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CELEBRATING THE ART OF INSTALLATION
Welcome to the latest Essential Install Case Study Supplement — our annual showcase of excellence, innovation, and imagination in the world of smart homes and home cinema. This special publication gathers together some of the finest projects completed over the past year, representing the very best of what our industry can achieve when design, technology, and expertise come together.
This year’s selection is particularly exciting, as it includes several standout projects that triumphed at the 2025 Smart Building Awards. These award-winning installations are not only beautiful to look at but also technically outstanding, demonstrating how the leading integrators continue to push boundaries
and redefine what’s possible in connected living. From breathtaking private cinemas and whole-home automation to creative AV solutions in challenging spaces, these projects underline just how vibrant and forward-thinking our industry remains.
We’ve always had a deep affection for case studies here at EI. They are, quite simply, the best way to see the industry in action. While product launches and technology trends are vital, it’s in the real-world application of those technologies that the magic happens. Every case study tells a story — of client ambitions realised, of installers solving complex challenges and of systems designed not just to function perfectly but to enhance everyday life. They show innovation in its most practical form, where creative thinking meets technical mastery.
Our aim with this supplement is to celebrate those stories and the talented people behind
them. We hope that by sharing these examples, we inspire more projects that demonstrate just how far the industry has come — and how far it can still go.
If you have a project that you believe deserves to be seen, we’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s a residential cinema, a smart home transformation, or a unique commercial installation, we’re always looking to showcase the breadth and brilliance of this industry across both Essential Install and Intelligent Homes
So, take a moment to enjoy the incredible work featured in this supplement. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every screen, speaker and control system, there’s a story worth telling — and a team of professionals making it happen.
Daniel J Sait dan@essentialinstall.com
CLOSING THE SKILLS GAP IN OPEN-PROTOCOL AUTOMATION
Theben Automation underlines the importance of mature, joined up thinking when creating any smart home system.
Walk onto almost any high-end residential or light-commercial project today and you will feel the shift. Lighting scenes are no longer an add-on. Heating control is no longer a standalone device in the hallway. Shading, airflow, temperature, air quality, energy and comfort are becoming one ecosystem. The building is expected to respond instinctively, not because the client taps an app, but because the infrastructure is built to behave intelligently.
For many years, integrators have been delivering clever systems that stitched together disparate technologies. It was ingenious, at times heroic and often the only way to meet a client’s brief. But the era of patchwork integration is fading. Designers want cohesiveness. Clients want clarity. Developers want long-term stability. And the industry, finally, is converging on what many have known for a long time: open standards are the only sustainable path forward.
Yet as the appetite for interoperable, engineered automation grows, a different challenge has emerged in its place. The technology is ready. The demand is undeniable. But the number of professionals who can
deliver these systems confidently, consistently and at scale remains far too small. This is the skills gap in open-protocol automation and it is becoming the defining bottleneck for the next stage of growth in our sector.
THE SUBTLE BUT SEISMIC SHIFT TO OPEN STANDARDS
Ask any experienced integrator when they first noticed the shift and the answer is usually the same. There wasn’t one dramatic moment. It didn’t hinge on a single product launch or a new regulation. It was gradual, almost quiet, but unmistakable.
Architects began asking for systems that wouldn’t compromise their interiors. Developers started insisting on longevity in tender documents. Clients grew frustrated with cloud dependencies and unreliable Wi-Fi devices. Designers wanted a choice of interfaces rather than one aesthetic dictated by a single vendor. And integrators, who were once forced to rely on proprietary ecosystems to satisfy the smart home hype, began gravitating toward platforms that actually suited the way buildings evolve.
Open-protocol systems, especially KNX, stepped into that space with the kind of maturity that only decades of evolution can produce.
What began as a technical standard became much more: a safeguard against obsolescence, a common language for cross-disciplinary design teams, and a foundation on which an integrator can build a business that won’t be disrupted by changes in a product’s cloud strategy or a tech company’s roadmap.
This isn’t a story about KNX replacing other systems. It’s about KNX quietly becoming the backbone that makes everything else possible.
A BUILDING’S NEEDS OUTLAST EVERY PRODUCT CYCLE
One of the most compelling reasons professionals lean toward open standards has nothing to do with technology at all. It comes down to time.
A building is expected to last decades. A client’s needs will evolve. A layout will change. A home gym might become an office. A growing family might require new zones. A workspace might shift toward hybrid occupancy. Behind these decisions lies one consistent truth: the infrastructure must be ready for whatever comes next.
Closed systems, for all their strengths, are tied to the rhythm of product releases and corporate priorities. When a manufacturer discontinues a device or pivots its platform, the entire building feels it. Walls get reopened. Interfaces stop matching. Replacement options become limited. And integrators are left to explain why something installed only a few years earlier already needs revisiting.
Open protocols break that cycle. With KNX, the wiring, the communication, and the system architecture remain stable long after individual devices come and go. The backbone stays intact and that stability is ultimately what allows architects to specify controls with confidence and integrators to deliver long-lasting value.
It is this longevity that differentiates engineered automation from consumer technology. And it is exactly why the industry is rallying around open standards - because buildings deserve systems built for their lifespan, not the lifespan of an app.
WHY KNX HAS BECOME THE INTEGRATOR’S STEADY GROUND
Those who work with KNX often describe a similar experience. Once you understand the language of the system, its logic, its structure, the way each device communicates, the entire process of designing and delivering automation becomes calmer. Challenges that once demanded creative workarounds now have clear, elegant solutions. Scenes behave. Interfaces respond. Devices cooperate.
But KNX is only as strong as the professionals who implement it. And while demand for openprotocol systems rises sharply each year, the number of trained, confident engineers and integrators capable of delivering them is not rising at the same pace.
This mismatch is reshaping the competitive landscape. A growing number of projects, from multi-dwelling schemes to luxury residences, are specifying KNX by default. Yet contractors
and design teams often struggle to find enough qualified specialists to meet deadlines.
