Imagine. At the slightest touch the room dims to the right scene, music starts playing and the curtains close. Ready for a cosy evening. Easily control everything with a gentle touch of your Basalte Home app, design keypads and intelligent remote control.
Visit our booth 2G150 at ISE and discover how we unite exclusive design and smart home technology.
Scan the QR-code and join us at ISE.
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design for your intelligent home
GETTING IN TOUCH
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Daniel J Sait, dan@allthingsmedialtd.com
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Ian Kitchener, ian@allthingsmedialtd.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Kelly Byne, kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com
GROUP AD MANAGER
Steve White, steve@allthingsmedialtd.com
CEO
David Kitchener, david@allthingsmedialtd.com
STUDIO MANAGER
Mark Weller, mark@allthingsmedialtd.com
ACCOUNTS
susan@allthingsmedialtd.com
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The editors and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. Whilst we make every effort to ensure that everything is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur.
In all matters, the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to Essential Install magazine are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication. All articles are copyright and remain the property of Essential Install magazine.
LIGHT AND SHADE
Lighting and shading are sometimes referred to as if they are specialist add-ons to a smart home project. In reality, they are anything but. Everyone has lights. Almost every home has some form of window covering. Which means that whether clients think of themselves as ‘smart home people’ or not, they are already making decisions in these categories. The opportunity for professional installers is not convincing homeowners that lighting and shading matter – it is making sure our sector is the one that benefits when those decisions are made.
Intelligent lighting and shading sit at a rare intersection. They are practical, emotional, visible and measurable. Few other systems touch so many aspects of daily life while also delivering clear energy, comfort and security benefits. For installers, that combination makes them one of the most powerful entry points into wider smart home conversations.
The most immediate impact is often the one clients feel rather than measure. Good lighting design transforms how a home looks and how it feels to live in. Scenes that subtly shift throughout the day, warmer tones in the evening, cooler task lighting when needed –these are changes that homeowners notice instantly. Add automated shading into the mix and spaces become calmer, more consistent and more comfortable without any conscious effort from the user. Rooms stop fighting the sun and start working with it.
Efficiency is the next layer and it is becoming increasingly important to clients. Automated lighting ensures energy is only used where and when it is needed. Intelligent shading reduces heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, easing the load on HVAC systems and lowering energy bills. These are tangible outcomes that resonate well beyond the technology enthusiast and into the mainstream homeowner mindset.
Security and peace of mind also play a significant role. Automated lighting and shading can give a home a lived-in appearance when occupants are away, integrate seamlessly with alarm systems and react dynamically to events such as motion detection or time of day.
Unlike traditional security solutions, these features work quietly in the background, enhancing protection without making the home feel more secure.
Perhaps the most compelling reason lighting and shading represent such a strong opportunity is that they scale beautifully. A project might begin with a single room or a simple shading upgrade, but the value becomes obvious very quickly. Once clients experience the convenience and comfort these systems deliver, expanding the system or integrating it with audio, climate or security feels like a natural next step rather than an upsell.
For installers, this is where the sector must be careful not to undersell itself. Lighting and
shading are not commodities when designed and installed properly. They are systems that require knowledge, planning and an understanding of how people actually live in their homes. That expertise is exactly what sets professional integrators apart from retail and DIY alternatives.
This supplement explores the technology, design thinking and best practice that make intelligent lighting and shading such a compelling proposition. The challenge – and opportunity – for our industry is clear. These are systems every homeowner already engages with. It is up to us to ensure they experience them at their very best.
Don’t forget entertainment; inclusion in home cinema, media rooms and listening spaces is also a powerful ally
INFINITY: AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO STAR CEILINGS FOR HOME CINEMA
At Starscape Star Ceilings Ltd, our goal has always been simple: to create breathtaking visual experiences while making life easier for professional installers.
Infinity, our modular, panel-based star ceiling system, is the result of more than a decade of innovation, refinement and hands-on installation experience in projects around the world.
