A Guide for Chicagoland Architects, Designers, Contractors, and Landscape Architects
Outdoor spaces are no longer just about landscaping and furniture—high-end clients expect premium outdoor AV systems that blend seamlessly into their design. From immersive outdoor audio to weatherproof TVs, integrating smart technology into landscape and exterior projects enhances both functionality and luxury.
For architects, interior designers, contractors, and landscape professionals in Chicagoland’s high-end real estate market, understanding how to integrate outdoor AV without compromising aesthetics is key to delivering standout projects. This guide will cover best practices for incorporating seamless, high-end outdoor AV solutions into your designs.
Why Outdoor AV is Essential for Luxury Homes
Modern luxury homeowners demand entertainment-ready outdoor spaces that provide:
✅ Seamless indoor-to-outdoor transitions
✅ Hidden, design-conscious technology
✅ High-performance audio and video in any weather
✅ App and voice-controlled convenience
When done right, outdoor AV enhances the home’s value and usability, making it a critical component of high-end residential design.
Outdoor Audio: Invisible, Yet Powerful
A premium outdoor sound system should complement landscaping without visible wires or bulky speakers disrupting the aesthetic.
Best Practices for Seamless Integration:
✔ Use directional speakers to target sound where needed, avoiding noise pollution.
✔ Hide speakers in landscaping elements like planters, under eaves, or disguised as rocks.
✔ Ensure weatherproofing with marine-grade materials for durability.
✔ Plan for zoning so homeowners can control volume separately for pool, patio, and garden areas.
Recommended Brands:
- Sonance: Offers top-tier landscape and hidden outdoor speakers.
- Bang & Olufsen: Premium audio with sleek designs for modern exteriors.
Pro Tip: Subwoofers can be buried underground to maintain aesthetic appeal while providing deep, rich bass and balanced overall sound.
Outdoor TVs: The Right Screen for Any Environment
Luxury homeowners want to enjoy entertainment without glare or weather damage. Traditional indoor TVs won’t survive outdoors, so installing weatherproof, high-brightness screens is a must.
Best Placement Options:
✔ Under covered patios to reduce glare and exposure.
✔ Recessed into stone walls for a built-in, high-end look.
✔ Motorized lift systems to conceal TVs when not in use.
Recommended Brands:
- SunBriteTV: Designed specifically for outdoor environments.
- Samsung The Terrace: Optimized for outdoor visibility.
Pro Tip: Pair outdoor TVs with smart lighting and automated shades for an enhanced experience.
Smart Lighting & Automation: The Finishing Touch
The right lighting enhances both ambiance and security, creating a fully immersive outdoor experience.
Key Integration Tips:
✔ Pathway and landscape lighting should sync with AV systems for automated scenes.
✔ Motion-activated lighting enhances security while adding drama to outdoor spaces.
✔ Color-changing LED lights can create dynamic environments for entertaining.
Recommended Brands:
- Lutron: Smart lighting solutions compatible with home automation.
- Philips Hue Outdoor: Customizable, app-controlled LED lighting.
- FX Luminaire: High-end, architecturally integrated landscape lighting.
Pro Tip: Use pre-set lighting scenes (e.g., “Evening Entertaining” or “Relax by the Pool”) for effortless ambiance control.
Connectivity: Ensuring a Strong Outdoor Wi-Fi Network
Without strong outdoor connectivity, streaming services and smart home controls won’t function properly.
Best Practices for Outdoor Wi-Fi & Networking:
✔ Install weatherproof Wi-Fi access points to ensure seamless coverage.
✔ Use hardwired connections for TVs and streaming devices when possible.
✔ Create a dedicated outdoor network zone to optimize bandwidth.
Recommended Brands:
- Ruckus
Pro Tip: To ensure a consistently strong network to support your smart system and devices, consider having Digital Systems and Integration design and install your own home network.
Smart Home Integration: One-Touch Control for Effortless Luxury
Clients expect effortless control of their outdoor AV system—the best way to achieve this is through a centralized smart home system.
Best Smart Integration Options:
✔ Voice control compatibility (Alexa, Google Home)
✔ App-based control for lighting, sound, and TV in one place.
✔ Integration with whole-home automation systems like Control4 or Savant.
Recommended Brands:
- Control4: A leading smart home automation system.
- Savant: Intuitive, luxury-focused smart home control
- Josh.Ai: Voice-activated home intelligence backed by the power of Ai
Pro Tip: Install a weatherproof touchscreen control panel near outdoor seating areas for easy access.
How Trade Professionals Can Leverage Outdoor AV for Clients
For architects, designers, and contractors, offering integrated outdoor AV solutions can:
✅ Enhance project appeal and increase property value.
✅ Differentiate your services from competitors.
✅ Future-proof designs for evolving smart home trends.
At Digital Systems AV, we collaborate with architects, interior designers, contractors, and landscape professionals to create seamless outdoor entertainment solutions that blend effortlessly into high-end projects.
📞 Need expert AV integration for your next project? Contact us today to discuss custom solutions!
