Project - Rushden, Northamptonshire

Client Brief

Following the integration of multiple home automation systems, a member of the Home Automate team wanted to upgrade their existing property into a smart home using a Loxone system and also the ability to integrate further third-party components into the system. The property would them also be available to be a Home Automate showhome to display the full range of possibilities available with Home Automate.

The key focus area's that the client wanted to achieve was to maximise energy efficiency but also to ensure that high quality audio was present throughout the property, including a discrete home cinema.

Our Solution

Following the clients request to automate everything within the property including some third-party components which would require some custom integration for our technical team.

Lighting

• Loxone RGBW recessed spotlights introduced throughout the property for customised scenes
• Integration of third-party lighting
• Lighting positioning for the best home cinema experience
• Inclusion of motion sensors external lighting

Heating & Cooling

• Valve actuators added to each radiator for independent control on a room-by-room basis
• Wired control of the heating demand on the boiler
• Integration of electric underfloor heating system
• Introduction of room temperature sensors inside wall switches
• Integrated ventilation system including air purification
• Combination with humidity levels and motion sensor activity

Control

• A mixture of Loxone Touch and Touch Pure devices which boast temperature and humidity sensors. These allow the client to have autonomous heating controls and engagement of ventilation in desired rooms. Each device has 5 touch points that offer single, double and triple tap options to link to any aspect of the properties smart home system.
• Motion sensors that feature motion detection and brightness sensors to integrate as lighting controls, audio to only play in active zones, heating to engage in active zones, blind controls for security purposes.
• Custom Google Home integration to control the property via Google Assistants voice commands.

Shading

• Integration with Controliss Blinds for privacy
• Integration with Velux blinds for custom Velux windows
• Blinds to close when low light levels are detected by motion sensor for security purposes
• Custom scheduling for a more pleasant morning alarm clock
• Combined with temperature sensors to manage heat being introduced to rooms by sunlight and can block sunlight to decrease room temperature.

Entertainment

• 12 zone Loxone music server for different audio outputs for each zone or to combine zones together to suit any occasion
• Recessed Loxone ceiling speakers in most rooms of the property for perfect background music
• Simple integration with 2x Sonos Play:5 speakers and PlayBar for custom home cinema
• Inclusion of cinema projector (Sony 4K) and recessed screen for a high-level home theatre experience
• Integrated Kaleidescape home theatre system to download the latest high-quality films that are suited to project screens and cinema speaker positioning.
• Multiple media inputs available (AirDrop, Spotify, Apple Music, Bluetooth)
• 10x10 video distribution matrix for HD TV distribution to all screens in the property

Security

• Internal and External IP security CCTV with motion wake-up
• Internal and External video storage solutions
• Instant notification of movement within a specific timeframe and activated modes
• DoorBird integration for two-way audio and one-way video feed to enhance front door security
• Integration with motion sensors for presence detection when activated
• All external door and windows featuring door/window contacts to notify if forced open or to assist in energy efficiency.

Renewable Energy

• Introduction of solar panel energy production monitoring