London Penthouse

A spectacular penthouse fitted with state-of-the-art technology

Cutting-edge KNX solution, controlling intelligent building technology at the touch of a finger.

The penthouse features light and elegant spaces, marble wall facades, luxuriously polished plaster and a rooftop terrace with a bar area, cooking facilities, outdoor TV and audio system. Wave Controls were entrusted to implement a cutting-edge KNX solution that could meet the client’s expectations in every sense.

Located in one of the most creative districts of London, this stunning penthouse is part of a development of 235 luxury apartments. Just a short walk from Oxford Street and Regents Street, Fitzrovia is bordered by Bloomsbury, Mayfair and Soho. An area steeped in history with past residents including Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf and Arthur Rimbaud. This project encompasses opulent, luxury living. The penthouse features light and elegant spaces, marble wall facades, luxurious polished plaster and a rooftop terrace with a bar area, cooking facilities, outdoor TV and audio system; all flanked by spectacular views of London’s West End and the BT tower.

The clients brief was to integrate a complete environmental control system using a clean, intuitive user interface. The design aesthetic was to be modern and minimalist with electrical outlets to match the wall mounted keypads.

When we were entrusted to implement a cutting-edge solution that could meet the client’s expectations we didn’t hesitate to specify Gira KNX. The use of the Gira E22 range of aluminium switch plates and electrical outlets met with instant approval from the client’s interior design team.

The complexity of the five systems for climate control (underfloor heating, electric matt, trench heaters, gas fireplace and fan-coil units) and inevitable solar gain from the impressive seven meter floor to ceiling windows, was easily overcome by the use of KNX as this enabled all the systems to communicate with each other, thus achieving and maintaining the desired temperature throughout.

Using KNX allowed us to source the best products from a selection of manufacturers, each with a specialised product for a particular function. By product certification, KNX guarantees interoperability and interworking of products from different manufacturers all of which communicate in the same programming language, unified in a single software tool – ETS.

The design aesthetic was achieved using the Gira E22 flat mount range of Push button sensors and electrical outlets. Each Push button sensor was laser inscribed offering a clear indication of the available functionality from each button. Light scenes, HVAC operating modes and curtains could be adjusted. The Gira Homeserver offers an intuitive, top layer of control, giving the client full control of the apartment as well as status feedback from all systems. The climate control was managed by a single setpoint that is relayed to all rooms. The in-room thermostats provide efficient, localised temperature regulation, setting back the room as it reaches temperature.

We offer remote management of the KNX systems as standard, and through the use of the GIRA HomeServer and Virtual Private Network, they can check the status of the critical devices and perform diagnostics often without client’s direct knowledge or a visit to site.

Gira HomeServer

E22 Flat mount aluminium push button sensors with inscribed labelling

E22 Flat mount aluminium electrical outlets (13amp, 5amp, data and USB chargers)

Gira KNX actuators

Theben KNX actuators

Zennio 0-10v climate control/fan controllers

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