For integrators willing to invest in KNX competency, this is a rare moment. The technology has matured. The specification community understands its value. Clients trust its longevity. And the industry needs more skilled professionals than it currently has. The opportunity is as strong as it is time-sensitive.
THEBEN COMBINES HERITAGE WITH A FIERCELY MODERN APPROACH
At Theben, the commitment to open standards isn’t new. It is rooted in more than 100 years of engineering, lighting control expertise, and a philosophy that technology should enhance a building rather than dominate it. KNX aligns perfectly with that viewpoint. It is robust, predictable, elegant in its simplicity, and fundamentally fair, it doesn’t push professionals into brand lock-in or force compromises on design.
But in the UK, our role goes beyond manufacturing. The industry doesn’t just need more KNX devices; it needs more KNX professionals. And so Theben Academy was created with a simple purpose: to give integrators the knowledge, confidence and hands-on skill to design and commission openprotocol systems without hesitation.
We found early on that what professionals wanted wasn’t a theoretical overview. They wanted to sit in front of real hardware, experience real faults, build real logic and walk away knowing they could deliver a live project as soon as they returned to site.
That became our benchmark.
Theben theben.co.uk
HCA PROJECT MEDIA PACKAGE DELIVERS WINNING RESULTS!
Founded by experienced cinema installer Stuart Burgess (Immersive Cinema Rooms), the Project Media Package from HCA Media offers a next-level platform for promoting and marketing the work of home cinema and smart home integrators.
HCA Media was created by Stuart with the sole aim of using his long experience in the smart home and home cinema markets to help other integrators deliver impactful and enticing marketing content. Stuart explains, “The HCA Project Media Package is the resource I wish I’d had during my 20 years as an integrator. There are plenty of media companies and photographers out there who will be willing to work with you on a project. But do they understand our sector? Unlikely.
“Our approach is to use detailed knowledge of the sector to truly make your projects shine. Yes, the content will be stunning, but each package will also put at the centre the technology and the skills that make it all work.
“From the precision of your installations to the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology, we ensure your projects are documented in a way that tells the whole story, not just part of it. Ultimately, it is about creating a lasting record of your expertise and turning every project into a powerful sales tool.”
Stuart is keen to underline that working with HCA means there are no hidden charges or unexpected extras. Instead, HCA works in
partnership with integrators to create a tailored package that meets the specific needs of each company, all for a fixed fee agreed upon before any content capture begins. Get in contact for more details on the pricing structure. The services are also available to manufacturers and distributors. The Project Media Package can become a powerful media tool for makers and distributors to showcase themselves to integrators or to end users if they wish.
Members of the Home Cinema Alliance get a discount on the Media Services. However, Stuart points out that the services are available to all integrators.
So, what is on offer from Project Media Package?
LONG FORM VIDEO
A 2–5 minute video that tells the story of your project in a focused and engaging way. Usually filmed as a ‘talking head’, it lets a team member explain the project, its challenges and its value. Ideal for websites or YouTube, it showcases both the work and the people behind it, helping build trust with potential clients.
SHORT FORM VIDEO
A shorter, music-led edit built from B-roll captured during the main shoot. Fast to watch and visually engaging, it’s perfect for websites, showrooms or exhibition stands. It delivers a polished snapshot of your work that quickly draws in viewers.
VERTICAL VIDEO
A 9:16 re-edit of the short-form content, tailored for Instagram Reels, Facebook Stories, TikTok or YouTube Shorts. Designed to feel native to social platforms, it grabs attention fast and boosts visibility and engagement.
PHOTOGRAPHY
A curated set of edited project photos delivered in JPEG and RAW formats for use across websites, social media and marketing materials.
VIRTUAL TOUR
Available via the PMP Expansion Pack, this immersive tour can be embedded into your website, giving future clients an interactive way to explore your finished spaces.
WINNING RESULTS!
Those recognising the benefits of the Project Media Package are seeing impressive results. At the recent CEDIA Awards, Cinemaworks picked up the Best Home Cinema Level I for the company’s Beside the Seaside (UK) project.
Company owner Owen Maddock comments, “Stuart from HCA is an experienced integrator and cinema builder so he knows how these rooms should look. Compared to a typical photographer, he gets great results fast.
“At the Beside the Seaside project in Weymouth, I had a few setup tweaks left so I left Stuart to it and everything came out great. He also created an excellent 360º panorama tour and shot the videos for UI demonstration.
“The pictures have been amazing for my marketing, easily the best I have, and really lifted my winning CEDIA entry this year. I’ve judged for CEDIA many times and while it’s about hard evidence, I know that great imagery really helps. I can’t recommend the HCA Media service highly enough and have already booked next year’s project entry in!”
Contact HCA Media today to find out how the Project Media Package can lift your project marketing to the next level.
HCA Project Media Package hcamedia.co.uk/project-media-package 07931 918539
Image courtesy of Homeplay
TECHNOLOGY TAMING
Amit Saini, Director at BitCloud Automation, specialist in smart home and luxury entertainment experiences, provides a tour of this agile and stylish automated home.
Amit explains that the project was for a new client who wanted to bring together a disparate amalgamation of technology that had accumulated over time through several suppliers. Amit says, “Initially the system was cohesive when the house was newly built. However, as more technology was added over a period of 10 years, the system became a collection of isolated implementations, each controlled by its own dedicated app.”
The whole house worked via HDL lighting, however, a supplier who was engaged when the client’s gym was redesigned implemented a new isolated Rako lighting system. Whilst controllable through an app, the rest of the house wasn’t, resulting in a disconnect between the controls. This was just one of many cases where the technology in the house had diverged from its initial cohesive design.
Amit explains, “The original brief was clear: bring some order to the unwieldy system. They also wanted to make the way in which the house functioned more automated, such that it reacted to its climate and environment and did what was needed to keep the house ambience at the perfect level without intervention.”
