Integrated Smart Home Automation ~ Surrey
What was involved?
Multi-room AV
This was a fully integrated smart home in the heart of Surrey. We installed 22 multi-room audio zones across this integrated smart home automation in Surrey, including two external 8.1 audio zones using Triad landscape loudspeakers. Six sources feed six rooms within the property for multi-room video distribution via a Control4 video matrix, with an allowance for future expansion of up to two extra inputs and outputs should the client wish to upgrade. A Control4 automation system operates both audio-visual systems.
Lighting Control
Intelligent lighting was the initial primary focus, so Lutron lighting control was specified in all rooms, with control types being a mixture of mains dimmable, DMX & DALI. Particular attention was paid to the mains dimmable fittings, especially the high-end & low-end dim settings, to ensure the fade curve reflected the fitting’s performance as accurately as possible.
We programmed several scenes into the system, including ‘dusk to dawn’ and ‘welcome home’ lighting. Integration was included with the intruder alarm, particularly in ‘alarm state ’, to include flashing external lights. Mockupancy was programmed (and linked to the intruder alarm away setting) to recreate the look of an occupied property.
Home Automation
In this video of the completed project, you can see how many Control4 home automation elements were used for this Surrey project.
External lighting turns on automatically at dusk and off at 11.00 pm, and the client can override this when needed for full flexibility.
For added security, the system automatically records the automation whenever the alarm is not armed. This captures some lighting scenes and motorised blinds and curtain track movements. And whenever the alarm is set to away, the mockupancy scene playback is triggered.
House lights go on, and external lights flash when the intruder system goes into alarm mode. When the intruder alarm is unset, a “Welcome Home” lighting scene is triggered.
If the boot room side door is left open, a 5-minute timer is started. Once that timer expires, a notification is sent to advise the door has been left open. Once the various elements are installed, you can gain the real value of home automation through our programming experience.
Media Rooms
The drawing room had a 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos TV media room has been installed with the clients wish for a very discrete installation. Therefore, colour matched Artcoustic front speakers were installed, alongside Amina Mobius speakers (surround and height channels). 2 x Artison in-floor subwoofers were used, again to keep the AV as discrete as possible. Subwoofers were fitted with colour matched grills in keeping with ironmongery already present in the room.
A Future Automation motorized bracket ensures that the TV is at the correct viewing angle whenever required. Audio calibration using the Anthem Arc Genesis software was carried out to ensure maximum audio performance. Finally, two profile settings were created; one with curtains open and one with curtains closed. The control system automatically selects the correct profile depending on whether the curtains are open or closed.
For the family room 5.1 media room designed to create a ‘clean look’ with an Artcoustic LCR soundbar and Artcoustic in-ceiling surround speakers. 2 x Artison in-floor subwoofers were used to also keep the AV as discrete as possible. Subwoofers were fitted with custom made grills that were manufactured to match the height of the stone. Audio Calibration using the Anthem Arc Genesis software was carried out.
Motorised curtain tracks and blinds
Lutron roller blinds, roman blinds, pull up blinds & curtain tracks were supplied according to the client’s requirements. Where possible all roller blind treatments were fitted into ceiling recesses and were housed within headboxes. Any visible headboxes were colour matched to blend in with the window frames. Palladiom blinds were specified where the roller unit had to be on show, therefore allowing for the neatest installation option available.
Integration into Control4 allows for all window treatments to be triggered via touch panels, apps & remote controls. Window treatments have also been incorporated within the mockupancy programming to recreate the look of an occupied property. Control of 3rd Party rooflight actuators & rooflight blinds have also been integrated within the control system. Rooflights can be opened via Lutron keypads and a rain sensor has been fitted to close windows automatically. In addition, integration with a Weather Service meant a notification is sent if the chance of precipitation was over 50%.
Integration
There was several systems in this property that we linked into such as the HVAC system so we control the Heatmiser underfloor as well controlling the air conditioning across the property. The clients irrigation system was integrated with the Control4 system, with the client being able to observe the areas being watered and override any actions as required.
We connected to window actuators for opening as required and installed rain sensor to automatically shuts when rain is detected. The rain sensor feeds into a Lutron IO (input) that then triggers the close mechanism via the same Lutron IO (output)
The property has a vehicular & pedestrian gate so we specified the Control4 DS2 as the main intercom to link together with the main house touch panels. The pedestrian gate is scheduled to be open during the day and to be locked from the evening onwards.
CEDIA Awards 2021 Integrated Home Finalist
CEDIA has named the Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific region finalists for the 2021 CEDIA Home Technology Professional Awards competition. The awards recognise the very best projects CEDIA home technology professional members have completed during the last year. We are extremely proud of this stunning Surrey project for making it to the CEDIA Award finals 2021.
