A complete home automation system at a private house in Leicestershire has been completed by KNX UK member and building automation specialist Design Innovation. The company was contracted to undertake a complete turnkey solution including electrical installation.

KNX technology has been used extensively in the property to control lighting, blinds, curtains, heating and hot water. The lighting scheme incorporates halogen and LED light sources with scene setting used in all rooms. Wall switches with glass surrounds incorporate temperature sensing and adjustment, removing the need for separate thermostats. Integration has been used wherever possible to ensure the KNX system works seamlessly with the property's AV and security systems.

A multi-room audio and visual system was designed to allow music and DVD’s stored on a server to be played in any room including the summer house at the bottom of the garden. High Definition video distribution was installed using HDMI over Cat5 to provide access to DVD’s, Blu-Ray and Sky HD in all the main rooms. The processor controlling the AV system is in turn controlled by mobile tablet PCs. These touch panels give the home owners easy access to all aspects of the home controls from the comfort of their armchair.

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Security is handled by an alarm and automation system which is integrated into both KNX and the property's gate and door entry system. A good example of integration is the provision of a "gate open" button on the lighting panel in the hall which controls the gate and can both open it during the day but close it at night. Setting the alarm turns all lights off after a delay and on re-entering the house or opening the gate, a welcome home state is triggered. Heating is set back automatically when in vacation mode and the owners can monitor the heating and CCTV remotely via the internet.

KNX is the only open protocol for building control providing building wide control of lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and blinds / curtains. With over 150 different manufacturers all making KNX certified products the range of components available to the system integrator is huge. Design Innovation Ltd is at the forefront of designing and implementing KNX based control systems for both residential and commercial buildings.

For further information visit: www.designinnovation.co.uk or www.knxuk.org or Email: [email protected]