Showroom Apartment, Paris

Project Brief

In 2018, Connecting Technology completed its automated showroom in Paris. The project was defined as a full smart home apartment, with around 80 devices to be controlled using KNX. These included audio/video, air conditioning, a fireplace, a mirror TV, a bathtub, an alarm, a biometric system, and a wine cellar. All were to be controlled and supervised using a single local and remote (iPad) interface. Since each device had its own protocol, the challenge was to integrate these under one seamless control interface that would make it easy for the end-user.

Solution

The advantage of using KNX for this project was its simplicity to install, reasonable pricing with high benefits, two-way communication and interoperability with hundreds of KNX-compatible brands. We also used our in-house software called KALITOUCH, that is capable of controlling numerous protocols including KNX, Lutron, DALI, Infrared, RS-232, IP, Z-Wave and more.

Kitchen featuring automated lighting, air-conditioning, multiroom audio, and projected interactive online video and keyboard.

Installation

First we had to describe the project and the required products. Then we had to establish which protocols could be managed as well as develop a solution for those that were missing. Duringthe major works, we programmed all of the KNX control functions using ETS. The final phase involved testing and debugging, as well as the integration of the ETS project into our in-house KALITOUCH software.

The project took around four years from the initial meeting to complete. One of our main challenges was to integrate Google Home into KALITOUCH in order to integrate it with KNX devices, and since then, we have also integrated a biometric security system, videophone and alarm.

Showroom bedroom and ensuite bathroom area featuring automated lighting, air-conditioning, motorised TV, mirror TV, fireplace, curtains and bathtub.

Benefits of using KNX

Using KNX meant that we could easily control the budget whilst maximising the opportunities and options. It ensured smooth and easy control of a large range of products, and also made it possible to control the whole system with a single remote control, despite the different technologies involved. It has been totally reliable, and we have experienced no issues whatsoever since completion.

Key products/technologies used

LutronDALIGlobal CachéRS-232IPInfrared KNX for audio/video control (multiroom and multiple sources), air-conditioningABB Basalte Hager ControlsSiemensThebenJungZennioIn-house KALITOUCH software as a display control

Project: Showroom Apartment, Paris

A project by: Connecting technology

Contact: Pierre Nicolas CLERE