Page 121 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2016

Gulfport SmartHouse combines both traditional and contemporary elements
The Gulfport home
of Caleb Ulku and Leena Pande Ulku proves that a home can be attractive and inviting while having
all the latest smart technology that adds convenience. The spacious home also combines traditional
and contemporary elements. The exterior is all about tradition with old brick, green shutters and a steep roof with three dormer windows. Step inside and the space is open and flowing with warm wooden flooring and lots of natural light.
“The smart features are designed to make it easier to live in the home,” says Caleb Ulku, lead design for SmartHouse Solutions. “The lights are on a schedule, to turn on 30 minutes before sunset and gradually dim through the evening until turning off if no motion is detected. They can also be voice controlled, or controlled from a smart phone — including dim level. The wall switch works just like regular lights.”
He explains that the television can be controlled with similar options: voice, smart phone or single-
touch-enabled remote control.
The television is also connected to
a media center that stores many movies. Movie selection is done with the television remote, scrolling through images of the movie disc, but not needing to use a physical disc. “Once a movie is selected, it immediately begins to play with full surround sound. The speakers are designed to blend in with the living room décor, but still provide an experience similar to a cinema,” he said.
The bedside alarm clock is set by voice and when it goes off in >>
story by Lynn Lofton photos by Katherine Sowers
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July 2016 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 121