Since launching Infinity in 2012, we have seen it specified in installations from Norway to Nigeria and from Canada to Dubai. While the system has been widely adopted across hospitality and commercial environments, it is within the dedicated home cinema market that Infinity truly excels, offering a dramatic visual feature that enhances immersion without adding unnecessary complexity to the build.
DESIGNED FOR SIMPLICITY
Infinity was developed to remove many of the challenges traditionally associated with fibreoptic star ceilings. The system is based around 1m² modular panels that combine our magnetic track mounting system with the LightFlow
optical joint. Together, these elements allow panels to be positioned quickly, aligned precisely and connected with minimal effort.
The result is a system that can be installed confidently even by first-time users. For experienced integrators, Infinity significantly reduces installation time while still delivering a premium, bespoke finish that meets the expectations of high-end home cinema clients.
SPEED WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Traditional fibre-optic ceilings can be timeconsuming to install, particularly on larger projects. Infinity changes that equation entirely. With each panel covering one square metre and arriving pre-populated with 100 star points, a full ceiling array can be completed far more quickly than with conventional methods.
Speed, however, never comes at the expense of impact. Each Infinity panel features a carefully balanced mix of fibre diameters arranged in a naturalistic layout designed to replicate the appearance of a real night sky.
When combined across an entire ceiling, the result is immersive, atmospheric and perfectly suited to the cinematic environment.
A TRULY BESPOKE FEATURE
While Infinity is modular by design, it is never generic. Every project is treated as bespoke, with panels tailored to the specific dimensions and requirements of the space. We can reshape panels to suit complex ceiling layouts and seamlessly integrate speakers, projectors, ventilation or other fixtures commonly found in modern cinema rooms.
Beyond the standard star field, we also offer a range of additional effects to elevate the overall design. These include shooting stars, constellations or fully customised star layouts that allow designers and clients to create something truly unique. A wide selection of fabric finishes is available, including acoustically transparent materials, making Infinity particularly well suited to performance-focused cinema spaces.
This flexibility gives installers confidence that Infinity can be specified for almost any environment, whether it is a dedicated home cinema, a media room, a child’s bedroom or even a nightclub installation.
CONTROL THAT FITS THE SMART HOME
Infinity is designed to integrate seamlessly into today’s smart homes. Unlike systems that embed electronics directly into ceiling panels, our approach uses dedicated remote lightsources that can be located away from the ceiling array. This allows all electrical components to be housed in a single, accessible location and ensures there are no parts within the panels that require ongoing maintenance.
Our MiniLED DMX lightsources provide a broad range of lighting and control options,
including full RGBW colour mixing. They can be integrated easily with leading home automation platforms such as Lutron, Rako, Control4 and Zigbee, giving homeowners complete control over ambience and scene setting. Whether the brief calls for a subtle twinkle during a film or a more dynamic lighting effect between screenings, Infinity delivers with ease.
INNOVATIVE FIXING AND FIRST FIX EFFICIENCY
A key part of Infinity’s appeal lies in our Starscape track and LightFlow optical jointing system. Every project is supplied with a detailed, dedicated installation plan, allowing the magnetic mounting track to be installed quickly and accurately during the first-fix stage. The track provides excellent adjustability, enabling installers to achieve an almost
seamless finish once the panels are in place. The LightFlow optical joint was designed by us to provide a secure yet flexible method of connecting fibre-optic tails, supporting a clean and efficient workflow on site.
Together, these elements allow the firstfix phase to be completed quickly and neatly, reducing installation time and minimising disruption to other trades.
CLEAR AND TRANSPARENT PRICING
Infinity’s pricing model has been developed with installers firmly in mind. Our clear and uncomplicated Trade and Retail pricing structures allow rapid, accurate on-site estimations, while transparent discounts ensure consistency across projects. This approach gives both integrators and clients confidence that they are receiving genuine value.
