WINNER
The Project
KNX UK member, Household Automation was approached by a consultant following a referral from an occupational therapist regarding the rehabilitation of a car accident victim.
A family member is wheelchair dependent and a new family home was purchased for adaptation to allow as much independence as possible. The brief was to provide an enhanced standard of living in a family home that didn’t feel like a medical environment.
How does this Project demonstrate the diversity/flexibility of KNX?
With a retrofit installation of the KNX backbone, Household Automation could ensure that the entire family’s needs would be met now and in the future.
The scope of the control system included internal and external lighting, under floor heating, door and window openers throughout, blind control and an entry system.
Working alongside the consultant and occupational therapist, Household Automation were able to gain an understanding of the environmental and functional requirements to offer optimum comfort and independence to all family members.
A key consideration was to prevent the need for transfer into the wheelchair to access environmental controls. The dual control of functions use sleek Jung wall switches and a smartphone app by BAB Tech to provide a robust solution that prevents any point of failure. All the network devices operate two way interaction with the KNX system, however functions such as lighting, blinds and window openers have manual wall switches located in the room where the device is, in case of network or app failure.
In the wheelchair user’s bedroom the light, ventilation, temperature and door positions have dual controls via the wall switches or smartphone app. This provides complete control over the bedroom environment. The addition of integrated ceiling speakers, also controlled using the app help to make this a calm and enjoyable space.
The therapy room was designed in consultation with professionals to provide physical and occupational therapy to support long-term rehabilitation needs. The equipment used during treatment can cause isolated heating of the room, so efficient ventilation is essential.
The wall switches provide quick access to window and door operation for responsive ventilation. They can also be operated via the app, along with the underfloor heating and lighting.
How does KNX add value and ease of use for building owners/occupiers?
In the living room mood settings can be triggered using simple commands via the wall switches or smartphone app. This means moods and environments can be achieved using any combination of lamps and feature lighting, without having to reach for switches that are awkwardly out of reach.
The lighting scenes are all accessible and can be set up in the app – once again they are all stored in the switches so if there is a network glitch then the wall switch will always operate the last scene set.
The blinds and curtains are also dual controlled so that the chaise longue can be enjoyed for reading, any time of the day by any family member.
The aesthetic design of the system was considerate of the requirement for a non-medical environment with a family home feeling. Walls are clean and clutter free, with no visible wires or equipment cables, and no bolted on equipment. The Jung switches selected in consultation with the client are sleek, underwhelming and extremely functional. These design considerations mean that at first glance the home doesn’t appear to be assistive.
The ability to retain design aesthetics while controlling complex building technology is one of KNX’s major advantages in the future proofing of residential dwellings.
How has this project resolved an identified need for the building user?
The aesthetic design of the system was considerate of the requirement for a non-medical environment with a family home feeling. Walls are clean and clutter free, with no visible wires or equipment cables, and no bolted on equipment. The Jung switches selected in consultation with the client are sleek, underwhelming and extremely functional. These design considerations mean that at first glance the home doesn’t appear to be assistive.
The ability to retain design aesthetics while controlling complex building technology is one of KNX’s major advantages in the future proofing of residential dwellings.
