EI takes a trip around this whole home project that delivers seamless integration of KNX and Control4 systems in a high-tech residence – all delivered expertly by Function Control Ltd.
Nestled on the outskirts of Edinburgh, a 15-year-old residential property underwent a comprehensive smart home renovation. The project, spanning over three and a half years, involved the seamless integration of several ADI | Snap One products, including Control4, Wattbox and Araknis. The project highlights the technical prowess and collaborative efforts of Function Control Ltd that brought the client’s vision to life.
The property, although relatively modern, boasted a unique, castle-like design with turrets and an expansive layout. One of the main reasons for the client purchasing this home is that it already had a KNX infrastructure in place. As someone who is very technical-minded, with a keen interest in smart home technology, he was clear in his brief to Function Control Ltd.
Initially, the project was a light renovation, but it quickly evolved into a significant overhaul due to unforeseen structural issues. A large proportion of the electrical and plumbing had to be stripped and replaced, and the layout of the property changed – with bedrooms turning into bathrooms and vica versa. This is what set the renovation work back and contributed to it being a lengthy project for Function Control Ltd.
Once the layout was set, the primary objective for the technology was to update and enhance the existing KNX infrastructure while incorporating advanced smart home features. Focussing initially on KNX, Function Control Ltd reused some of the existing KNX equipment. Aluminium Berker KNX switches, still in excellent working condition, were cleaned, tested, resprayed and laser-engraved, significantly reducing costs. Where reuse wasn’t feasible, Gira Pushbutton 4 switches were installed to provide additional functionality.
KNX SMART HOME
For the layer of smart home integration, Function Control Ltd specified a Control4 CA-10 Hub and Automation Controller as the primary hub to provide the muscle for the project. It manages lighting and heating control, AV system integration, door entry, garage door control and ventilation control. A key reason for Function Control in picking Control4 is that it provided the capability for the client to make personal adjustments to the customisation as desired.
One of the features that the client particularly appreciated was the detailed temperature monitoring, displaying data through graphs that indicated room temperatures in relation to set points. This not only allowed the client to ensure that the heating system was functioning efficiently, but it also provided reassurance that the home was being heated according to their preferences. For instance, in the large kitchen area with underfloor heating, there was a concern about potential overheating. To address this, the system is set to cut off the heating if it detects that the floors are getting too hot, thereby preventing any damage to the wooden floors. This level of monitoring was also beneficial for the integrators, as it facilitated fault-finding in case of any issues with the heating or hot water systems. The data provided by the system helped in diagnosing and resolving problems quickly and efficiently.
A Control4 CORE 1 Controller and Halo Touch Remote were installed in the media room. Designed to fit discreetly behind any television, CORE 1 enables entertainment and intelligent automation experiences in media room settings. Installed in this property, it delivers a beautiful, intuitive and responsive 4K on-screen user interface with the ability to create and enhance the entertainment experience. The Halo handheld device includes end-user install capabilities that the client appreciates.
Mark Hardie from Function Control Ltd comments, “I’ve worked with Control4 since 2007 and KNX for the last 10 years. These two brands work extremely well together, and because of the visual programming software, they are easy to programme. We also find that our customers like the Control4 GUI and find it easy to navigate. It’s always a good choice when you’ve got AV as well control on a project.”
NETWORK CONTROL
To ensure robust and reliable connectivity, Araknis networking solutions were employed. These included the Araknis 310 Router, 310 16 Port POE Switch, 48 Port Switch and 210 16 Port POE Switch. Additionally, 12-way and 2-way Wattbox Power Controllers were integrated to manage power distribution efficiently.
The heating system employed Theben underfloor heating controls, covering 30 heating zones, with meticulous monitoring of hot water and floor temperatures through Zennio devices. The integration of Sonos audio systems, Artcoustic and Anthem surround sound, SkyQ, and other multimedia components was all managed through Control4.
The media room is a particular highlight of the project: Function Control Ltd created a versatile AV space at the heart of the home. Using Artcoustic speakers as the backbone, the room offers a Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 system that ticks every box for movie lovers, motorsport fans and gamers alike.
With the Artcoustic SL Multi Soundbar XL, Evolve 3-1 surrounds, and SL Architect in-ceiling height channels, the space delivers cinematic sound that fills the room — without taking over visually and in fact complementing the interior ambition for the space. The SUB2 makes sure the system offers high-performance bass across different use case scenarios, while custom-matched finishes ensure everything looks just as good as it sounds.
The client, highly technical and ddetail-orientated, was thrilled with the results. The project not only met but exceeded expectations, providing a highly efficient and customisable smart home environment. The reuse of existing KNX kit, paired with the flexibility of Control4, demonstrated the adaptability and cost-effectiveness of ADI | Snap One solutions.
On completion, the end user commented, “Thanks to Function Control, we’re absolutely thrilled with how the integration of KNX and Control4 has transformed our house into a truly intelligent home. After going through such a major renovation, it’s been a real step change to have a system that not only works reliably but also feels genuinely intuitive to use day to day. We have particularly appreciated how seamlessly everything has been brought together – from lighting, underfloor heating and window coverings to AV and security.
“The level of automation and control we now have, whether via touch panels, handheld remotes or even our phones, makes living in the house effortless. We especially value the in-depth temperature and system monitoring – being able to see exactly how each room is behaving gives us peace of mind and helps us run the house efficiently. Function Control has been an incredible partner throughout – deeply knowledgeable, responsive and thoughtful in every decision. We felt in very safe hands, and the results speak for themselves.”
Essential Kit List
Essential Kit List
Control4 CA-10 Hub and Automation Controller
Control4 CORE 1 Controller
Control4 Halo Touch Remote
Araknis 310-Series Router
Araknis 310 16 Port POE Switch
Araknis 48 Port Switch
Araknis 210 16 Port POE Switch
Wattbox 12-way Power Controller
Wattbox 2-way Power Controller
Media Room
Artcoustic SL Multi Soundbar XL
Artcoustic Evolve 3-1 x 2
Artcoustic SL Target Speakers
Artcoustic SL Architect In-ceiling Speakers
Artcoustic SUB2 Subwoofer
Artcoustic CPH1000 Subwoofer Amp
Anthem MRX1140 AVR