Smart home technology smoothly integrated into this remodelled home by JPAV with interiors by Steph Hill Designs and Devereux Designs offers a smart approach to a period property make-over.
Renovating a property is always a challenge, but when that property is Grade II listed and the homeowner wants to maintain a traditional aesthetic while ensuring the space is fit for modern living, the task is even greater of course.
This was the case on a recent project for home technology specialists, JPAV, in which the owners of a Georgian townhouse in fashionable Chelsea undertook a sympathetic renovation that also includes a whole host of discreet technology. JPAV worked closely with the client and the two interior design studios responsible for the project, Steph Hill Designs and Devereux Designs, to make sure that the smart home system afforded all the lifestyle benefits demands by the client as well as meeting the aesthetic challenges of the project.
James Shorter of JPAV explains, “The owners knew they wanted home automation technology, but they didn’t want to see it. They were keen to keep the style as classic as possible and there were listed areas that made it quite difficult too. We had to think outside the box in a number of areas and both we and the homeowners are delighted with the result.”
While discrete technology was a must, ease of use was also high on the priority list and as the client was familiar with the Control4 platform, it was an easy decision to turn to the Snap One brand once again for a reliable and intuitive experience.
James adds, “Control4 handles pretty much everything in the house, integrating audio, lighting, TVs, heating and security control onto one seamless platform. The family love the benefit of being able to control things anywhere. If they forget to do something, they can just log into their phone, turn the heating on when they arrive at a destination, adjust the lighting schedules or whatever. They also love that they can have multiple properties all on one Control4 app, so they don’t have to use different apps for different properties and technologies.”
The heart of the home
Control4’s CA-10 automation controller is at the heart of the Chelsea townhouse system, offering reliability, flexibility and built-in OvrC remote management for enhanced troubleshooting. The Core 5, meanwhile, manages the wide range of devices throughout the property, creating personalised automated experiences for the family. This includes a holiday mode which mimics the family being at home when they’re travelling. Alongside the app, Control4’s Halo remote and T4 touchscreens are proving a popular interface for the client, offering simple, customisable control and sleek, unobtrusive designs.
“The family love the new Halo remotes,” says James. “They also have wall-mounted touch panels at key locations on every floor with flush housing, so they look amazing.”
Keen to have a premium quality audio system throughout the house, the client was also clear that they wanted to minimise impact on the interior design and retain the clean aesthetic of the property. This led to the decision to install invisible speakers along with architectural in-ceiling speakers from Snap One brand, Triad, in the guest rooms. Additional Triad outdoor speakers are located on the roof terrace to provide the right ambience for enjoying the fresh air and social gatherings.
Security was also a consideration with this project and a Luma X20 CCTV system from Snap One is in operation. AI-powered human and vehicle detection, automatic video stream configuration in Control4, and enhanced camera views ensure peace of mind for the homeowner, while a Control4 DS2 door station offers video monitoring, motion detection and HD video, while ensuring easy access for expected visitors.
Also central to the installation is Snap One’s WattBox power management, with WattBox Power Distribution Units (PDUs) controlling and monitoring the system, something James says is “superb”, especially when combined with OvrC. He continues, “Opening OvrC and being able to reboot boxes is great. Allowing us to remotely reboot devices is a godsend.” That theme of centralised management continues with the addition of Araknis Wi-Fi 6 access points, bringing higher network capacity and enhanced reliability to the project.
Essential Kit List
Control4 CA-10
Control4 Core5
Triad 16×16 AMS v2
Control4 Halo
Control4 8in T4 in Wall Smart Backboxes
Control4 DS2
Triad PAMP4-125v2
Araknis WiFi 6
WattbBox PDUs
Luma X20 CCTV
OvrC remote management
