“What to consider before your start”

Creating a smart backyard can transform your outdoor space into an oasis of convenience and entertainment. By planning automation and audio zones before designing or building your backyard, you can ensure seamless integration and maximize the benefits of smart technology. Here are some key considerations, examples, and top brands to help you get started.

Why You Need or Want Outdoor Automation and Audio Zones

Outdoor automation and audio zones offer numerous benefits:

Convenience: Control your lights, irrigation, and entertainment systems with ease.
Efficiency: Automate tasks like watering your garden based on weather conditions to save water and time.
Security: Enhance your backyard's security with smart cameras and lighting.
Entertainment: Create an immersive experience with high-quality audio and visual systems for gatherings and personal enjoyment.
Aesthetics: Improve the ambiance with customizable lighting and discreet, well-placed speakers.

Based on current trends and available data, we extrapolated the trendline on the following metrics:

Market Size of Outdoor AV Systems
Percentage of Homeowners with Outdoor AV Installations:
Sales Growth of Outdoor AV Products
Professional Outdoor AV Installations

1. Assess Your Needs and Goals

Before diving into specifics, it's essential to understand what you want from your backyard. Do you envision a space for entertaining guests, a serene retreat for relaxation, or a productive garden?

Example: If you frequently host parties, you might prioritize automated lighting and high-quality audio zones to enhance the ambiance and provide entertainment. On the other hand, if you enjoy gardening, a smart irrigation system that adjusts watering schedules based on weather conditions could be more beneficial.

2. Plan the Layout

This would usually be done in collaboration with your landscape design team and AV integrators.

Example: Designate a dining area near the kitchen for convenience or add an outdoor BBQ space, a lounging area with comfortable seating, and a garden zone. Mark where you want to place speakers for even sound distribution and where automated lighting can create the desired mood.

3. Infrastructure Requirements

Ensure you have the necessary infrastructure to support your smart devices. This includes adequate power sources, Wi-Fi coverage, and possibly conduit pipes for future-proofing.

Example: Installing weather-resistant outdoor outlets near key areas can simplify the setup for lighting, speakers, and other smart devices. A Wi-Fi range extender might be necessary to ensure stable connectivity throughout your backyard.

4. Select the Right Devices

Choosing the right devices is critical. Look for weather-resistant, durable options that integrate well with your existing smart home system.

Example:

Lighting: Lutron Caseta Wireless Outdoor Plug-In Dimmer provides reliable and customizable outdoor lighting control. It's easy to set up and can be integrated with popular smart home systems.
Audio: Paradigm Outdoor Speakers are known for their excellent sound quality and durability. They blend seamlessly into the outdoor environment while delivering top-notch audio performance.
Network: Ubiquiti Outdoor Access Points can ensure robust, consistent internet coverage across your entire backyard, making it easy to control all your smart devices and stream content without interruptions.
TV: There are several excellent options for outdoor televisions, such as the;

SunBriteTV Outdoor Television: Designed to withstand various weather conditions, it offers bright, clear picture quality and is perfect for outdoor entertainment areas.
The Terrace by Samsung: This TV is built for outdoor use with a high brightness level to combat glare, weather-resistant durability, and smart features for streaming and connectivity.

5. Audio Zone Planning

Audio zones are essential for creating an immersive outdoor entertainment experience. Determine the number of zones based on your layout and activities.

Example: Install Paradigm Outdoor Speakers in the dining area, lounging zone, and near the pool (if you have one) for complete coverage. These speakers are known for their robust build and high-fidelity sound.

6. Lighting Considerations

Smart lighting can enhance the beauty and functionality of your backyard. Plan the types of lighting you need—ambient, task, or security—and their placement.

Example: Use Lutron Caseta lights along walkways for safety, spotlights to highlight landscaping features, and string lights over the dining area for a cozy atmosphere. Lutron Caseta's system offers seamless control and scheduling. Or Philips Hue pots for downlight can set the mood with options to change the colour tones to suit the occasion.

7. Security and Privacy

Integrating security features into your backyard design ensures peace of mind. Plan for cameras, motion sensors, and smart locks.

Example: The Ring Spotlight Cam provides motion-activated alerts and HD video, making it ideal for monitoring entry points. Smart locks on gates can offer convenient access control while enhancing security.

Conclusion

Planning for smart home automation and audio-visual zones in the early stages of your backyard design can create a cohesive, functional, and enjoyable outdoor space. We recommend discussing with the landscape design team to bring in AV integrators to assist with the design, implementation and layout for home automation and AV in your outdoor space.