A KNX intelligent building technology installation provides part of an extensive building renovation and extension project at an old Manx farmhouse on the Isle of Man. The installation was completed by KNX UK Association member, Building Evolution and brings major energy conservation benefits to the property.

The house was completely gutted and had large extensions added to both sides. It was fully modernised in terms of the plumbing, heating and electrical services as well as being given the added character of a new oak framed structure. The result is a beautifully crafted building reminiscent of centuries past, but with the open standard KNX technology providing a 21st century intelligent energy conscious home.

KNX provides complete control of 16 underfloor heating zones, with individual KNX room thermostats or room controllers in each room. KNX heating actuators control the underfloor heating manifold valve drives, with switching actuators controlling all heating system pumps.

This heating system includes independent time-clocks, provided on a central touch panel, for all heating zones which can automatically switch the heating between user determined comfort, stand-by and night temperatures.

All heating zones are monitored on the touch panel with ability to alter set temperatures and heating modes centrally. At the push of a button, spare bedrooms can easily be put into an “unoccupied” state so keeping their heating in a reduced temperature mode and overriding time-clock switching.

The domestic hot water loop can also be closed off to those areas to prevent unnecessary pumping of domestic hot water, so further helping to conserve energy.

A holiday mode allows the owners to set the dates for which the house will be unoccupied and then KNX automatically initiates a preset programme. This runs during this period to override the domestic hot water loop, set back heating temperatures and override any time-clocks for heating as well as lighting. It also has the capability to initiate lights to provide simulated occupancy.

52 lighting circuits are controlled by KNX including dimming and scene setting. Control is provided through a combination of push buttons, movement sensors and time-clocks. In addition, all bathroom extractor fans are controlled and there is interface with smoke alarms to turn on all lights in event of a smoke alarm. There is also provision for control of the Velux windows and all towel rails as well as monitoring door locks.

A user friendly touch panel in the kitchen provides a facility for controlling and monitoring the installation from a convenient central location.

An 8 zone multi-room AV system, a 7-1 surround sound home cinema, a whole house TV distribution system, a data network and a gate video intercom system completes the installation. The client has also requested a facility to control the home remotely and this can be easily added.