The use of smart home technology is on the rise. From smart speakers to smart doorbells, thermostats, lighting control and whole-home automation, the trend of integrating smart technology is not only taking hold, it is expanding.
In fact, industry statistics indicate that at least 63 million U.S. households use some type of smart home technology device, which is an increase of 10% over the previous year. The allure of smart home devices is the ability to automate routines in an effort to save time and money over the long haul.
That, and it’s also convenient to be able to access controls at home from a remote location.
When it comes to secret doors, there are a number of ways to integrate high-tech, smart technology into a custom installment that adds security, amplifies secrecy and offers an additional cool factor to an already novel feature.
Secret doors, which often lead to hidden man caves, lounges, game rooms or entertainment spaces, take many forms. While some have elaborate exterior facades, others melt into their surroundings completely. Those doors are often referred to as “jib” doors, and they take the form of wall panels — be it stone, wood or cabinetry that matches the surrounding aesthetics.
The novelty of a jib door is that it is completely invisible. And to achieve that, access needs to be invisible, too. Utilizing smart technology and automated, remote access devices, homeowners can maintain the ultimate level of secrecy while enjoying the ease of function that style of door affords.
Design and security go hand-in-hand when conceptualizing a secret door, since homeowners often desire both. Since secret doors are hidden by design, it stands to reason that access to it would be selective.
By using biometric access panels, homeowners can regulate with precision who is allowed to utilize and open a secret door — unlike other key, code or fob-type locking mechanisms. Integrating fingerprint scanners and iris scanners, just like the ones seen in James Bond or Mission Impossible movies, allows extremely limited access to a secret door and the room behind it. And, there are few workarounds for them, offering an additional layer of reliable security.
Further, secret doors are able to be connected to a home’s security system, allowing homeowners to be alerted if or when it is being accessed in an unauthorized way. That type of monitoring and reporting keeps homeowners in the loop, and is especially handy when owners travel or if the door is installed in a home that is not the owner’s primary residence.
Learn more about our custom secret doors, including those that offer improved home security, Or contact our team to discuss specifications for a secret door you’re considering.
Creative Home Engineering, a Gilbert, Arizona-based company, is the global leader in designing and manufacturing secret doors. From swinging bookcases to sliding walls to rotating fireplaces and safe rooms, Creative Home Engineering has been an innovative leader in the field of hidden passageway design for more than 20 years. Learn more at www.hiddenpassageway.com.