The initial scope changed to include the implementation of a centralised 4K HDTV distribution service (encompassing BT TV, Apple TV and a Roku player) and a dedicated wall-mounted control interface to allow instant access to the new control system. The project also included an update to the kids’ den with the introduction of a new 77in OLED TV and soundbar, and the capability of having either of two gaming consoles played on the screen
or independently on dedicated monitors. Also included were increased automated control of the hot water system and towel radiators, control of Velux blinds and windows and the inclusion of a remote control to operate the various media zones with one device. The team also upgraded the client’s working-from-home space, incorporating two 49in widescreen monitors mounted on hydraulic lifting arms and an electric rising platform table.
Another major initiative was for the team to work with the clients’ appointed landscaping team, which included ESSE Landscapes to undertake a wholesale redevelopment of the exterior of the home. This involved a new pool, a hot tub, an ice bath and an outdoor kitchen and lounge housed in a glass-fronted pergola. The garden also includes two further zoned areas of formal lawn space and a woodland. The requirements included an outdoor TV and soundbar with distribution of centralised services from the house AV rack, and extension of the lighting control to encompass all new garden lighting, including the introduction of DMX-controlled strip lighting for key areas. Also included was automation of pergola roof louvres, lights and heating, and a bespoke landscape sound system. A new wired CCTV system as well as updating the existing Ring security cameras in place was also delivered, along with access control for three new gates for the outside space. The garden also received a wired and Wi-Fi networking upgrade and the pool house was also automated, based around humidity and temperature levels.
TAMING THE TECH
It was quite a challenge in terms of the wideranging nature of the project. Amit says, “We tackled the aspect of having a single intuitive interface by using Elan (Nice) as the overarching control system. It may seem weird to introduce yet another control system but, given the nature of the various systems in place, this provided the best way in which we could use a centralised
control system that would integrate all the various elements. The Elan system allowed us to pull in all the existing HDL lighting as well as the Rako gym lighting to present the client with a single light control interface. This was then echoed with every other part of the system such as TV/audio control, blinds/windows as well as the climate/heating control aspects to make a cohesive system.”
Taming the tech in this way meant that the team could implement the automated macros to deliver the higher level of automatic functionality the customer wanted. The changes also made it easier for them to dial in and control
various aspects such as the music systems when required.
Introducing a centralised 4K HDTV distribution meant the client could utilise less hardware/infrastructure as well as reduce subscription costs, whilst having the flexibility to watch different sources from each of their TV outlets. An HDAnywhere matrix was used to allow all sources to be located in the AV rack out of sight and then controlled via the Elan system. Adding smart remotes to key locations also aided with the drive to remove redundant hardware, as several remote controls could be rationalised into one.
GARDEN OF DELIGHTS
One of the most impactful parts of the project was the garden space. Amit reveals, “We really went to town from an entertainment point of view, as the garden has a three-zoned space arrangement with an entertainment space near the house, followed by a formal lawn which then leads to a woodland area. The main focus was in this first zone. Here the client wanted to create a multi-faceted space that could be used by the family to host parties as well as for day-to-day family life, bringing the indoor amenities outdoors to enjoy in all weathers.”
The main pergola building would be the hub around the pool for the family to congregate in. Here the team introduced a 65in outdoor
TV and soundbar capable of working at climate extremes.
Amit adds, “We also added a new smart remote. This added the convenience of voice control and full integration to the house services, which meant even outside in the garden the client could control every aspect of their home. Alongside the TV, background music capability was a must, so here we used Sonos’ outdoor range of speakers to provide an extension to the system.”
The pergola lighting, pergola roof louvres and heating were also integrated into the system. Able to work independently or with the other exterior audio zones, the team added a Klipsch landscape sound system around the pool.
Throughout the garden, new lighting was introduced, carefully selected to ensure it was not overpowering but focused and soft, allowing areas of interest to be highlighted and creating a more ambient night space.
Amit says, “Here we worked to provide a control system that could manage the vast range of fixtures and effectively control the lighting into pre-defined scenes that could be recalled by the client, as well as motion detection to provide a garden that was secure. The lighting design means that the garden could be multi-functional and switch from a relaxing evening glow to a party space with coloured DMX-controlled lighting adding accents and flair throughout.”
The home needed a tech reset to bring everything under control
Amit continues, “Another nice feature was that we customised the automation interface with theming specific to the house. There was a strong design theme of industrial steels and we used this as the basis for a bespoke interface. We also included images of the various zones so you would have a visual representation of the room and not only just a textual name.”
Picking out a favourite part of this wideranging project is tough, but Amit says, “Our favourite part of the project has to be the new outdoor entertainment area. The lounge, outdoor kitchen and pool setting, all controlled via a simple remote, provide a great place to entertain guests or simply be out with the family. For the client it’s simple — they love having control of their home back.”
However, in a little more detail, comments from the client include, “Crystal-clear audio and vibrant visuals elevate the outdoor poolside
space to make it a truly unique, awe-inspiring place to be.
“With home automation, I’m able to remotely control all aspects of my home whilst I’m away, giving me control at my fingertips and together with tailored automated routine tasks, it saves me time, money and effort in an already hectic life.”
Finally, “One-touch mood lighting scenes enable me to create a tailored entertainment experience, all at my command, for both the inside and outside spaces in my home.”
Amit was also keen to underline the help, support and collaboration from the other companies involved: Nicholas Electrical, Innovo (driver development) as well as distributors Alltrade and Indigo Distribution.
BitCloud Automation bitcloudautomation.com
Essential Kit List
• Nice/Elan SC200 System Controller
• Nice/Elan HR40, HR30 and HR10 Remotes
• Nice/Elan EL-ITP-8 8in interactive touch screen
• HDL Heating and Intelligent Lighting System Control
• Rako Hybrid (Wired and Wireless) Lighting Control system
• HDAnywhere 4k MHUB AV Matrix
• Sony 77in XR77A80KU Smart 4K UHD HDR OLED TV
• Sony 65in KS65X80JU Smart 4K UHD LED TV
• Samsung The Terrace QE65LST7TGUXXU 65in Smart 4K Ultra
• Shelly Humidity/Temperature and Power Management Controls
• Ubiquiti UniFi Network Infrastructure (U6/U7 Wireless Access Points, Dream Machine Pro and Network switches)
• Somfy TaHoma Blind Control
• Velux KLF-200 Window Interface Unit
• Innovo System Drivers - Tado & Shelly
• Chowmain Drivers - Bond Bridge
• Hop Soft Drivers - Velux
• Hikvision CCTV system with NVR and 8MP Smart Hybrid ColourVu Cameras
• Hikvision IP Gate Entry system
• Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
• Pyronix hybrid Alarm system
The exterior lighting adds drama and sets the mood
A STRONG HOME CINEMA CONCEPT
AVA Concept took on and delivered this challenging smart home project, which included a high-performance home cinema.
