Xcalacoco 2017 Electronic House of the Year. The Xcalacoco 2017 Electronic House of the Year residence is a charming, secluded home in southwest Florida’s lovely Bonita Springs area. With dense landscaping, thirty foot high walls of bamboo and an automated entry gate, it offers all of the privacy of a rural lifestyle with none of the inconvenience. The gate opens automatically for residents by way of geofencing. Xcalacoco 2017 Electronic House of the Year
Inviting Impression
Beyond the gates, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the glow cast by variable-color LED projection lamps. Blue light with a water-ripple effect shines on the surrounding landscape, giving the impression that just a few steps into the surrounding woods will reveal a moonlit pond. A discreet landscaping audio system can play music or a vocal greeting. This remarkable display also helps to divert scrutiny from the unobtrusive cameras marking your entry. In the rear of the property is a fully integrated pool and spa, which residents can set to the ideal temperature using their smartphone for hassle-free, year-round usage.
Subtle Yet Easy Interaction
Once inside, the diverse possibilities of automation become apparent. Music and notifications play through every area of Xcalacoco, which alternates between bracket and ceiling speakers for optimum aesthetic value. Lighting is organized into area activity scenes which are triggered by stylish keypads with engraved buttons. You can also find buttons next to the lighting on each keypad that are programmed to control volume for the area’s audio or easily activate the spa.
Meanwhile, a voice within the home announces arrivals with vocals such as “Adam is approaching Xcalacoco” (when the individual is within a mile of the home), or “Xcalacoco is opening the gates for Adam” when the individual pulls into the driveway. For those not granted geofence access, a video intercom and biometric scanner offer alternate means of entry. Xcalacoco 2017 Electronic House of the Year.
Immersive Audio and Video
In the main upper level of the home, one enters directly into a seemingly ordinary living area with no visible television. One only notices a discreetly placed soundbar until the large projection screen descends and the full range of a 24 speaker Dolby Atmos surround sound system comes to life, supported by two in-wall subwoofers. For lovers of music, the Dolby Atmos surround sound system can produce amazing sound immersion without the use of any video equipment.
Finally, the upper master suite boasts a 65″ curved television mounted on the ceiling directly above the bed, which allows for a uniquely comfortable viewing experience while in full repose.
Impressive Yet Unobtrusive Security
Xcalacoco is a large, multiple level home with french doors leading to wrap-around porches from nearly every room. Due to this design, security would present a major challenge without the use of smart locks and doorbells. Residents and authorized individuals need never hassle with keys. They can freely enter all doors, which seem never to be locked due to advanced, geolocation technology.
The office area is dominated by a large, glass desk. Incorporated into the desk is a video display, upon which the live video from the home’s various cameras are tiled for convenient viewing. With such a high quality camera system, the family is easily able to view recordings. In fact, they frequently post family blooper videos on