apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

GREAT design -- but why such a high price? This is an idea that is WAY overdue, but more competitive pricing would get these flying off the shelves. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

I love it!

I'm not sure that it would work in NYC, though, because the municipal government requires carbon monoxide detectors in all homes. So, unless this device has a carbon monoxide detection feature, you'd have to get a separate device just to detect carbon monoxide -- which would almost assuredly be as ugly as a combo fire/carbon monoxide detector.

While they're at it, matching designs for central A/C and heat vents would be fabulous.

Looks as if changing the battery would be way too involved.

Jo - I think these are hardwired with battery backup. And I seem to remember that the cover plate is attached magnetically, so removal for access to the interior should be pretty simple.

At least there IS a price now. I first became interested in these a year or two ago and I really wanted them for the home I was building, but alas, not avaliable yet. I'm glad to see they seem to be closer to market now, but still, a tease.

Check out seiho.com for cool looking HVAC outlets. Again, expensive but cool.

Also, doesnt look to have an MEA number yet......
but..it does look awesome...
can wait for the carbon monoxide/smoke detector model...

As with so many high design products, unless you are making 100,000 of them, they are going to cost a lot to produce. I think the price will come down as demand increases. It's a double edge sword.

Perhaps this is weird, but this post kind of made me anxious, because I had never thought of our smoke detectors as ugly before--I just thought of them as smoke detectors. I'm afraid now I'll notice their ugliness more.

I like the idea, but the black line is pretty striking. In a bad way.

Do they come in other colors?

Jenny- i felt the same way..now i'm going to sit on the sofa and stare at the dectector instead of the TV.

Jenny, let's talk smoke detectors, sprinklers, AC vents, and a huge heating vent... I'm now too insecure to look up.

Any other day, I'd tune them all out, on the theory that a building is supposed to function, and heaven knows I do NOT want to live without smoke detectors or AC.

neato! i'm a long way away from being able to purchase such a thing, but i love the idea.

now if someone would do something about thermostats....

As one of the founders of Architectural Devices, LLC, I wanted to clear up someo of the questions and comments I have seen to date regarding our Modern Smoke Detector.

1. Cost. It is true that our Modern Smoke Detector costs more than the competition, but there are several reasons why. We have more parts, more design, more environmentally friendly, and better quality. It is also true that we are making a fraction of the volume of our competition. The more we sell, the more we can reduce the retail cost. A smoke detector with similar technical features to our retails for around $50, we think the advantages of our detector are worth a little extra money.

2. Carbon Monoxide. We are working on a carbon monoxide device, be patient.

3. Battery Replacement. Changing the battery is quite simple. Unfortunately, we had to give up the magnetic attachment because of UL, but we replaced it with a simple snap. The lid easily removes from the unit, you open a battery door, replace the battery and replace the lid. We worked very hard to make the battery replacement process as simple as possible. Another advantage of our design is that the electronics module is removable/upgradable. We are working to make our smoke/CO combination unit fit into the same rough-in kit so when they are available you can just swap out the electronics.

4.MEA. We will have a MEA number before the Modern Smoke Detector Module begins shipping in March.

5. The "Black Line". The black line is actuall a 1/4" reveal around the lid. This functions as a smoke entry point and give the Modern Smoke Detector the appearance of floating in the ceiling.

6. Colors. We will be offering custom colors. The base unit is matched to Benjamin Moore's "White".

7. Other products. We are working on a full line of products such as those mentioned in the other comments. Keep checking for updates.

8. Noticing Clutter. I apologize for bringing the horrible design of traditional smoke detectors to the attention of some of the bloggers!

Please contact me with any further questions at sales@architecturaldevices.com.

Thanks,
Geoffrey

Wow. This is small, but still one of those genius things that as soon as you see it you wonder why it took so long for someone to think it up.

needs to have a blue light. all electronics must.

i smell

If the "reveal" line is a space, why does it appear so black? Also....how DOES one change the battery, and, more importantly, what TYPE of battery does it require?
Is it paintable to match our own paint? (much cheaper than ordering custom colors)
Thanks so much

Connie,

The reveal appears black because this image was taken with a flash and there is a harsh shadow. If you look closely at the bottom of the image, you can see that it is lighter.

The lid is attached by simple snaps. You lift the lid from any corner to remove it, then change the battery as I described above.

Unfortunately, we cannot warranty the Modern Smoke Detector if it is painted in the field. We have no control of paint splatter of fumes getting into the sensor if painted by the customer.

Thanks,
Geoffrey

hi
brillant,i have searched for the last two years for slim line mordern smoke detectors.
finally found something i like.
I live in the uk how would i go about purchasing them also would they comply uk voltages.


thanks