Hi-tech home improvement

Dubai: The homes we live in are getting smarter.

Technology is becoming such an indispensable part of modern living that more people are choosing to make it an integral part of their homes.

Chances are most people have elements of a 'smart home' where they live. Security or sound systems as well as sensor lighting are all forms of smart home technologies.

Local company Archimedia designs takes the technology one step further. The company installs media systems including home cinemas, home theatres, whole house audio and video, and full home automation.

"Entertainment is a major area where technology can be a great lifestyle enhancer," said Omar Hikal, managing partner of Archimedia.

"So many people want a system that is accessible anywhere in the house but looks great as well, and it can all be powered by one remote," said Hikal.

"We can wire a house so that if the client wants different music in different rooms the client can have that, it just depends on the person's budget."

Wiring a house can start as little Dh5000 and can run into the millions. The company can install speakers into the walls, set up a home theatre and even a high tech security system that can be powered by just a push of a button.

Big screen and plasma televisions have changed the face of not only the lounge but of the whole house.

However, big screen TVs, stereo systems and clunky speakers are notoriously difficult to incorporate harmoniously into living environments, but the company has a solution for that.

"We can blend in the equipment to the surroundings, we get a lot of interior designers who are looking to make the décor match and blend and that is what we specialise in," said Hikal.

Hikal added that its not just men who are interested in high tech gadgets.

"We get a lot of women who are looking for something that combines everything all in one, without any cables running all over the house and that is easy to manage."