Independent developer Ashford Homes was looking to integrate a premium audio solution across two of its latest developments in order to appeal to the increasing number of tech-savvy consumers that now utilise a growing wave of smart devices. There is an ongoing need in the property market to satisfy the demand for Internet connected devices in the home, and the company opted to install a state-of-the-art multi-room audio solution from Systemline, part of Armour Home, as part of its comprehensive technical installed infrastructure.

Systemline 7 (S7) infrastructure is built into the fabric of a property and provides high quality audio in up to 24 separate, independent zones. S7 supports up to and including 24/192 music files for the very best sound quality and facilitates options for personal listening, and creating a home cinema zone, whilst also integrating with other home automation systems. It works seamlessly with digital TV and a host of other media applications, including Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Qobuz, BBC iPlayer, TuneIn, and compatibility with iTunes along with in-app access to Facebook and web browsing.

The properties

Ashford Homes installed S7 in the show homes of two of its developments in the South West. The Elmhurst Gardens development in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, comprises fourteen homes, whilst the Fullwell Lane development in Faulkland, Somerset, comprises 13 properties. The homes range from three to five bedrooms and are finished to a very high specification.

The install

Planning for and installing the appropriate wiring as part of a new home build is far simpler than retrofitting this technology. Future Installations, who work together with Ashford Homes, created two zones within the show homes to demonstrate the solution to prospective buyers.
In addition, the integrated wiring infrastructure has been provided for multiple S7 zones throughout the homes, if a customer opts for S7, the speakers and keypads can be installed quickly and easily with minimum disruption.
If this is the case, each chosen room will be equipped with a pair of unobtrusive 6.5” in-ceiling performance speakers from Q Acoustics as well as specially designed wet-room speakers in the bathroom. The system can be controlled via KPS11 keypads and/or smart devices. All the speakers are connected using QED cables to ensure a high sound quality.
The final installation is simple and takes around a day to complete, with detailed drawings of the wiring being provided. A handover visit is also included in the cost so the customer is clear on what has been installed, how it works and how to get the most out of the solution.
Keith Doel, technical director at Ashford Homes, said: “We were looking for an innovative product that would enhance the home whilst also looking stylish yet unobtrusive. We were impressed by the simplicity of S7 and the ability to tailor it to the homeowner’s needs. The innovative design and contemporary appearance of S7 matches our brand and requirements. It provides consumers with the perfect opportunity to add an integrated premium audio solution to their home with minimal fuss and without breaking the bank. There are obviously many other home audio solutions out there, however we felt that the robustness of the offering from Systemline fitted well with our ethos of our connected homes. We have had fantastic feedback from our customers about the S7. It is becoming more common for homes to be integrated with multi-room music systems, and this high-quality product is perfect for everyday family use.”

www.systemline.co.uk