Smart Homes
What can you control with a smart home? Just about anything that uses electricity can be put on the home network and controlled by voice, remote control or computer. Control your systems with remote controls, keypads or access information online. New systems are nearly invisible, self configuring and are easy to use. They have low power consumption and provide real value.
Control your HVAC whether at home, at work or from any other location. Lighting control systems turn on lights when doors are opened or at specified times. Set them at programmed levels for different times of the day. Natural lighting can be controlled using window shades, LCD shades, draperies and awnings. You can even create automatic scenes for ambiance during dinners and parties.
Customize an impressive home theater system. Audio switching and distribution determines the selection of an audio source and allows an audio source to be heard in one or more rooms. Video switching and distribution allows a video source to be viewed on multiple TVs. A video door phone shows exactly who's at the door. Motion sensors send an alert when there's motion around your house; they can even tell the difference between pets and burglars. Link security cameras to your favorite television station and make it viewable on every television in the house.
New security system detect fire, gas leaks and water leaks, and can be linked to medical alert. Other options include home robots, automated coffee pots, garage door(s), pet feeding and watering, plant watering, the pool heater plus the hot tub and spa.
Environmentally Friendly
Today's new luxury homes are loaded with a range of new features. These include eco-friendly materials, energy saving innovations, and smart control systems that monitor and control everything from lighting, heating and cooling, to security.
Green home designs focus on efficient use of building materials, energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and overall environmental impact.
You can choose appliances, windows and water heating systems with ENERGY STAR® ratings, optional renewable energy sources and water heating systems, efficient lighting fixtures, ENERGY STAR dishwashers and washing machines as well as programmable, water efficient irrigation systems.
Resource & environmental friendly homes start with floor plans and lot development. We can orient the house and design it to take advantage of natural daylight to reduce lighting needs. We know efficient strategies to reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. We give you options for using renewable materials in construction.
We can preserve trees on your lot during construction. Landscaping should contain plants that are appropriate for the climate and water needs.
Indoor air quality features include HVAC systems sized for an efficient and properly ventilated home. Fans in the kitchen and bathrooms should cycle fresh air inside, and release stale air. We use low-VOC paints, finishes and wallpapers. Hardwood floors are preferred and low pile carpets used rather than high pile.
Concrete Block Construction
A concrete block framed home offers fantastic durability and energy efficiency with stylistic flexibility. Masonry uses concrete blocks to form the basic structure of the home. Exterior concrete walls accept any exterior finish including, brick, stucco, stone or siding.
Safe rooms built with concrete blocks are excellent for protecting your family during extreme weather, including tornadoes and hurricanes.
- Benefits of Concrete Masonry
- It is energy efficient and can lower your energy bills 40 to 60 percent.
- It lowers your homeowner's insurance premium due to better home sustainability.
- The soundproofing quality of concrete will give your family a quiet, peaceful environment.
- It is durable and protects against extreme weather, rust, rot or fire.
- It is environmentally friendly. Concrete is made of recyclable products and limestone, the most abundant mineral on Earth.
- It is pest resistant. Insects will not inhabit a home that does not provide a feeding ground.
- It is a healthier alternative because it reduces major sources of indoor allergies, mold and fungus.
Feng Shui Designs
As a builder of custom homes, Circle H Builders has the expertise to design homes built around Feng Shui principles.
Feng Shui considers the flow of positive energy and spaces to achieve a good balance of energy for the inhabitants of that space. The home is designed to help people achieve their goals and achieve a peaceful healthy home.
In designing your home your goals must be considered to determine the most beneficial placement of the home as well as its entrances, kitchen, windows, bedrooms and bed positions. For instance, the kitchen will be in the back of the house, at least behind centerline of the house. The cook is to be in a “commanding position" when at the stove. The cook should be able to clearly see the doorway without turning from the stove. As a result most kitchens use forward oriented islands.
Feng Shui involves the liberal yet appropriate use of fountains, live plants, fire colored, earthen or metal objects.