TechHome

An organised pilot project of an intelligent home was realised with the TechHome in Altstätten, Switzerland. This home uses a complete network for a maximum of comfort and security. Bathroom temperature, outdoor surveillance cameras in the yard, MP3 files and all the other functions are accessible from anywhere and are transferred over Ethernet and KNX.

What were the challenges in fulfilling the wishes of the customer?

The costly planning is worthwhile, because every construction phase can be implemented according to the restricted schedule of the architect without any great time loss, from the excavation and the laying of more than 10 km cable to the programming of the applications. 
The big challenge was to integrate all the different applications under one software surface. 

Why was the decision for a KNX solution made?

It was the only system which enables the full integration and networking of all the applications with a payable price.

Lighting Control and Regulation

• Switching
• Dimming
• Central Control
• Time Control
• Daylight Dependant Switching
• Light Scenes
• Panic Lighting

Blind and Shutter Control

• Time Control
• Weather Dependant Switching (Wind, Rain, Frost)
• Movement to Preset Positions
• Central Control
• Type of Sun Protection: blind

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

• Time Control
• HVAC Fault Monitoring
• Window Position Dependant Control
• Presence dependant Control

Energy and Load Management

• Circuit / Socket Outlet Switching
• Circuit Monitoring

Security and Fault Monitoring

• Peripheral Protection
• Internal Surveillance
• Smoke Detection
• Presence Simulation
• Panic Switching
• General Fault Handling

Operation, Indication and Visualisation

• LCD Display
• Visualisation via PC
• Control via Television

Audio / Video

• Interactive Operation via KNX
• KNX Multi-Room-System

Remote Access and Control

• Remote Control via Internet / Telephone
• Messaging via eMail / SMS / FAX

Central Automation

• Complex Logical Operations
• Time Control
• Macro Operations
• Collective Scenes

Interfacing to other Building Systems

• Connection to other Systems via Analogue or Digital Inputs
• Communication Gateway to other Systems
System: IPAS visualisation
Interface: IP Gateway

Other Applications

• complete integration of mail, fax, voice, SMS, audio. video, access system and KNX under one central software surface

General Facts

Owner / Investor	Peter und Sabine Sieber
Location	Switzerland, Altstätten / St. Galler Rheintal
Type of Building	Private Homes and Villas
Year of Construction	2005
Architect	Hans R. Meier
Consultant	RhV Elektrotechnik AG
Integrator / Contractor	RhV Elektrotechnik AG
Floor Space (m²)	270 m²
No. of Floors	3
No. of Offices / Rooms	6.5

KNX Installation Facts

Number of Lines	2
Number of Components	100