Technology in the Landscape

Technology can now be a part of your outdoor living area, adding to the social experience that you will share with friends and family. Just imagine watching the World Series outback while the kids swim in the pool. Or think of how great it could be to wirelessly stream music from inside for your listening pleasure around the fire pit. Check out the following examples to see how other homeowners are using technology outdoors.

This roofed structure has all the amenities of an outdoor kitchen but also serves as a sports bar. Five plasma screens and an electronic ticker tape make it so a play or point is never missed. A solid roof provides protection for the electronic entertainment equipment and eliminates glare on the screens during the day.

Find out more about this resort-style backyard.

On this rooftop, the owners take advantage of a neighboring wall with a projector. The projector is hidden, so you have no idea it's there during the day, but come night you can sit and watch a sporting event or a movie with your friends. This idea could also be applied to a ground-level outdoor space.

See more of this sustainable rooftop.

This property has an irrigation system that is run with a smart controller. The smart controller monitors the weather and waters as much or as little as is needed.

Watch a video to learn more about how the smart irrigation controller works.

This pool features a swim-up bar directly adjacent to the outdoor kitchen and dining area. A flat panel TV has been mounted in the corner of the structure so that it can be enjoyed by those in or out of the water. Mounting a TV outdoors can be done with the same hardware as indoors.

Find out more about swim-up bars.

At first glance, this lap pool may not appear very high-tech, but it has underwater speakers that transmit sound through water. The owner is an avid swimmer who wanted to be able to listen to some tunes while getting his workout.

See more of this estate landscape.

When it comes to technology, this outdoor kitchen and entertaining area has it all. Two 46" Samsung LED TVs equipped with cable boxes are mounted in opposite corners of the structure, while surround sound speakers are integrated into the ceiling. Rock speakers were also placed throughout the landscape. To top it all off, a Sonos controller allows the homeowners to control the sound system wirelessly.

Read more about this luxurious outdoor kitchen.

This television is recessed within a stone wall. It is in the perfect position for viewing from the outdoor bar.

This large brick fireplace was designed to house a 42" outdoor television set. The TV is meant to withstand rain and other outdoor conditions, but in this case it is being used under a covered area. Comfortable patio furniture makes this a great spot to relax and enjoy your favorite show.

Watch a video featuring this brick fireplace with tv.

Another example of an outdoor fireplace with a TV integrated above the mantel, this one is not covered. To ensure the television would be protected from the elements, it was housed in a cupboard.

Another, more modern, example of a TV integrated into an outdoor fireplace.