The George apartments
The Challenge
Targeted at a mature demographic market, The George apartments needed to feature smart home control systems capable of delivering a wide array of functionality – to maximise user comfort and convenience – while remaining simple to use. These systems also needed to be flexible enough to meet the specific individual needs of a broad base of residents and to be adaptable enough to match their changing requirements over time.
Functionality and simplicity
The perceived market for the apartments was for ‘empty-nesters’ or mature homeowners looking to downsize, but not wishing to compromise on a comfortable and convenient standard of living. This market typically does not overly value a multitude of gadgets in their home, but instead appreciates a lighting control and automation system that performs well and – without being too limiting and most of all, is simple to operate.
The system needed to be able to accommodate different moods to enhance the ambience of various areas, it also had to highlight a number of architectural features – both within the apartments and in the external terraces and gardens.
The Solution
Developing a modular template
While each apartment is different, Signify Dynalite was able to develop a modular template for each suite. Lighting pathways and scenes were pre-planned. This model could then be replicated for each apartment, with slight adjustments made as necessary to accommodate different layouts. Working in this way dramatically reduced both the design, installation costs and commissioning.
Creating ambience with preset scenes
The lighting control solution incorporated a combination of dimming and switching in all areas, which are programmed as preset scenes to create a series of pathways and lighting moods. In the kitchens, for instance, there are five circuits of lighting, incorporating high-level concealed strip lighting, pendants, downlights, bench-lights and lights set into the joinery. These can be activated simply at the press of a single button to deliver a pleasing ambience, without the need to manually adjust several different light levels.
Automated control adds to luxury experience
The lighting systems are controlled by a number of Signify Dynalite controllers. A typical apartment uses three leading-edge controllers for dimming, four relay controllers for switching and a multipurpose controller to achieve a combination of dimming and switching. In addition to switched lighting circuits, relay controllers are also used to control heated towel rails and exhaust fans in the bathroom, motorised blinds in the bedroom and living areas, and motorised awnings on the terraces. A timer clock in the system enables automatic activation of selected features, such as the heated towel rails and external lighting.
Customised keypads front a sophisticated backbone
Signify Dynalite’s sophisticated peer-to-peer communications serial bus network, DyNet, provides the backbone into which the various system controllers and interfaces are linked. User control is achieved through Signify Dynalite Revolution keypads, which are backlit and feature custom engraving to identify the function of each button. Control scenarios available were minimised on each user-interface panel, to maximise the size of the buttons and reduce clutter. All lighting and automation can also be controlled from the touchscreen panel located near the kitchen. This allows users to change presets for specific areas.
Conclusion
Overall, the end-result is a simple and stylish lighting and automation system that enhances the ambience and complements the building’s stunning architecture. It’s an automated system that has preset lighting scenes with simple to use controls and the flexibility of further customisation through Signify Dynalite controls. The system also has the capability to control an array of integrated devices.
A lasting impression
One particular feature that has ‘wowed’ new residents is the ‘good evening’ feature. When occupants arrive home after dark, a single press of a button can light up a pathway from the front door to the living areas and to the master bedroom. Equally impressive is the ‘goodbye’ function that turns off all lights after a timed delay upon departure.
At night, convenience is assured by the ability to turn off all lighting-including the external garden/terrace lights – from a panel beside the bed, while another button on this panel activates a subdued-lighting pathway to the ensuite. A ‘panic’ button on the bedside panel switches lights on, can trigger an audible alarm and relay a remote alarm to an off-site monitoring facility. These features do not just enhance comfort and convenience, they also provide a welcome level of security and reassurance.
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