Outdoor technology is no longer being treated as an afterthought, according to Shay Brummer of Coastal Source, who says integrators are increasingly bringing outdoor discussions into the earliest stages of project planning.
Speaking with CE Pro, Brummer explains that one of the biggest shifts in the category is earlier collaboration with architects, designers and builders. Historically, outdoor audio and lighting were added late in the process, often resulting in compromised placement and performance. Today, integrators are proactively introducing outdoor systems during initial client meetings, allowing for better design integration and improved outcomes.
That shift is also influencing product development. Coastal Source’s latest innovations, including its Razor speaker backlighting concept, reflect growing demand for solutions that combine performance with aesthetics. The goal, Brummer says, is to solve design conflicts by integrating multiple functions into a single solution, such as combining lighting and audio in one location.
At the same time, durability remains a core requirement. As homeowners spend more time outdoors, expectations for long-term performance are increasing. Brummer notes that many consumers are becoming aware that entry-level outdoor products often fail after only a few seasons, creating an opportunity for integrators to educate clients on higher-quality solutions.
From a market perspective, Brummer observes a bifurcation in demand. Many integrators are finding success at the high end, where fully integrated outdoor environments include lighting, audio and control, as well as at the entry level with simpler installations. The middle of the market, he says, is becoming less prominent.
Overall, the outdoor category continues to expand, with new use cases emerging as homeowners extend living spaces into additional areas of the property.
