Anthony Lightman Osprey Custom Homes, Orlando, Fla. It’s not that custom builder Anthony Lightman’s clients are necessarily asking for more high-tech security features in their homes; he’s just trying to stay ahead of the curve and give them something they aren’t expecting, he says. Installing a biometric keyless entry deadbolt is one of the ways he’s been anticipating their needs. Orlando, Fla.-based Sequiam Corp., a major player in biometrics technology, partnered with Black and Decker Weiser Lock to develop the BioLock (as marketed by Sequiam; Kwikset also markets it as SmartScan) that Lightman has been installing. Delivering stylish, easy-to-use high-tech control over home access, the BioLock/SmartScan entry system reads fingerprints to activate the deadbolt. Just a swipe of an authorized fingertip locks or unlocks the door.
Lightman says the system is great for securing garage doors as well as entry doors, and has the added benefit of perceived value. “It makes [customers] think they’re not getting a home that’s going to date itself,” Lightman says. “It’s future-ready, so to speak.”
More than 50 fingerprints can be programmed into BioLock/SmartScan’s memory, and a timed lock-out feature allows homeowners to program the system for continuous access, limited date access, and time/date restricted access. The BioLock/SmartScan system requires no hard-wiring, as it is operated by four AA batteries.
Sequiam. 866.590.8426. www.sequiam.com. Circle 165.
Kwikset. 800.327.5625. www.kwikset.com. Circle 166.
Brad Smith Terra Firma Custom Homes, Winter Park, Colo. Working in the rugged state of Colorado, Brad Smith’s homes are naturally built of wood and stone. In the past year, though, he’s had great success with a third element that he says adds unmistakable value, depth, and richness: steel. Now for all of his homes, he contracts a full-service custom design and fabricating company called Raw Urth that works with his clients to create a steel package to complement their homes. “It is like having another company employee working toward the best possible outcome of a home building project without having to manage them,” Smith says.
“In our minds, everything can be made out of steel,” says Raw Urth’s proprietor, Amy Sasick. Her shop’s repertoire includes wainscot, gates, window trim, countertops, mantels, and more. Most steel pieces are given a patina that she says brings out the material’s natural character to give it depth and texture. The shop plans to offer its most popular items on a stock basis with custom sizing.
Raw Urth. 970.203.4160. www.rawurth.com. Circle 167.
