Perhaps driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor entertainment at high-end homes has evolved from a simple set of speakers for the back deck to a much more integrated approach with audio that covers entire properties, which is best exemplified in a Baton Rouge, La. home where Acadian Home Theater & Automation brought some big entertainment to 30,000 square feet of outdoor space.

The project, which is located in Baton Rouge, included outfitting the entire landscape–including a party pavilion, boat house and guest house–with high end audio. The homeowner wanted audio coverage for the entire property, and even more importantly, wanted those audio systems to be as easy to use as the systems inside the home.

According to Bryan Naquin, owner of Acadian Home Theater & Automation, the firm aimed for full, even coverage for the large outdoor space, allowing the owners to hear music at a consistent volume level without a single dead zone. This is reminiscent of the audio design at Disney World, which Naquin says includes a large amount of speakers throughout the park.

To achieve that effect, Naquin and his firm installed dozens of Episode landscape speakers throughout the property, including surface- and ceiling-mounted models on balconies and in covered patios.

“There are millions of different speaker options, so choosing the right manufacturer that stands behind their products is so important, especially when dealing with the vagaries of an outdoor environment,” Naquin says. “Snap One’s level of service and support is bar-none, making them the best choice for this project.”

2024 Lighting Controls and Fixtures Report

Lightapalooza took place in late February, and the growth of the event has mirrored the rapid ascension lighting fixtures and controls.

Download your copy now!

Other Snap One products help control and manage the audio system, including Control4 processors to automate a wide assortment of exterior and fountain lights, SunBrite TVs that can be raised and lowered on motorized lifts from Nexus21, Araknis outdoor Wi-Fi access points and about 50 Luma surveillance cameras. In addition, the property entrance is supervised via the Control4 system.

To help protect from the hot Louisiana sun and insects, the project also included motorized screens that form an enclosed area at the party pavilion.

The Control4 smartphone apps makes it easy for the homeowners to manage the system with the ability to cue music, move TVs into place, view real-time surveillance footage, open the gate and turn lights on and off. In addition, the outdoor Wi-Fi network ensures commands reach intended destinations.

Thanks to Snap One’s constant innovation, the homeowners may soon be able to use their voice to control the technology inside and outside their home, Naquin says.

“That’s another reason why we like Control4 and Snap One so much,” Naquin remarks. “They are always evolving and upgrading their products, which keeps our clients’ systems fresh and relevant.”

However, Naquin says his firm carefully analyzes new technology before introducing them to clients.

“We only add features if they add real value and enrichment to the customer’s lifestyle,” Naquin explains.

• Page 1