Cutting-edge cinema rooms where you can relax in front of blockbuster movies and lighting systems that can be programmed for just the right mood – our homes are getting smarter.
Essex-based ESL creates award-winning audio visual installations and offers a spectrum of smart solutions for the private home.
Owner and technology specialist Mike Glover offers his advice on getting smart:
Q: How easy is it to create a Smart home?
Most homes are already smart homes to a certain degree, especially if you own an Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Some off-the-shelf equipment will offer a limited smart home experience, such as Philips Hue systems.
But the technology behind these smart devices is sometimes restrictive, so you are unable to fully integrate them together with other smart home devices to give you the best user experience.
Another common issue we find in people’s homes is network connectivity, including wifi. As users add more advanced and demanding devices to their network, they struggle with their wifi speed and performance. Simple “boosters” don’t offer enough power to overcome these issues, so we work alongside our technology partners to create a whole-home unified network infrastructure.
Q. How can you help a client create a smart home?
Whether you’re a homeowner planning to develop your dream smart home, a property developer looking to give your project a competitive edge, or a contracted electrician tasked with carrying out a bespoke installation, ESL Lifestyle can help.
Our team is involved in every aspect of a project, from the initial client meeting to detailed equipment specifications, through to the complete design, installation and documentation.
We have a strong focus on aftersales support – offering training, maintenance contracts and client queries. Working with leading brands such as Crestron, Lutron, Monitor Audio, Hikvision and Orluna, to name a few, we create unique and modern living spaces that are designed around lifestyle.
With a number of technological advancements and our range of state-of-the-art equipment, we can automate any area of the home. Want a lighting system that saves energy when it knows you aren’t home? Want a one-touch button that transforms your lounge into a home cinema experience? We can do it all...
Q: Why is it important to employ a specialist?
Choosing your technology partner is an essential part of your smart home journey, the ESL Lifestyle team is on-hand throughout the whole process, from design to installation, and then as ongoing support, once your system is live.
When it comes to design, no two homes are the same. Our design team will discuss a client’s requirements and preferences, before designing a bespoke system to integrate into their home seamlessly. During the installation process, our engineers are on-site to handle anything from running data and control cables through to commissioning and client handover.
Once installed, aftercare is paramount. The ESL Lifestyle team can offer training and ongoing monitoring and maintenance contracts for updates that might be needed in the future, as well as any client queries.
Q: What is the most innovative technology for the home?
This is a tricky question to answer as it is virtually limitless! We’ve installed some incredible home cinemas, full smart home control systems, a bath that runs itself to make your evening more relaxing, and even a rotating driveway that can park your car for you!
Q: What will the smart home of the future be?
Our technology partners are already pushing the boundaries of possibilities with smart-home solutions – and are always moving forward. Over the coming years, we are expecting to see a movement towards a more integrated experience using augmented and virtual reality technology in-home.
For more information visit esl-lifestyle.co.uk, call 01702 615400 or email hello@esl-lifestyle.co.uk.
Book a consultation at ESL Lifestyle’s new experience at 3 Bentalls Close, Southend, Essex, SS2 5FD.