Marcin Kulas, founder and director of AVA Concept, explains that the project’s beginnings were very challenging. “Back in 2016, we took on a smart home installation in Hammersmith, London, delivering a full-scale automation and AV solution for an entire house. The project was built around Lutron lighting, a Control4 system and a multi-room audio system featuring 15 zones of ceiling speakers and an outdoor audio zone. The entertainment setup included a 4K HDMI matrix switch distributing content to eight 4K TVs, each controlled via Control4 remotes.”
Marcin adds, “Beyond entertainment, we implemented an internet network, CCTV security system and a comprehensive intruder alarm for full security coverage. In addition to this project, we created a dedicated home
cinema fitted with Sonance speakers and an Anthem AVR, creating an immersive movie experience. However, just a day before the scheduled handover, disaster struck—the client’s basement, where all the AV equipment
was installed, was flooded. The entire rack cabinet with all equipment had to be replaced.”
Fast forward to 2022, following yet another flood, the client this time saw it as an opportunity rather than a setback.
Marcin reveals, “Instead of just replacing the damaged components, he decided to take his home entertainment experience to the next level. With an increased budget and a vision for an upgraded home cinema, the team worked closely with the client to design and implement a cutting-edge audio visual system that not only restored but far exceeded the original setup. What started as an unfortunate and highly unusual series of events turned into an opportunity to create something exceptional.”
Marcin further explains, “We had a great relationship with the client and since he was very technical, it made it easier to guide him through the project. The process began with project
design and drawing up the exact positioning of the speakers, screen and seats. Initially, we planned to install fabrics around the room, but instead, we suggested reallocating the budget towards acoustic treatment using Vicoustic. I also arranged a meeting at the Pulse Cinemas showroom, where they gave an excellent presentation and guided the client through the entire cinema experience, which really excited him about the project.”
Marcin explains, “The acoustic treatment design was based on our drawings and created by Vicoustic. The client and our team were very impressed with what Vicoustic came up with.”
All the components were chosen to deliver an upgrade in performance to the previous cinema
CINEMA DETAIL AND BUILD
False walls were made of two sheets of plywood with a layer of soundproofing rubber sheets for acoustic insulation in between, providing a solid basis for the project. Another of the early tasks was to install the lighting fixtures, which were also integrated into the home’s Control4 system. All the Triad speakers were installed and positioned early on as well.
The speaker array consists of Triad InWall Silver/6 LCR (x3), chosen for their sound quality and compatibility with the room size. Triad InWall Silver/4 Surround (x2) speakers were selected for surround sound, and Triad InWall Silver/4 Sat (x2) were installed as additional satellite speakers for a balanced sound setup. Triad InCeiling Silver OpenRound (x4) were installed for immersive sound throughout the room. Finally, powerful Earthquake Sound MKVII15PIANO-SV-W 15in powered subwoofers (x2) were included. Marcin has been a fan of Earthquake subs for years and was excited to use them in this project, delivering deep bass and high performance.
The next phase involved the installation of the JVC projector, Projecta screen and seating. The client previously had a JVC projector, so the team upgraded to a higher-spec model for better features and performance with the DLA-NZ7. The Projecta is a fixed-frame screen, 128in model, chosen for its 4K UHD and HDR compatibility. Marcin says, “We’ve had great results with this screen in previous projects, so we recommended it for its quality.”
madVR processing was also included in the setup, as Marcin explains, “After debating between madVR and Lumagen, the client chose madVR despite initial hesitation about the price. We convinced him by sharing videos and discussing the advantages of this high-end processor.”
Also involved in the processing was an Anthem MRX 1140 8K AV receiver. The team selected this product due to its premium AV performance and its compatibility with the room size and speakers. Control of the system is enhanced by the inclusion of a Control4 Halo remote control. Control4 dealers for 15 years, the team had no hesitation in recommending this option for control. At the end of the installation process, the projector and Anthem AV receiver were calibrated for optimal performance.
Marcin says, “The installation went smoothly, with no issues, as everything was executed according to our and Vicoustic’s design plans. We also had support for display and calibration, which helped ensure everything was set up perfectly.
“We recommended Vicoustic panels to enhance both the sound and the room’s interior, which really impressed the client. Additionally, the Earthquake subwoofers provided incredible deep bass and madVR ensured the picture was displayed in full, maximising the screen’s potential. These were our favourite aspects of the project.”
• 2 x Triad InWall Silver/4 Surround (standard bipole)
• 2 x Triad InWall Silver/4 Sat
• 4 x Triad InCeiling Silver OpenRound
• 2 x Earthquake Sound MKVII15PIANO-SV-W 15in POWERED SUB, 3000W
A Touch of Intelligent Design
Meet iONprime, the new generation of KNX room controllers and push button sensors from Theben.
In modern homes, technology should feel effortless. iONprime brings precise KNX control together with a clean, architectural look that fits naturally into any space.
Responsive. Reliable. Quietly smart.
With options for temperature, humidity, air quality, proximity, and brightness sensing, iONprime gives integrators a flexible way to deliver comfort, efficiency, and a premium user experience.
Backed by more than 100 years of German engineering, Theben has always put installers first. iONprime continues that promise with intuitive setup, strong KNX compatibility, and the support of Theben Academy for ongoing training and project confidence.
Build smarter, with iONprime.