A PROVEN SOLUTION FOR HOME CINEMA
Infinity represents a modern, installer-friendly approach to star ceilings, delivering visual drama without unnecessary complexity. For home cinema projects where atmosphere is as important as performance, it provides a reliable and flexible solution that enhances the overall experience.
For further information, contact David at david@starscape.co.uk or call 01289 332900 for a jargon-free conversation about how Infinity can be incorporated into a home cinema project.
Starscape Star Ceilings starscape.co.uk
13�5 MAGNETIC TRACK SYSTEM
NanoBrite is an ultra-slim magnetic track lighting system designed for contemporary interiors where clean lines matter. With a discreet 13.5mm profile, it integrates neatly into ceilings while retaining the flexibility designers expect from modular track. Luminaires attach magnetically and can be repositioned to adapt to changing layouts from residential spaces to retail and hospitality projects.
Available in surface and plaster-in recessed options, NanoBrite supports a range of lighting formats, including spots and linear modules, enabling consistent design language throughout a scheme. The result is architectural illumination that feels intentional, refined, and highly adaptable without the bulk of
Elevate your spaces with Anti glare LED profile range designed to deliver protecting your eyes from harsh LED aluminium, Anti glare profiles are installations, whether recessed,
ANTI GLARE LINEAR
Illuminate spaces with elegance 60mm diameter linear LED tube, anti-glare film. Designed to diffuse surface softens harsh LED beams, effect while maintaining
The Arc LED tru-colour range is a high-performance premium LED
(CRI 98+) – replicating natural light with remarkable precision.
ANTI GLARE
glare Profile, the premium anti-glare deliver smooth, diffused lighting while LED glare. Crafted from high-quality perfect for seamless architectural plaster-in, or surface-mounted.
LINEAR TUBE
elegance and comfort using this tube, featuring a water ripple diffuse light evenly, the rippled beams, creating a visually soothing maintaining brightness and clarity
| LED MODULES
Our tru-colour LED modules are engineered to deliver CRI97+, placing them among the highest colour-rendering LEDs available on the market today. This means they reproduce colours with outstanding accuracy, clarity, and consistency, closely matching the quality of natural daylight.
• True-to-life colour rendering
• Enhanced reds and warm tones
• Improved visual comfort
• Consistent, reliable quality
Damien Winters, MD, Aldous Systems, takes us through developments of their in-house brand, and why Integrators should be offering shading on every project.
“We continue to hear from integrators that when budgets get squeezed the AV or perceived “toys” can get cut back, but design led elements such as curtains, shades, and lighting are often retained.
Rather than be a negative this can present an opportunity to the savvy integrator firstly by ensuring you are offering the lighting and shading yourself as part of your package and secondly by shifting head end and control elements into the shading and lighting budget the remaining AV system or cinema room becomes a lower cost - a win win for the integrator and the overall project scope.
Light & Shade by Aldous Systems is a carefully curated, complimentary range of brands and products offering integrators all they need to include shading, lighting, and controls for all budgets in both Residential and Commercial projects.”
But why get involved at all? Here are just a few examples of why you need to be offering shading as part of your business!
Integrating Shading and Curtain Track Solutions: A Smart Move for Integrators in the Energy-Efficient Design Led Smart Home
In the world of smart homes where every system and device can be connected for enhanced control, convenience, and efficiency, the integration of energy management technologies is one of the most significant opportunities for custom integrators today.
As home automation continues to grow in popularity, the demand for energy-efficient solutions and lifestyle-enhancing technologies has soared. For integrators this presents an ideal opportunity to create more value for clients, and capture a larger share of an expanding market. Among the most powerful, yet often overlooked,
technologies in the smart home landscape is shading and curtain track systems.
Adding these systems to smart home projects is not only a strategic move for enhancing energy management but also a profitable step.
The Growing Demand for Smart Shading and Energy Management
Shading systems are an essential yet often underutilised component of a complete energy management strategy. Smart shading solutions, integrated with home automation platforms, allow homeowners to optimise the natural lighting and temperature within their homes, reducing reliance on heating and air conditioning systems. This not only leads to energy savings but also enhances the overall comfort of living spaces. In fact, according to one report the global smart shading market is projected to double by 2030, driven by an increasing focus on energy efficiency and demand for home automation solutions.
