“Smart technology is the cherry on top of our build”

Wendy and Paul Lynch came to us in 2020 with their plans for a new build home in Castlederg. 

Scott met the couple at the Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Show in Belfast when Wendy was searching for a company that could consolidate all the tech she needed to control in her home into one system.

After seeing the Loxone hardware at Epitome Living’s stand, and chatting to Scott about how easy its systems are to use, Wendy was sold that Epitome Living was the right smart technology installer for her. 

We completed the Lynchs’ smart technology installation in 2022, with the addition of a home cinema alongside the building management controls we install in most projects.

We recently went back to the Lynchs’ home to upgrade their home cinema system and service their smart system. Whilst Jordan ensured that the Lynchs’ tech was working as it should, I sat down with Wendy to chat about her build. 

Here’s what she shared with me about the things she loves about her home and how her smart system and home cinema improve her life. 

“We have our own tarmac company, and prior to opening that we didn’t think we’d be able to build,” said Wendy. “We started the business 13 years ago, and we moved into our home four years ago. 

“The whole drawing and planning side of the build took about two years. The foundations were in and then COVID hit, so nothing happened for six weeks. But because the work was happening outside, we got going again fairly soon. Our suppliers were very kind and gave us a heads up about rising material prices, so we were able to pre-buy a lot before costs skyrocketed. We were very grateful for that.”

On when she began thinking about installing smart technology in her home, Wendy said: “Once I knew how many lights were going to be in one of the rooms, I thought I should look at how we controlled them all. So we went to the Selfbuild Show in Belfast and spoke to a couple of smart technology installers. One of the companies we spoke to that wasn’t Epitome Living did have lighting control options, but the hardware had loads of buttons and I really didn’t want that.

“When we got to the Epitome Living stand I just loved how clean and minimal the hardware was. The decision was made then and there, and I haven’t looked back since.”

The technology in Wendy’s home is controlled by a wired-in Loxone system that manages the indoor and outdoor lighting, heating, audio, shading, alarm and cameras, gates, and Velux windows. The family also had a home cinema installed.  

“I suppose I didn’t really know what my expectations for the technology were before I spoke to Scott,” Wendy said. “He’d shown me how I could control everything through the one system and how easy it was to use, and I was sold based on that and how clean the hardware looks on the wall. 

“Even after all my conversations with Scott I was surprised at just how easy to use the system is. Even when I’m not here I can control everything in the house. I actually used to prank my dad after we first moved in - if he was babysitting I used to change the colour of the lights on him, or move the blinds up and down. 

“Everyone’s so busy these days, so with our Loxone system installed we’re not going round every evening turning off lights and closing blinds. We get into bed, triple tap a switch, and that’s everything turned off and the alarm set. We even had the system programmed to shut the gates for us when it’s in night mode.

“When holiday mode’s activated the lighting and blinds change throughout the day as if someone’s at home, so we don’t even have to worry about the house looking empty when we’re away.”

“Figuring out how the system would work for us was so easy because Scott’s so friendly and easy to talk to. Arranging everything we needed was straightforward. The guys on site are so knowledgeable, and they answer any questions we have with no issues. 

“There were a few things that changed when they were on site doing other things for us and they helped us navigate those and did what they needed to to fit their system in with those changes.”

“Everything was so detailed,” Wendy continued. “The Epitome Living team gave us a schedule for the electrician to do the first fix and he couldn’t get over how good it was. The main surprise for him (and for me) was the amount of cabling going into just one room. But you don’t see any of that in the finished product.

“We have a big open plan room where all our family gatherings take place, and there’s often more than 20 of us here when we’re hosting. At Christmas there’s 27 of us, so I needed space to fit everyone. It’s no surprise there was so much cabling for that room. We’ve had a few parties where the volume on the audio has been up at 100!” 

Talking about deciding to include a home cinema in the build, Wendy said: “We were originally going to have a very traditional living room where the home cinema is - with a fireplace and all that. What we realised though was that it didn't really suit how we function as a family. We had a living room like that in our old house, and when I thought about it, all that was used for was watching movies and sports. 

“Between us we thought it would be better made into a home cinema. The room was already in the plans, so we just reconfigured it. I spoke to Scott about it, and he took us to see some products at one of Epitome Living’s suppliers in Belfast. After that, we decided to just do it. It was a big expense, but we decided that we were moving once and doing things once.

“When we walked into the house on moving day, that meant that everything was done. It doesn’t always work out like that for people - we’re lucky that it worked out for us.”

Wendy continued: “You can fit about 12 people in the cinema room, and the Playstation, XBox, and Wii can be connected too, so there have been many days where there are teenage boys everywhere in there. We also lie up and watch movies with my parents and my in-laws, and other days I open the blinds and lie up on my own and look out at the view through the window at the back of the room. It’s a great space for us.”

In conclusion, Wendy said: “Our smart technology is the cherry on top of our build. My dad built the house for us, and at every stage he would say he was dressing it. The roof going on was the skirt, and then he said the smart technology going in was the lipstick. 

“It really finishes the build off for us - I’m so pleased with how everything turned out and how easy it’s made my life.”