ABB technology has transformed a special house, born around the passion of a sommelier, to show how architecture and functionality can create a smart home that maximizes comfort and energy efficiency.
Marco, a sommelier in Como, dreamt of transforming an old abandoned mechanical workshop into a comfortable house, complete with a meeting place for wine tastings. The vast, lengthy space did not allow for the installation of additional windows, and as the natural light only comes from either end of the structure, the space had to remain open.
Marco wanted to create a large space to sit at a table to taste fine wines, a relaxing space to chat and a corner for consulting books. Coupled with that, he wanted the home to retain the “industrial” feel it was noted for. Finally, he had a dream to create an air-conditioned wine cellar inside the kitchen to house his wine collection.
The architect, Gianpaolo Sala, in charge of the redevelopment project, transformed the old workshop, dating from 1904, into a unique space, equipped with innovative solutions. The environment was designed to use the space vertically and create distinct areas including a recess in which a conversation space was created, with a large corner sofa. A Mezzanine area was also built as part of the recess with industrial-style metal to create the reading corner, topped by a magnificent wooden structure.
The loft in the center of the large room leaves the entire area open and makes the most of the natural light. In the kitchen area, a concrete hob was created in an industrial style, which serves as a roof and supporting wall to the underground wine cellar. This is accessible directly from the kitchen from a glass structure that showcases Marco’s precious collection of wines.
The simple aesthetics of the design called for discrete controls that would not detract from the beauty of the building. That is why Lorim, the company that designed the system, installed an ABB i-bus KNX IoT Dashboard to offer endless system management possibilities and allow functionality to be reconfigured as and when required. The solution also allows the system to be configured online, making it much easier to set up and vary functionality. For added control in the home, an ABB IP Touch 7” touch panel display was also installed.
The KNX system, which can be controlled from the ABB IP Touch 7” touch panel on the wall or the easy- to-use mobile app, gives Marco total control over the functionality of the building. Not only can he manipulate functions such as the underfloor heating, through actuators connected to the ABB i-bus® KNX, but he can also manage the lighting, so it is never on longer than it needs to be, and ambient heating and lighting is always ready for when his next guests arrive. This flexibility over the elements that use heating and lighting, gives Marco greater visibility over how much energy he is using so that can take informed decisions to reduce overall running costs and set the right environment for his needs.
In a house where nothing was left to chance, even the switches were chosen with care. ABB’s sleek and stylish Mylos KNX switches in black, were installed throughout the living area. The control points for lights and thermoregulation feature ultra-thin square black plates with minimalist lines, that perfectly blend with the environment. A white series with a sophisticated design was chosen for the bathrooms and sleeping area.
Marco, the sommelier who owns this beautiful home, was delighted with the architectural and design choices made by the team, which has created a comfortable and smart environment as well as a space for anyone who wants help in choosing a good wine, selected by Marco from his special cellar.
The flexible and reliable configuration of ABB i-bus® KNX system allowed Lorim to build a system that has the advantage of being expandable and modifiable over time, to meet the evolving needs of its inhabitants. The result is a constantly changing space that combines the best of ABB’s Smart Home technology with beautiful, stylish design.
Credits:
Marco Longagnani - Sommelier Como
www.instagram.com/la_fucina_di_marco
