SAFETY, SECURITY & SMART HOMES


of obsolescence is directly passed on to the consumer.


Security has been cited by some manufacturers as the reason to remove some systems from the market. Sadly, as some systems are cloud based, all functionality can be lost. The paying consumer is left with non-functioning hardware and needing to pay again for a solution. This can leave a bitter taste in the mouth of the consumer. There is also the question over the


reliability of the internet, specifically the wifi router. Often it is unsecure and can be very low quality. In the case of cloud- based solutions, that pass through the wifi router, there is the constant uestion of information security. Even if the network is secure what is the owner of the cloud service doing with your details? These are all questions that need to be answered before the wise self-builder starts planning, and paying for a building automation solution.


The choice of system must be secure,


cost effective and have an acceptable lifetime. Being backwards compatible, fully future proofed and non-proprietary reduces both install and long term costs. It must be capable to deal with the complex energy management requirements that come with renewables and localised storage and it needs to


be able to support the changes that will come with micro-grids, vehicle to grid connectivity and multiple tariff energy supplies.


The solution should be upgradeable, but that upgrade must be the choice of the self-builder and not forced by the vendor. If you want additions such as voice control it should be the system that you choose and it should be as an additional “layer” of functionality. That additional layer could be, for instance, a simple door lock or voice control That voice control could be for your convenience, such as calling up a lighting ‘scene’ when you are entertaining, or it could be part of a support system to enable someone with disabilities to interact with their house. This is the basis for AT; assistive technology. Self-builders need a solution that is easily installed at the construction phase and fully functioning from the outset, not


dependent upon the phone connection. The system should be something that offers the homeowner/self-builder choice and one that they can easily find support for. Not all self-builders use the same construction techniques, and a wiring and control solution for the project must be adaptable no matter what route is chosen SPS, single skin brick, traditional, timber frame etc. All of this means that as well as the


previously mentioned requirements of robust, dependable and secure, the installed solution also needs to offer choice, be eible and be openly compatible with multiple vendors, and be able to fully integrate other systems that are defined by the self-builder, such as home cinema or security. KNX, sitting at the core of a building, satisfies all of these reuirements.   solution gives full control to the user, and eibility to the self-builder. There is no cloud dependency, no monthly fees and the user information is secure as it is not dependent on wifi. There is no risk of obsolescence. It is robust and simple to install making it the ideal choice for all self-builds, no matter what construction method is used.


Paul Foulkes is UK country manager at Theben Automation


Cleverly automated automatically clever


Smart home system LUXORliving


LUXORliving is the simple smart home system from Theben, offering all-round home comfort, whilst avoi- ding unnecessary waste. Switching lights on and off. Dimming. Regulation heating and controlling blinds. That‘s what it‘s all about.


KNX house and building automation


With KNX, all building functions can be linked, program- med, and controlled. Starting with heating, ventilation and room climate control, via lighting and shading, up to alarm, safety and information systems. All these functions can be controlled automatically via intelligent sensors, manually at the control units inside the rooms, or centrally via a visuali- sation - in the house, or mobile via smartphone or tablet.


www.luxorliving.co.uk 74 www.sbhonline.co.uk ADV_222x143_4c_LUXORliving_en_EN_2020_07.indd 1 01.07.2020 13:46:10 jul/aug 2023


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