Last week we had the opportunity to spend the day with KNX UK Member Wandsworth Electrical in Woking. We had a warm welcome at their HQ to learn about their long history and to see first-hand how they combine this long heritage with modern technology. Most importantly, the KNX protocol and how it comes to life across residential, commercial, and specialist environments.
The visit started with a factory tour, where we assembled our own toggle switch by hand, including piercing the metal front plate and adding our own custom engraving with their in-house laser engraving service. It was fascinating to see how British manufacturing and hand assembly remain central to Wandsworth, and explore how KNX can seamlessly support heritage properties by combining modern smart-building technology with traditional UK front-plate styles.
The Digital Patient Journey Experience Centre within their healthcare division, was our next stop. A complete single bed ward set up demonstrating sophisticated controls and monitoring equipment working seamlessly with KNX to control climate, lighting and shading scene controls to optimise patient experience and medical need. This is a great demonstration of the way KNX operates just as effectively in healthcare and commercial environments – delivering control, reliability, and scalability well beyond residential projects. Wandsworth have a very long and strong relationship with the NHS and private healthcare provision, having pioneered their first Nurse call system back in the 1950’s.
We then visited the GIRA Experience Room, where KNX is showcased in a real-world home setting — from bespoke scene creation and full smart-home control using the GIRA G1, through to integrated door communication with the GIRA 106 system. The focus was firmly on KNX as the backbone, with GIRA acting as a flexible toolset that allows any design or function to be realised on KNX.
The day wrapped up with discussions around the bespoke nature of Wandsworth, their enthusiasm for KNX and their unique approach to the smart building industry. One of the great strengths of KNX is that it is manufacturer-agnostic and allows for design freedom, longevity, and interoperability, all remaining the priority. Another advantage is the great diversity between different manufacturers, each having their own unique specialities. We are very grateful to Wandsworth for the warm welcome and a day full of action and information.
The tour and experience rooms are available to be booked by Integrators, Consultants, Designers and Architects to bring ideas to life. To find out more or book a tour, visit the Wandsworth Electrical website or contact sales@gira.com