WINNER! CENTRAL LONDON MEWS W1
A deserved winner of the ‘Best Whole Home Category’ at the recent Smart Building Awards, this stylish project in the most fashionable of addresses was carried out with maximum efficiency and positive impact by AVINU.
Tucked away near London’s iconic Regent Street in the City of Westminster, this Mews property exemplifies how premium design can
be seamlessly integrated with lifestyle home automation, having undergone a complete transformation, evolving the property into a design-led, fully connected smart home.
The AVINU team aligned the most appropriate technology for this project, ensuring it would be robust, elegant and easy to use. This included KNX for control of lighting, heating/air-conditioning and window dressings, using principally GIRA and Zennio products, Control4 for AV, Doorbird video-entry and an ISEO intelligent secure door.
Darryl Roberts, highly experienced and long-serving Managing Director at AVINU, explains, “The project was initiated by the client’s interior designer, who approached AVINU to develop a whole-home control strategy that would match the elegance and high standards of the wider renovation. The goal was to seamlessly integrate elegant ease of home control into a luxury family residence, while maintaining the refined aesthetics throughout the home. AVINU was engaged early to ensure that the smart technology strategy was developed in parallel with the architectural and interior design, along with the client’s lifestyle.”
An aspect of the project that really impressed the judges at the Smart Building Awards was the close relationship with the interior designer and ability to understand and deliver on the aesthetic ambition for the property, just as much as with the automation.
Darryl confirms, “From the outset, this was a design-led project. The property was stripped back to bare walls and reimagined with new heating, cooling, lighting, windows, doors and joinery, designed to marry function with classic style, ensuring every element contributes to the overall aesthetic and comfort of the home.”
Balancing modern and traditional design cues, the interior beautifully captures today’s quintessential ‘London Townhouse’ aesthetic.
The transformation complements the building’s history and setting, featuring a sculptural staircase and characteristic large windows that nod to its original features.
A carefully curated neutral colour palette and use of natural materials enhance the timeless interior design, which blends contemporary accents with softer, traditional touches to create an understated yet luxurious atmosphere.
Darryl reveals a little more about the process, “Our design stage brought together all project contractors to help scope and define all aspects of the property’s services. Our drawings and cable schedules represented the blueprint throughout the project lifecycle, delivering clarity over deployment and functionality. During the early project phases, we had to address the limited space available for all containment of plant and connectivity. A strategy was developed introducing multiple control boards integrated into joinery, while still allowing access for service and maintenance.”
During the design phase the AVINU team also promoted the use of singular wall switch control, promoting the benefits of the KNX standard, removing additional wall furniture and yet still ensuring robust and ease of control over heating, cooling and automated window dressings. This enabled the removal of mounted thermostats, AC and blind controllers, further enhancing the look of the space. All of the effort and attention to detail certainly paid off, as Darryl says, “Our customer feedback has been outstanding. Having held their hand from the outset, promoting clarity over choice, functionality and design, they have
also agreed to have a case study to showcase their wonderful home.”
The customer commented, “We are delighted to share our experience with AVINU, which recently completed the automation of our central London apartment. From the outset, their commitment to delivering high-quality service was clear and the outcome has far exceeded our expectations.
“The entire team at AVINU displayed remarkable professionalism, creativity and a genuine passion for their work. We were particularly impressed by the technicians Brad and Tom who handled the on-site installation.
They were not only highly skilled but also friendly, respectful and approachable, creating a positive atmosphere throughout the project. Their attention to detail and willingness to address our questions made the process smooth and enjoyable.”
The client also said, “The automation systems they installed have transformed our home into a more efficient, convenient, comfortable and fun space. From smart lighting, opening and closing of curtains and blinds and HVAC control to enhanced security features, every aspect of the automation works really well, enhancing our daily lifestyle. We truly appreciate the dedication and expertise of everyone at AVINU. If you’re considering a project like ours, we wholeheartedly recommend them for their outstanding service and results.”
Darryl also underlines the importance and impact of the project, “Working alongside others in our industry, namely MyKNXStore and GIRA, we have demonstrated to both clients and their project management team an innovative approach to current intelligent building design and delivery. Not only have we fullfilled our brief of design-led ease of lifestyle control, but have also introduced automation of services promoting energy efficiency from bespoke logic programming and occupancy sensors, reducing energy on lighting, heating and cooling when areas are unoccupied.”
An aspect of the project that was not entirely in the hands of the A VINU team was the home cinema due to an existing relationship with an AV friend of the customer who deployed the screen, projection and audio. However, it was AVINU who set it all up, introducing ease of control via the Control4 platform and the remote that was supplied and programmed.
Darryl adds, “And we also have a KNX gateway so our clients get lighting scene control depending on film or TV, along with the associated comfort area HVAC values and of course automated shading when required.”
Darryl also explains, “This media area was always part of the requirements from the outset. Having already supported the client and
team with other aspects of joinery integration, we were also able to support the AV chap with making sure his equipment integrated into the sitting area joinery. We did suggest he consider a short-throw strategy as we had sufficient joinery depth to integrate and mitigate a ceiling mounted approach.
DESERVED WINNER
Ultimately, this project was a very deserving winner in the Whole Home Category of the Smart Building Awards. The pressure was on in this design-led project in a high-end residence, but the team surpassed the client’s expectations as the project exemplified how premium design can be seamlessly integrated with lifestyle home
automation, evolving the property into a fully connected smart home.
AVINU developed a design strategy to seamlessly integrate home control into a luxury family residence, maintaining the aesthetics throughout the home, using singular wall controls, promoting the use of KNX to avoid additional wall furniture, but ensuring robust and easy control. Control4 was used to provide ease of control over the audio-visual requirements for the project, ensuring each aspect of the home has the most appropriate interface and back end to deliver world-class results. Congratulations to AVINU!
AVINU avinu.co.uk
Essential Kit List
• Zennio 55 RTC controllers
• Gira Esprit surround frames
• Sanus racks
• Araknis networking
• OVrC IP management
• Wattbox power management/control
• Doorbird
• Control4 control and integration
• Luma CCTV
• KNX control backbone
• Gira Pushbutton Sensor 4 (in bronze)
• Gira X1
• Gira S1
control points
Matching
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THE GRAND PRIZE
This smart hotel project by Ribble AV picked up the Best Commercial Project at the Smart Building Awards 2025.
