House in Sofia - the path from an idea to a finished smart home

In this project, the client approached us with the desire to transform his new home into a fully integrated Smart Home. The main goal was to achieve convenience, energy efficiency and intuitive control — in sync with modern home automation technologies.

From the idea to the first cables
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The design began in the construction phase. We made detailed planning for the wiring of the entire low-voltage infrastructure and some of the high-voltage which included lighting, motorization, internet and WiFi, KNX and heating control. This ensures the basis for thee building automation system and its eventual expansion over time - reliable communication between devices, control infrastructure and flexibility for the different subsystems.

Already at this stage we have put in place the following types of control:

• Lighting control (On/Off and dimmable one by DALI protocol)
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• HVAC (control of the underfloor heating and cooling with fan coils);
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• Structured cable system for Internet and multimedia;
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Integration of core subsystems

After completing the infrastructure, we moved on to the implementation of the main subsystems:

• Motorization - control of motorized curtains, blinds and windows;
  
  
• Lighting - integration of all the lighting of the property;
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• Security - video surveillance, alarm control, access control;
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• Multimedia - multiroom audio, home theater and golf simulator control scenes;
  
  
• Monitoring - sensors for water, LPG values in a treatment plant, outside temperature and wind;
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• Energy systems - UPS monitoring for reserved power supply and diesel generator as well;

Chronology of work

In order for the project to run smoothly, we followed clear steps:‍

• ‍Wiring - we made a detailed design with drawings, sketches and cable logs, which were submitted to the subcontractor who built the physical wiring;
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• Installation of control cabinets and actuators - separate electrical panels from main electrical board, in which low-current control KNX actuators are installed to control all subsystems, are installed after finishing the flooring;
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• Installation of KNX user interfaces (switches and thermostats) and Control4 panels - after final painting and installation of furniture;
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• Installation of sensors - after final painting and processing of the ceilings;
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• Final tests and settings;
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• Conducting customer training with the management system;‍

User Interfaces

Upon completion, the client received a variety of ways to control:

• KNX programmable switches;
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• KNX room thermostats;
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• Central touch panels;
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• One and only mobile application;

• Control4 Halo Touch;
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All user interfaces are connected into a single ecosystem that allows full control over lighting, motorization, climate, security and multimedia in the house.‍
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The result

A home that combines:

• Personalization and remote control;
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• Energy efficiency;
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• Safety and security;
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• Convenience and time saving in everyday life;

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The client now enjoys an environment that is both technological, cozy and easy to manage.
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Support and future opportunities

Aktakon has taken on post-warranty maintenance to ensure the reliability of the system in the future. Installation is designed for upgrading with the integration of additional controls and novelties in the future.

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Used partner brands:

• Control4
• EKINEX
• MDT
• Zennio
• Episode
• Triad
• Hikvision

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