Combined with the usual vagaries of seasonal temperatures and storm patterns, the added unpredictability caused by rising global temperatures and sea levels leaves the manufacturers of outdoor AV and lighting technologies with more design challenges than ever before.
Coastal Source is one such company that has made it a mission to tackle harsh weather and climate head on with innovative use of materials and functionality of its outdoor audio and lighting products. With a tagline, “Defying the Elements,” the company has utilized its many years of experience working in the corrosive environment of its Florida Keys headquarters to develop more durable solutions for clients around the world.
With the official start of summer just around the corner, we thought it was the ideal time to check in with Coastal Source Co-Founder and CEO Franco D’Ascanio about how climate change has driven product design and innovation for this company’s outdoor products.
Residential Tech Today: How has the increase in extreme weather impacted your product development and designs?
Franco D’Ascanio: Landscapes, exterior housing materials, and technologies are experiencing significant wear and tear due to increasingly harsh weather conditions, including rising sea levels. This trend has encouraged property owners, integrators, and manufacturers to seek more resilient outdoor products and systems that can withstand extreme conditions.
Products, including exterior light fixtures and loudspeakers, that are engineered, designed, and manufactured to withstand the elements are crucial for maintaining the appearance and functionality of outdoor living spaces. It’s essential to acknowledge global climate change and adjust our selection and designs of outdoor technology accordingly.
RT Today: How do specific weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rainfall, and saltwater affect outdoor audio and lighting solutions?
FD: Since we’re based in the Florida Keys, we know the impact that saltwater, humidity, and high winds can have on speaker housings and light fixtures. For any dealer operating within a region like ours, it’s important that they understand how different technologies, materials, and designs function in harsh environments.
Additionally, integrators should look for products that have been engineered and extensively tested with climate in mind. Manufacturers should test products before they go to market with salt and UV chambers to see how different products will react over time and ensure they can withstand harsh environmental elements.
RT Today: How have Coastal Source’s outdoor audio and lighting solutions been designed to survive and perform well even after extreme weather occurs?
FD: Ideally, outdoor products should be able to stand up against all extreme weather events. However, we know that nothing lasts forever, so we thoughtfully and intentionally design our solutions so that when issues do occur, maintenance is as quick and seamless as possible.
For both our lighting and audio products, we’ve created solutions that mitigate waste and make re-installation simple. Instead of discarding and replacing entire fixtures when issues occur, we’ve developed new lighting lines that allow integrators to detach a module containing all the technology and circuitry while leaving the fixture intact. As new modules are introduced, they can be added to keep the system up to date, performing optimally and defying the elements.
Likewise, our speakers boast a unique, field-tested sealed enclosure designed to prevent water, moisture, and dirt from infiltrating the circuitry. Strategically placed, protected vents ensure optimal audio performance. This design provides all the benefits of a sealed cabinet without the usual audio compromises.
RT Today: When creating products that have an emphasis on durability, how do you avoid compromising on the overall quality or performance features?
FD: Along with design, materials really matter. Through rigorous testing, we’ve identified the ideal compositions to withstand heat, moisture, and other outdoor elements. Climate conditions are intensifying, so we continually refine our designs and materials to stay up to date with the latest challenges. We use brass, extruded/machined aluminum, and specialty composites, which resist corrosion better than the commonly used cast aluminum.
To combat heat build-up in speakers exposed to high temperatures and sunlight, we’ve developed an internal heat sink technology that efficiently conducts internal heat to the outside. Our thermal analysis shows this can double the lifespan of outdoor speakers.
RT Today: You mentioned your company’s effort to mitigate waste with your plug-and-play installation architecture. How else do Coastal Source’s designs promote sustainability?
FD: We also utilize recyclable materials that have low power consumption levels, ensuring our outdoor lighting and speakers are as environmentally friendly as possible. Despite challenging climate conditions, we stay committed to our sustainability and eco-friendly design goals.
Related: Coastal Source Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Product Launch