The Grand Hotel Belvedere is a 5-star hotel located in the ski resort Wengen in the Swiss Alps. Ribble AV was approached with a brief to provide quality background audio across all of the communal and leisure areas of the two buildings that made up the hotel, while the building went through a substantial renovation.
Tom Helm, Director at Ribble AV explains, “The biggest challenge apart from the location was that many of the building’s features were listed and protected along with a very particular interior designer who spoke little English. This
led to the hardest specification process we have ever been involved with.”
One of the more challenging rooms was the main restaurant that had listed ceilings and walls that couldn’t be touched, but required consistent, quality audio coverage.
Tom remarks, “Usually, these large spaces cry out for ceiling speakers, but with that not possible we decided that the solution here was to utilise void spaces within radiator covers around the perimeter of the room and install
Sonance Mariner speakers, which both provided great sound and could cope with ambient heat from the radiators.”
To try and reinforce the sound in the central area of the restaurant, the team actually utilised large quality ceiling speakers, mounted upside down in the top of the central food buffet joinery, firing up to the ceiling of the room. All of this on paper, was quite a compromised audio solution, but the end result worked extremely well, says Tom.
Listed features created many challenges for the team
Another challenging room was the bar, which was a relatively small room, again with a listed ceiling, mirrors on two walls and bespoke fabric wall coverings on the other two walls, where again it was not permitted to install speakers.
Tom explains, “However they also didn’t want to have anything floor standing or sat on shelves, but still required the audio to be good enough for a party in there. A tall order!”
Tom continues, “Here we decided to use K-Array Vyper line array speakers, which we colour matched and rebated into the wooden mirror frames at both ends of the room. Subwoofers were hidden underneath bench seating and behind the bar. The result was genuinely a near invisible system that blew everyone away with the quality. We also used this same solution in a lobby area rebated into wood panelling and colour matched to the natural timber.”
FIND SUCCESS AND REPEAT
For other areas with listed ceilings and panelling, Ribble AV utilised Artcoustic CPH-
5 full range speakers. Tom explains, “These provide amazing sound in a neat, retro style cabinet which fit in with the interior really well. For areas where we could use ceiling speakers, we utilised a mix of K-Gear where space allowed and Sonance slim line speakers due to very limited mounting depth available.”
Amplification and control was via RTI matrix amplifiers and touch screens. This allowed the team to provide extremely simple control from a bespoke interface tailored exactly to what worked best for the staff. This proved to be the correct choice as the staff began using the system even before they were trained on it.
DESERVED WINNER
Tom says, “I think the project deserved to win its Smart Building Award, as it genuinely was one of the most difficult and demanding projects that we have ever been involved with. However, we managed to turn around an incredible system and hit the brief perfectly. We used a fully brand agnostic approach, utilising eight different models of speaker from four separate
brands, to ensure that we could fit this system in with the listed elements of the buildings, and blend in and complement the interior design.”
The team managed to complete the project over three trips, each of which involved driving from home base in Preston, Lancashire to site in Switzerland with all of the equipment navigating customs in two countries. Tom remarks, “Overall, I just think we just smashed this one out of the park. From dealing with interior designers speaking broken English on multiple video calls to get the spec agreed, to having to pull half of the speaker cables in ourselves due to the electricians not caring that we had travelled all the way from the UK to install speakers on to cables supposedly already installed. We still managed to deliver on time, an impeccable system that delivers day in day out and effortlessly blends in with the stunning interiors and exteriors of the hotel. All completely designed and installed by our small team from Preston.”
Well done to Ribble AV, challenge met and results delivered!
Essential Kit List
• 2 x RTI 8x10 DSP matrix amplifier
• 2 x RTI IST 10in Touch panel
• 3 x RTI IST 5in Touch panel
• 2 x RTI XP-6s processor
• 4 x Pulse 2 channel bluetooth amplifier
• 8 x Pairs of Sonance VP52R-UTL Ceiling Speaker
• 1 x Pair of Sonance VX80R Ceiling Speaker
• 6 x pairs of Sonance Mariner 54 speakers
• 21 x K-Gear GC6-SQB Ceiling Speaker
• 3 x pairs of K-Array Vyper KV25 II speakers
• 4 x K-Array Rumble KU26 Subwoofers
• 2 x K-Array Kommander KA04 Amplifiers
• 10 x Artcoustic CPH-5 speakers
The team had to deliver different experiences across a range of environments
NUCLEUS AV FORMS CENTRE OF WOW!HOUSE
Nucleus AV worked with leading interior designer Alex Dauley to deliver this impressive media room showcase for an exclusive interiors event in West London.
Entitled the ‘Date Night Media Room’, Durgesh Sinh, Founding Director at Nucleus AV, explains, “We were approached directly by Chelsea Design Centre and were invited to participate in WOW!house 2025. Their goal was to expand the reach of the exhibition by including technology specialists who could integrate systems that enhance how people live in the spaces being showcased.
“Interestingly, we had already deployed and still manage the lighting controls for the space that WOW!house is built within, so this effectively became a project within a project. We were paired with interior designer Alex Dauley, whose design ethos resonated deeply with our own. The brief was open: it had to be a media
room, but the interpretation was entirely down to Alex’s creative vision and our technical execution. It was a true collaboration from the outset.”
Durgesh adds, “Following the introduction, we exchanged ideas over a few calls and emails and quickly realised we shared a mutual respect for detail, functionality and storytelling through space. To give Alex a deeper understanding of our capabilities, we invited Alex and her team to the KEF Music Gallery London, where we had completed a flagship AV installation the previous year. That visit proved pivotal. It demonstrated our ability to deliver performance without compromising design. From there, the collaboration developed organically.”
During a trip to visit the installation, Durgesh explained to EI that the original concept was a soft, design-led media room with subtle AV. As conversations developed, the shared ambition grew.
