Client: Hillcrest Homes
Project: New build property in Cheshire – Sleepy Hollow
Brief
Intecho was commissioned to devise a home technology solution for a stunning architect designed, environmentally-friendly, luxury home to be built in Prestbury, one of the most prestigious villages in Cheshire if not the UK.
The property, called Sleepy Hollow, was a speculative build by award winning developers Hillcrest Homes.
The inclusion of a comprehensive home intelligence system was regarded by Hillcrest as being an essential element to the high quality specification of the new home and one that would deliver real benefit to the eventual owners.
The property was 10,000 sq ft and included a number of renewable energy features, which needed to be controlled and monitored using the Intecho installed system.
Intecho Solution
Intecho was invited to join in discussions on the project at an early stage. This allowed them to advise on the different types of technology that would complement both the fundamental design of the home and the lifestyle of the type of purchaser they were aimed at.
As the project was speculative, Intecho was able to recommend solutions based on its previous experience with Clients owning or building homes in the multi-million pound property bracket. Intecho was also able to provide ‘future proof’ solutions and prepare the house in readiness for any additional technology or modifications the owners may wish to make.
The whole-house system recommended by Intecho is controlled via sophisticated and elegantly styled touch screens and iPads.
IPads were regarded as a desirable solution due to their portability and their dual function, as both a computer and a smart remote.
The system was designed to make living in the home as effortless as possible. The internal and external lighting, the underfloor heating and hot water provision were all linked to a KNX system allowing these functions to be controlled on a whole house or room-by-room basis for ultimate comfort and convenience.
The system can be designed to undertake functions at the touch of one button. This includes ‘all on/off’, ‘all on intruder alert’ and ‘welcome home mode’ which can include features such as opening or closing the gates and the garage doors, turning on lights, closing blinds, adjusting heating and playing favourite music track by pressing one switch on a remote control device.
A whole house distributed audio and visual system has been specified which is capable of supplying HD TV and Sky to principle rooms including the extensive leisure suite. This also allows different media sources to be accessed in different areas at the same time. Alternatively a ‘party mode’ will allow simultaneous playing of the same tracks in all areas of the house. A 10tb media server has been provided to store music and video files.
A home cinema has been fitted with a large HD TV screen and a 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound for the ultimate movie viewing experience. Using the iPads as smart remotes, the occupants will be able to choose a movie, switch on/off lights and alter the sound levels without leaving their seats.
The property will be fitted with photovoltaic panels allowing electricity to be generated for use or for exporting back to the national grid. The Intecho system specified is capable of monitoring energy production as well as usage maximising the efficiency of the property for environmental and economical benefit.
In several instances, Intecho was able to recommend technological solutions that would enhance a particular feature of the building. An example being the ‘weather station’ that includes automatic blinds that close when the interior of the property, which will feature extensive glazing and is south facing, exceeds a predetermined ‘comfortable’ temperature.
Detectors will monitor the amount of natural light in a specific area and will adapt the artificial lighting to meet the deficit, therefore only the electricity that is needed is actually used. They will also monitor external light levels and can be programmed to automatically switch on at dusk or illuminate spaces within the home according to movement.
The property will be fitted with a security system suitable for Red Care or similar monitoring and 24hr response. CCTV cameras and a video gate camera will be installed which can be viewed by any of the control panels, iPads or television screens within the property or remotely via an internet enabled computer or mobile phone.
Building has commenced and Intecho will be issuing full CAD drawing, liaising on an on-going basis with the Hillcrest’s electrical contractors and project manager and undertaking regular site inspections to supervise the installation.
For more information on Sleepy Hollow visit http://www.hillcresthomes.co.uk
