Case Study Fitzroy Place in London – cutting-edge KNX solution

Located in one of the most creative districts of London, Fitzroy Place is a development of 235 luxury apartments built around a courtyard that secretly shelters The Fitzrovia chapel. Fitzroy Place encompasses opulent, luxury living. The penthouse features light and elegant spaces, marble wall facades, luxuriously polished plaster and a rooftop terrace with a bar area, cooking facilities, outdoor TV and audio system. Sound & Vision were entrusted to implement a cutting-edge KNX solution that could meet the client’s expectations in every sense.

The clients request and Sound & Vision's challenge

The clients brief was to integrate a complete environmental control system using a clean, intuitive user interface. This was to include lighting control along with full automation of the very complex heating and cooling systems.

The design aesthetic was to be modern and minimalist with electrical outlets to match the wall-mounted keypads.

The KNX solution

The complexity of the five systems for climate control (underfloor heating, electric mat, trench heaters, gas fireplace and fan-coil units) and inevitable solar gain from the impressive seven meter floor to ceiling windows, was easily overcome by the use of KNX as this enabled all the systems to communicate with each other, thus achieving and maintaining the desired temperature throughout.

Using KNX allowed Sound & Vision to source the best products from a selection of manufacturers, each with a specialised product for a particular function. By product certification, KNX guarantees interoperability and interworking of products from over 400 manufacturers all of which communicate in the same programming language, unified in a single software tool – ETS.

For the user interfaces, Sound & Vision didn't hesitate to specify Gira. The design aesthetic was achieved using the Gira E22 flat mount range of Push button sensors and electrical outlets. Each Push button sensor was laser inscribed offering a clear indication of the available functionality from each button. Light scenes, HVAC operating modes and curtains could be adjusted. 

The Gira Homeserver offers an intuitive, top layer of control, giving the client full control of the apartment as well as status feedback from all systems. The climate control was managed by a single setpoint that is relayed to all rooms. The in-room thermostats provide efficient, localised temperature regulation, regulating the room as it reaches temperature.

The clients benefits

Thanks to KNX the lighting scenes are extremely easy to operate and adjust, and the climate system operates in such a way that the client only needs to change a single setpoint.  

Another key benefit is the design aesthetic. Using Gira E22 for wall-mounted keypads and electrical outlets gives the walls a very clean finish.

Full remote management of the system is possible allowing the status of critical devices to be checked and diagnosis performed all without involvement from the client or a visit to the site.

Questions?

Do you have questions how to integrate KNX in your next home automation project? Don’t hesitate and contact your Ivory Egg team for further information and expertise.

The project was implemented by Sound & Vision (UK) Ltd

Sound & Vision (UK) Ltd
21 Garnault Road
Enfield, Middlesex EN1 4TS

• Telephone: 44 (0) 7877 174543
• Email: andrew@savavs.com
• Internet http://www.savavs.com
• Twitter: @AndrewWard_

Sound & Vision was formed in 2008 by Andrew Ward and his partner Julian Ryland. Both worked for various people as e.g. Bang & Olufsen and some of their affiliate installation companies. They found that they had a passion for the industry and decided to go it alone after 2 separate clients offered them sizable contracts on private residential projects.

In 2011 Andrew and Julian became Sound & Vision (UK) Ltd and they won their first £100k+ project specifying KNX and Control4. Through using KNX they were now able to include HVAC, shutters and blinds, and lighting control in their list of services. They also specialised in Gira Door comms and CCTV systems to round off their offering.

Sound & Vision are currently a team of 4 people based in Enfield, aiming at the high end private residential market.

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