Durgesh reveals, “We proposed a full Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 system, integrated lighting and curtain control, a fully concealed AV setup, a motorised hidden bar and a robust automation platform tying it all together. Our goal was to deliver the same technical performance we would offer in a private residence. Rather than resist the complexity, Alex embraced it. The space became not just a room, but a narrative showing that great design and smart technology can elevate one another.”
EI has to say this ambition was fully realised as in just the relatively short visit, visitors were drawn to the space, intrigued by its combination of luxury furnishings and finishes along with the technology that worked perfectly together – the room just begged to be sat in.
A real challenge was the short lead and build times the project presented. WOW!House was on for just one month, from June 3 to July 3 and the room sets had to be built on site in under one week.
Durgesh reveals, “We de-risked the programme as early as possible. The entire structure was prebuilt offsite at our joinery partner’s factory in Northwest London, while all AV equipment and systems were assembled, programmed and tested at our HQ. When WOW!house’s five-day install window arrived, we reassembled the structure, integrated the AV and completed all final finishes. The schedule was intense, but through planning, long hours and our team’s commitment, we delivered to the highest standard.”
The room begs to be interacted with
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
The Date Night Media Room features a KEF Ci3160RL-THX 5.1.2 speaker system and KC92 subwoofer, all concealed behind fabric walls using Cinema Build Systems. The fabric treatments required precise perforation to maintain acoustic transparency while preserving Alex’s aesthetic vision. KEF’s Uni-Q drivers allowed creative placement without sacrificing sound staging. The 77in Sony OLED display was selected for its image fidelity, clean industrial design and seamless integration with Crestron. Audio and control were handled by an Anthem AVM 70 processor and MCA multichannel amplification. A Kaleidescape Strato V provided reference grade playback, offering uncompressed video and audio with flawless reliability needed as the demo would run all day, every day for one month. Control was handled via a Lutron HomeWorks QSX processor, Alisse keypads, a Crestron handheld remote, and a wall-mounted Crestron touch screen, running Crestron Home. These enabled total control of AV, lighting scenes and the Future Automation lift, which raised a piece of artwork to reveal a beautifully illuminated hidden cocktail bar, which was a particularly nice touch.
A recessed Lutron curved curtain track provided fully automated shading, integrated into mood scenes and accessible via ad hoc control. Lighting scenes were developed to support both functionality and atmosphere to strong effect.
Durgesh underlines, “Working with John Cullen Lighting across several rooms reaffirmed our belief that great lighting outcomes come from both lighting design and
lighting control. Networking was also a major challenge in a temporary show environment. We opted for dual WAN connections which were load balanced, deploying a Unifi Dream Machine, Unifi POE switch and Unifi APs. Unifi Connect allowed us to run looped content across rooms and manage network health in real time. Despite running up to eight hours per day for over a month, the system required zero support or restarts – a testament to its stability and engineering.”
UNIQUE CHALLENGES
Every technical aspect had to serve both performance and design. Speaker placement was dictated by fabric architecture and rack placement had to fit within the room’s footprint.
Durgesh reflects, “We worked with Alex to turn a major design feature into a concealed
equipment bay. Thermal management was another challenge, as the temporary structure trapped heat, so we designed and installed discreet extraction to vent rack temperatures. We also implemented a 100m fibre and DALI run across the full length of WOW!house to link the media room and garden racks. Creating a system that ‘just worked’ for all stakeholders, even with conflicting demands like music overlays and HDMI switching, required faultless integration.
So now the dust has settled, what was the team’s favourite part? Durgesh does not hesitate, “The bar reveal. As the artwork silently lifted and soft lighting illuminated the hidden bar, visitors gasped – a rare, authentic reaction in the tech world. It was a moment where engineering, design and surprise came together perfectly.”
The bar reveal seen here and below was a big hit
THE GARDEN: EXTERIOR AUDIO AND DISPLAY SYSTEM
For the Randle Siddeley Garden Terrace, the brief was to keep AV invisible but powerful.
Dugesh says, “We installed a Paradigm Landscape Oasis 8.1 system for consistent coverage and mounted three 85in Sony professional displays vertically behind lattice panels. These played content designed to evoke nature and give the illusion of extended space, like windows to the world. All systems were tied into the wider Lutron and Crestron ecosystem and featured timed scene events and environmental resilience.
“Indoor systems rely on controlled acoustics and visual environments. Outdoors, durability, coverage and subtlety are key. You’re working with soil, moisture, weather and concealment.
AV should enhance the landscape; your soundscape should be natural and surround you evenly.”
DEEP INVOLVEMENT
Beyond the media room and garden, Nucleus AV also assisted other spaces. The team also supported Philip Jeffries Study by Tollgard Studio with integrated B&O audio and B&O TV with Lutron lighting. The B&O elements and Alisse keypad became a sculptural element in their own right. The company was also involved with House of Rohl Primary Bathroom by 1508 London, creating layered lighting scenes using Lutron HomeWorks to support their design narrative of Reflection, Ritual, and Reverie. Finally the team was involved with the McKinnon and Harris Garden Terrace by Randle Siddeley. Here, Nucleus designed and installed
the outdoor AV system and lighting control using Lutron HomeWorks. Outdoor AV was an important feature of the space.
BUSINESS BENEFITS OF WOW!HOUSE
Durgesh reports, “The event dramatically raised our profile within the design community. It led to direct project opportunities, media coverage and deepened relationships with suppliers and designers. Internally, it pushed us to deliver on compressed timelines without compromise. It also helped us show partner brands that we’re willing to step forward and represent them well. Whether it brings us business or simply increases their exposure, we see it as a joint effort in elevating our industry.”
Durgesh would recommend the experience to others. “WOW!house proves AV belongs in beautifully designed spaces, not as an afterthought but as a central part of the experience and design process. It’s a platform to inspire, to collaborate and to show that technology can be a creative partner, not just an appliance. It is where our industry’s future is shaped, and where design and integration truly converge.”
