The explosion of outdoor living spaces over the years is no coincidence. Following pandemic lockdowns wherein homeowners were forced to stare at plaster and wall moldings for the better part of the year, there came a singular desire: to get back out into nature.
That’s not to say this is ONLY a recent trend. Integrators are well aware of how popular outdoor living areas are, and in more temperate locale such as Florida or California, outdoor areas have always made up a large bulk of projects for the people that have the space to do so.
What is more of a recent trend, however, is for people to leverage various technologies and furnishings to create full-fledged outdoor entertainment areas. A smattering of speakers here, a covertly tucked away display there, and presto: the only reason for you to go back inside now is to maybe get some sleep without fear of being eaten alive by insects.
Of course, the only other fixture synonymous with outdoor entertainment is the pool. So today, we’re looking at outdoor living spaces that incorporate various outdoor AV systems alongside pools (or in the case of yachts, the ocean). From a sprawling Cape Code estate, to a modest midwestern getaway, we’re looking at outdoor living areas that bring the entertainment poolside.
If you’re interesting in checking out any other projects from the CE Pro Project Archives, be sure to check out our articles looking at home theater systems as well as fireplace mounted TVs.
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Stealth Entertainment, Indiana, TRIPhase Technologies
While the coastal regions are more often known for their outdoor living spaces, this client in Indiana sought to create a poolside entertainment space the envy of both coasts. A concealed entertainment system provided by TRIPhase and Stealth Acoustics sees elements like a massive microLED TV sink and rise from beneath the patio at the whim of the homeowners as they relax by their expansive pool.
Read more on Stealth Entertainment.
‘Party House,’ Buzzard’s Bay, Massachusetts, Soundwaves & Security Corp.
Space is precious in the tightly populated region of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, which is why the clients of this installation wanted to put their 800-foot-wide backyard to good use. Specifically, the client told Michael Either of Soundwaves: “Mike…I want you to think ‘party house.’”
The final design of the massive outdoor entertainment system uses 38 Ambisonic satellites and seven subwoofers, all with the goal of ensuring equal volume levels across the entire lawn so no one would be forced away from a particular area.
Find out more about Party House.
Secret Spa, California, Nautilus Media Systems
While working with their client in Newport Beach, Nautilus Media Systems received an additional request following the installation of a Sonance Patio Series outdoor audio system. The client in question wanted an automated spa cover that would allow the jacuzzi space to be usable when residents weren’t busy soaking and relaxing.
Stealth Theater, Mooresville, North Carolina, SoundVision
Although this project features a screen large enough to provide an immersive video experience outdoors, the homeowner wanted it hidden when not in use. To accomplish that goal, Soundvision created a design plan that utilizes a display lift as opposed to a traditional wall or surface mount for this outdoor living space. When lifted, the display can securely and effortlessly spin 360 degrees, which allows it to be seen at just about every angle from this outdoor entertainment system.
Find out more about Stealth Theater.
Zero Carbon, California, DSI Luxury Technology
To keep in line with the homeowner’s aspirations of having a 100% off the grid home with all the environmental controls fit for the utmost comfort and modern entertainment, they brought on the team at DSI Luxury Technology to create a truly groundbreaking smart home. Of course, that appreciation for the outdoors came with an intense desire to be able to spend extended periods of time in those outdoor spaces with even the ambiance of outdoor fire being supplemented by a water vapor fireplace by the pool.
Poolside AV Paradise, New York City, New York, by Digital Projection
To match the quality of an impressive outdoor pool area and inviting outdoor living space drawn up by renowned architects and designers, the team at Digital Projection were requested to create a massive outdoor video wall that would be a focal point for entertainment.
“After discussing our plan with a civil engineer, we essentially built an in-ground vault complete with a hydraulic lift and sump pump assembly to house and mount the LED video wall,” says Eric Perkins, general manager at Display Devices.
Find out more about Poolside AV Paradise.
Underwater Sound, Huntsville, Alabama, by Mozaic Audio Video Integration
Mozaic’s work on the outdoor entertainment system for this CE Pro Home of the Year showcases how the little touches can make the biggest difference. While rigging the entire backyard of this Huntsville home with speakers and subwoofers, the team also included Clark Synthesis underwater speakers for absolute audio coverage.
As Michael Johnson, CEO of Mozaic stated, the addition of that underwater audio came as icing on the cake for the entire project.
Find out more about Underwater Sound.
Poolside Cottage, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, by Creative Systems USA
The homeowner of this project wanted an outdoor entertainment system straight out of the olden days…but also with a 65-inch TV. The original plan had it being installed in the nearby pool house to have it look out through a faux window. However, Creative Systems USA sought to bring it outside for a better viewing experience while also leaning into the rustic aesthetics the poolside had to offer.
Find out more about Poolside Cottage.
Scandifornian Modern, California, Powerfull Systems
Set in the coveted walk-streets of Venice, California, Scandifornian Modern offers a secluded oasis to those seeking relaxed coastal living. With Joan Behnke & Associates and Abramson Architects working on the design and architecture and Powerfull Systems for the integration, the team set out to weave together both indoor and outdoor spaces to create a home where residents feel as though they’re never too far away from the invigorating sea breeze.
Read more on Scandifornian Modern.
Backyard Pool Suite, Texas, by Theater Advice
The backyard area of this Texas home includes an inground pool, an area to watch outdoor TV, a minigolf course in the center, a full backyard audio setup and a lazy river that floats around the perimeter.
Despite being a challenge given the sheer amount of cement and retaining walls to run wire through, the integrators of the project, Theater Advice, stated the end result was well worth the effort to bring the quality of the outdoor space in line with the rest of the house.
Find out more about Backyard Pool Suite.
This article is part of the CE Pro Project Archives series, where we look back on projects submitted to the publication throughout the years to highlight the different components that feature in custom installation projects. To view past highlights, follow the link to view the full catalog.
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