courtesy photo.