EI wholeheartedly agrees. What the company created here was truly impressive and more importantly, not just to the AV crowd, but to those concerned with interiors, it showed that AV and automation is just as ‘luxury’ as everything else that made up the space.
Nucleus AV nucleusav.com
Photo credit: Alex Dauley @alexandriadauley and Tom Staubyn @tomstaubynphotography
The perfect combination of tech and style
PERFECTION AT PINECROFT
Cinema Luxe and ImmersiFi combined their expertise to deliver an extraordinary private cinema that transformed a compromised garage space into a reference-level entertainment environment. The project went on to win Best Home Cinema Over £50K at the Smart Building Awards. Darren Barker, Design Director at Cinema Luxe, shares how the team achieved perfection under pressure.
The client wanted a world-class immersive cinema experience with zero compromise on either performance or design. Every aspect — from acoustic precision to visual presentation
— had to reflect reference-level quality. The finished space also needed to maintain a contemporary aesthetic, concealing all traces of the complex technology that lay beneath.
The chosen location for this dream system, however, was far from ideal. What had been a domestic garage had to be converted into a world-class performance space, delivering both the sonic and visual qualities associated with far larger and better-proportioned rooms.
THE CHALLENGE
The starting point presented almost every imaginable difficulty for a home cinema
installation. The ceiling was exceptionally low, and the space was filled with structural and service-based obstacles that could not be moved.
The team had to contend with load-bearing beams, electrical and plumbing runs, a rear entry door that blocked ideal projector placement and a 70mm floor fall from front to back. Every surface presented a limitation, demanding creative and highly technical solutions.
THE APPROACH
Cinema Luxe and ImmersiFi collaborated closely from the start, combining design precision with on-site engineering expertise. Using advanced 3D modelling and acoustic simulation, we devised a construction strategy that concealed the garage’s structural obstacles while creating a technically optimised acoustic and visual environment.
Custom side wall build-outs were created to house four Wisdom Audio subwoofers, rotated 90 degrees to enhance bass smoothness and improve room proportions. The front and rear walls were engineered with a minimalist profile to maximise screen size and projector throw distance, ensuring a more immersive viewing experience.
To achieve perfect sound axis alignment, bespoke loudspeaker carcasses were built and angled precisely toward the listening position. Acoustic treatments were designed from the simulation data, combining absorption, bass trapping and diffusion for a balanced, reference-grade in-room response.
A key innovation was a custom projector mounting system fabricated in-house by Cinema Luxe. This allowed precise lens shift and corrected projection geometry, solving the problem of a restricted rear wall and off-centre entry door.
The 70mm floor fall was eliminated through a complete reconstruction of the subfloor, ensuring structural integrity and a flawless visual finish.
TECHNICAL DELIVERY
Every part of the installation was approached with an obsessive focus on precision and performance. The system design centred on Wisdom Audio loudspeakers and subwoofers, integrated into custom-built enclosures that allowed perfect acoustic alignment within the limited dimensions of the room.
A Sony VPL-XW7000 projector partnered with a 130in Screen Research acoustically transparent screen to deliver cinematic-scale visuals within a compact footprint. The Lumagen Radiance Pro video processor was introduced to ensure reference-grade image calibration and fine-tuned colour accuracy.
System control was unified through Crestron, integrating seamlessly with a Lutron lighting system to provide effortless operation via intuitive touch panels. The result is a cinema that feels natural to use despite its complexity, with lighting, playback and room functions all synchronised into a single, elegant interface.
Acoustic control was equally refined. Cinema Luxe’s modelling informed a precise combination of broadband absorption, bass trapping and diffusion, all hidden behind
bespoke fabric walls. Even the HVAC system was integrated silently, ensuring comfort without intrusion. Custom projector mounts, concealed service runs and detailed carpentry complete a space where every millimetre contributes to performance and design harmony.
OUTCOME AND PERFORMANCE
Despite the severe limitations of the original space, the finished cinema meets — and in several areas exceeds — reference performance standards. The result is a beautifully balanced, technically precise room that feels effortless and elegant.
The interior gives no visual hint of the extreme engineering beneath. Every surface, fixture and fitting contributes to a minimalist, high-end aesthetic that allows the technology to disappear completely.
CLIENT RESPONSE
The client described the experience as “beyond expectations”, expressing astonishment at how the team had transformed a previously unusable garage into their favourite room in the house. The discreet detailing, seamless control and immersive performance have made it the most used and admired space in their home.
Close collaboration between Cinema Luxe and ImmersiFi delivered an award winning result
23-24 SEPTEMBER 2026
NEC BIRMINGHAM, UK
A GAME CHANGING EVENT FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING INDUSTRY
Covering everything from Lighting and Wiring Accessories to EV and Renewables.
ECN Live! 2026 is an industry game changing trade show for electrical contractors, electricians, buyers, specifiers, and key stakeholders in the electrical contracting sector. Gain valuable insights into the most valuable aspects of electrical contracting, such as lighting, circuit protection, cable management, HVAC, fire safety, EV, renewables, solar and more! ECN Live! will be co-locating with EI Live!, the UK’s only dedicated smart home show, an already established show, now in its 15th year. Given the synergy between these two markets, electrical contractors and electricians will gain valuable knowledge about the world of smart home integration and add another string to their bow as an installer. Don’t miss this innovative co-located event that defines the standard for connection, knowledge sharing, and solutions tailored for today’s electrical professionals.
23-24 SEPTEMBER 2026
BIG NEWS IN THE AV & SMART HOME SECTOR!
EI Live! the UK’s top trade show, teams up with ECN Live! for an all-new event experience. This unique collaboration promises unparalleled insights and opportunities in a unified venue.
The residential AV and home automation industries have relied on EI Live! as a primary event for 14 years, but as the market grows and overlaps with electrical contracting, there is an opportunity to bridge these industries. To address this, EI Live! is re-locating to the NEC Birmingham for its 2026 event and will run alongside ECN Live! This joint exhibition creates a collaborative space for AV and smart home professionals to engage directly with electricians and electrical contractors, fostering synergy across these interconnected markets.
