Projects

For a recent new build smart home project in Knowle, Solihull, we installed a complete Control4 home automation system, integrating all aspects of the building to allow simple control of the lighting, heating, alarm systems, CCTV, gate, music and TV’s all from a single user interface and app.

Complete lighting control and automation is achieved through a Control4 panelised lighting system, complete with hard-wired keypads throughout the home. These keypads control the lighting circuits connected to the Control4 dimmer modules installed in the Utility, meaning that any lighting circuit can be controlled from any keypad, and lighting scenes to suit any occasion can be triggered from the touch of a button in each room.

Heating control is achieved through a Heatmiser Neo system. Whilst the thermostats that would normally be on show in each room, for this project, thermostats were installed in hidden locations with temperature sensors wired to each room, providing the benefits of a zoned heating system without seeing any of the hardware. All control is achieved through integration with the Control4 system.

Security alarm control is achieved through a Texecom Premier System, integrated with the Control4 in order to allow alarm sensors to be used for triggering lighting scenes, as well as the ability to set or unset the alarm from the Control4 app, or to activate certain events, for example, turning on the ground floor lights remotely, and showing the CCTV feed on the bedroom TV automatically when the alarm system is triggered.

CCTV control is achieved through a Freeview modulator connected to the CCTV recorder allowing the CCTV cameras to be viewed on any TV in the house as well as the Control4 touch screens and app. Motion events from the cameras can be programmed to trigger events such as turning on the outside lights if motion is detected at night.

The automated gates are connected to the Control4 system and can be opened or closed from it. A Control4 DS2 Doorstation has a built in keypad for access with a code, as well as intercom functions for calling the touch screens in the house and the Control4 app wherever you are in the world.

For music across the house, Bowers & Wilkins in-ceiling speakers are installed, connected back to a Control4 audio matrix and power amplifier which allows for music to be played in any room independently or rooms can be grouped together. Music sources include Spotify, Amazon Music, internet radio or AirPlay from the clients mobile devices. Favourite playlists and stations can be saved to the system and recalled with a single button press or at certain times of day to be used as an alarm in the mornings.

TV’s installed throughout are connected to Sky Q boxes installed in the central rack, with the sound coming out of the ceiling speakers, all controlled from the Control4 Neoo remotes, touch screens or Control4 app. The benefit of having a centralised video distribution system means no messy cables or equipment needing to be installed in the room locally, and you just have a TV and a remote meaning more space for storage.

For seamless roaming of mobile devices around the house, a wireless mesh WiFi network is installed to ensure the best internet speeds anywhere in the house.

Home Automation Solihull

As smart home specialists in the West Midlands, we have worked on many home automation projects in Knowle and Solihull, so you can rest assured that when you contact Vertais, you are speaking to experts in smart home technology, from initial designs through installation and beyond.

You can view more of our home automation and home entertainment projects in Solihull and surrounding areas here.