Integrating shading solutions into a home’s automation system makes perfect sense from an energy management standpoint. Automated window coverings can be programmed to open and close depending on the time of day, the season, or specific environmental conditions. Imagine a combined shading and lighting solution, backed by sensors for lux level and colour temperature, automatically maintaining an ideal illumination level regardless of time of day or task at hand. Complimented by beautiful fabrics and on-wall controls.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Market Growth and Integration Opportunities
The 2023 CEDIA Market Intelligence report revealed that only 43% of projects included lighting/shading systems, with projections indicating that this number will sharply increase by as much as 34%. Considering that integrators in the same report showed lighting and shading as being the second largest source of revenue, the potential here is huge if you are not already offering lighting & shading to your customers.
What's New?
• Our latest Fabric Books are now available. The Premium version includes 3 soft fabric backed folders in a custom carry bag, and because you are likely to leave some fabrics with customers from time to time, refills are free!
• Zero deflection roller shades up to 5m are now available for even the largest glazed areas minimising light gaps.
Conclusion: A Sensible and Profitable Step for Integrators
Automated shading systems offer excellent margins! Shading solutions tend to have higher markups compared to other standard smart home devices and maintain their value compared to consumerised devices. As part of a custom installation project, the integration of automated shading can be seen as a premium upgrade driving up the project value. Furthermore, offering clients these systems aligns with their overall design aesthetic or interest in energy efficiency, which in turn makes it an easier sell.
sales@aldoussystems.co.uk 01296 719582
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING ZEROS IN ON ZENNIO
Zennio plays a major role in the refurbishment of the IET Building’s lighting system.
IET London: Savoy Place has been a distinguished, outstanding and competitive conferencing and events venue in the heart of the capital for over 100 years and is home to the Institute of Engineering and Technology. It underwent a significant refurbishment in 2015. However, after nearly nine years, the lighting control system originally installed began to show signs of ageing.
The system’s proprietary nature led to frequent breakages, with multiple points of failure due to its complexity. As a result, the decision was made to replace the outdated lighting control system with a more reliable, flexible and cost-effective solution. In 2024, the IET made a significant investment that will save £30k annually.
CHALLENGES
The existing lighting control system was based on a closed protocol, meaning it could only be maintained and serviced by the original installers. This not only led to high costs but also caused operational challenges due to frequent failures and system complexity.
The goal was to replace this with an open protocol lighting control system, allowing flexibility in maintenance, installation and commissioning by any qualified lighting control company. This would also help reduce ongoing operational expenditure (OPEX) and ensure the building’s lighting system was future-proof.
SOLUTION EVALUATION
Several lighting control systems were investigated to find the most suitable solution for Savoy Place. Each system had its own
merits, but KNX stood out as the most flexible and future-proof solution.
KNX is an open standard for building automation, offering non-proprietary technology that can be easily integrated into both domestic and commercial environments. Its key benefits include:
• Low ongoing maintenance costs
• Flexibility and future-proofing
• Extended lifespan (an additional 10 years)
• Reduced OPEX budget
• Open protocol maintenance, allowing easy servicing by any provider
• Reliability and sustainability
• A wide international community and software protocol
IMPLEMENTATION
After a rigorous tender process, IEI Ltd was selected to install the new KNX lighting control system. Its ability to manage the complexity of the existing system and work within tight timeframes was crucial, particularly as the works were carried out during the IET’s busiest August period on record.
The installation faced several unexpected challenges, including rooms that contained up to seven Light Control Modules (LCMs). These were replaced with just two KNX panels, significantly simplifying the system and reducing points of failure. IEI Ltd’s ability to provide flexible, ad hoc solutions to overcome unforeseen issues proved invaluable.
