AVINU Delivers Contemporary Design with Comprehensive KNX Control for Plimsoll Building Penthouse.
The Plimsoll Building in London’s King’s Cross is a striking contemporary development of 178 apartments, designed by David Morley Architects. The building features high-end residential homes, communal gardens and a refined architectural aesthetic.
AVINU was contacted by the client after he purchased one of the penthouse apartments in spring 2025. Although the property featured an existing KNX system, functionality was limited and poorly configured, leaving several areas outside the platform altogether.
HVAC lacked coordination between heating and cooling, lighting control was inconsistent with no defined logic and the wall controls were dated and unintuitive.
AVINU developed a clear rectification strategy, providing the client with a single point of contact for both technical design and project management. The brief was to enhance performance, usability and aesthetics, extending intelligent control to create a cohesive home.
The previous owners and the building maintenance team had retained little documentation, so an audit of the home’s BMS functionality was carried out. This included an EICR safety exercise to ensure all mains power supplies were appropriate for the intended upgrades.
During the audit, it became clear that temperature control in each room was limited and inconsistent. The original KNX configuration offered only basic on/off control, with no room- sensing in key areas.
As part of the upgrade, additional room temperature sensors were installed, individual zones were created and mapped and control logic was refined within the KNX system.
Cooling was provided by a standalone AC system which had fallen into disrepair. Working with the building maintenance team, AVINU coordinated remedial works to ensure the AC platform was fully operational.
It became apparent that cooling was not integrated with heating, resulting in inefficiency. AVINU engaged with MyKNX to explore integration strategies to synchronise heating and cooling logic. Temperature data from the new room sensors was integrated into the system to deliver unified control.
Lighting was one of the areas where the client experienced frustration. Some circuits were unreliable and fittings had failed. AVINU supported the replacement of drivers, dimming modules and selected fittings. The team helped the client define the lighting experience, including scenes for living, dining and evening as well as including warm/cool white transitions and time-based scene logic.
The original switches were dated and non-intuitive, so switches from the JUNG F40 and LS Touch ranges were selected in a metallic finish, offering elegant tactile control.
With floor-to-ceiling glazing, window finishes were important. AVINU introduced automated internal blinds and external awnings. These were integrated into the KNX system to provide intelligent control routines, including awnings maintaining cooler internal temperatures in the summer and allowing solar gain in the winter. At night, blinds close for privacy and heat retention.
To deliver the required functionality, the property also underwent significant infrastructure and cabling upgrades using a plan created by AVINU.
Central Control
A JUNG SV-Server was added to give the client an overview of the entire property on personal devices in and out of the home. Bringing control and feedback together on the newly- integrated systems, lighting, heating, cooling, blinds, schedules and scenes can now be set and activated easily by the client without the need for additional call-outs.
Nikita Thompson, Technical Project Manager, JUNG UK, says, “JUNG always enjoys working with AVINU. With their wealth of knowledge and experience in delivering high-quality residential projects, we knew the Plimsoll Building penthouse was in good hands.
“The importance of design and functionality led our conversations, from early concept discussions through to final product selection, which is highlighted perfectly with the LS Touch. The seamless finish and discreet nature allow for high-level room control while matching the look and feel of the property.”
At every stage of the project, AVINU provided explanations, drawings, options and recommendations, helping the client understand not just what could be done, but why it mattered. In addition to the technology, AVINU also undertook responsibility for remedial works and final finishing, including electrical corrections, repositioning of devices and decorating.
The company’s efforts were clearly recognised and appreciated, as the client comments, “AVINU was outstanding from start to finish. They took the time to understand how we wanted to live in the apartment and explained everything clearly so we could make informed choices. The level of detail, the collaboration with the building team, JUNG UK and MyKNX, and their willingness to handle all the remedial work, even decorating, made the whole process enjoyable. The apartment looks incredible, works beautifully and we achieved far more than we ever expected.”
Kit Holmes, Sales and Marketing Manager, MyKNX, adds, “It was a pleasure to collaborate once again with the AVINU team on another prestigious project. Upgrade projects like this require clarity and focused intent from the outset and AVINU clearly understood the client’s key challenges and target areas, delivering maximum results with minimal disruption.”
Darryl Roberts, MD of AVINU, explains how the project reflects the culture within the company, “This project perfectly reflects how we like to work at AVINU. From the outset it was about providing clarity, understanding what was already in place, identifying what could be improved and helping the client make informed decisions with confidence. Collaboration was key to the success of this project. Working closely with the client, the building maintenance team, JUNG UK and MyKNX allowed us to embrace the existing KNX infrastructure, enhance it where it mattered most and deliver a system that is both elegant and robust.
“I’m particularly proud of how our team supported every stage of the journey, from audit and design through to infrastructure, deployment and programming, right through to final finishing and decoration. The result is a home that not only looks exceptional, but truly supports how the client wants to live.”
Tracy Palazzo-Barnes, Business Manager at the KNX UK Association, sums up, from a platform point of view, “It’s always encouraging to see members of the KNX community working collaboratively to deliver high-quality residential projects. In this case, the integrator, distributor and manufacturer worked closely together throughout the project lifecycle to ensure the client received a coordinated, future-ready solution.
“Projects like this demonstrate the strength of the open KNX standard, bringing together specialist expertise, shared values and genuine enthusiasm to deliver intelligent homes with confidence.”
Essential Kit List
• Jung SV Server
• Jung IP Router
• GIRA Dimming Actuator
• Zennio Heating Box
• Intesis Mitsubishi AC Gateway
• Jung F40 Battery RF
• Jung F40 KNX
• GIRA Presence sensors
• GIRA Dimming
• Jung LS Touch
• Theben RF Switching
• Control 4 Core 3
• Control 4 Halo Touch
• SONOS Amps & Beam
• Home Assistant