A key requirement was to ensure all components of the lighting control system were sourced from a single manufacturer to ensure compatibility and ease of maintenance. After considerable research, Zennio Avance y Tecnologias S.L., a Spanish manufacturer with UK subsidiary representation, was selected as the supplier. Zennio’s product portfolio included all the necessary components, such as:
• Touch panels
• Universal power supplies
• IP routers
• Motion sensors
• DALI lighting controls
• Universal dimmers
• Blind and shutter actuators
Zennio’s ability to supply all components from a single source, combined with rapid response times, strong stock availability and a five-year warranty, made the company an ideal choice for the project.
OUTCOME
Once fully integrated, the KNX system delivered a flexible, scalable and cost-effective solution for the IET building. The system is housed within a KNX control panel and connected via a server forwarding to an app, allowing lighting to be controlled via mobile devices such as tablets and phones. This enhances the user experience, offering convenience and reliable lighting control throughout the building.
CONCLUSION
The successful installation of the KNX lighting control system at Savoy Place has provided the IET with a state-of-the-art solution that is both future-proof and cost-efficient in terms of installation and ongoing maintenance. The organisation now benefits from a lighting system that is easier to manage, more flexible and more reliable.
The project’s success can be attributed to the professionalism, expertise and adaptability of IEI Ltd, along with the seamless integration of Zennio’s equipment. The IET greatly appreciates the effort, determination and dedication of all parties involved, particularly IEI Ltd, for completing the project within the required timescales.
The improved lighting control system delivers significant benefits in maintenance costs, system reliability and long-term sustainability. This project demonstrates how careful planning and the right technical solutions can overcome the challenges of outdated infrastructure and deliver a future-ready solution for a worldclass institution.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
“We are extremely satisfied with the results of the project. The new lighting control system has provided us with better control, reliability and reduced maintenance costs. The dedication of IEI Ltd and their ability to adapt to the unexpected challenges that arose during the installation was invaluable. A big thank you to everyone involved in delivering this successful outcome.”
Zennio zennio.co.uk
The Institute of Engineering and Technology needed a lighting system overhaul
REDEFINING SHADING: MOTORISED SMART SOLUTIONS
Silent Gliss delivers shading as part of a fully connected environment.
As homes and buildings become increasingly connected, shading has evolved from a purely decorative element into an active part of intelligent environments. Silent Gliss has long combined precision engineering with refined design, and today its motorised shading systems are developed to integrate seamlessly within smart homes and building management platforms.
Using proven control options such as dry contact, volt-free switching and third-party automation interfaces, Silent Gliss motorised shading can be grouped, scheduled and incorporated into wider building logic. This allows shading to respond intuitively to time of day, occupancy and environmental conditions, contributing to improved visual comfort, security and energy efficiency.
A FLEXIBLE MOTORISED PORTFOLIO
The Silent Gliss motorised portfolio spans not only curtain tracks but all types of blinds, including roller, dim-out, vertical and roman. The maker offers a solution for all interiors where light control and visual comfort are critical. Designed for residential, commercial and hospitality environments, the range provides flexibility in both performance and aesthetics, accommodating diverse technical and architectural requirements.
A NEW GENERATION OF MOTORISED VERTICAL BLINDS
Continuously expanding, from February a new generation of motorised vertical blinds will join the portfolio, reflecting Silent Gliss’s focus on refinement and performance. Designed for modern connected spaces, the updated system delivers smoother and quieter operation with enhanced integration capabilities. Engineered for controlled blind movement, it provides consistent, uniform shading across large glazed areas.
FLAGSHIP PERFORMANCE WITH SG 5600
At the centre of the motorised curtain offering sits the SG 5600, the flagship Silent Gliss curtain track system. Smooth, silent, fast and powerful, it is designed for demanding residential and commercial applications
where reliability and precision are essential. A brushless DC motor supports curtain weights up to 65 kg and track lengths up to 25 m, while custom bending allows the system to adapt to complex window shapes and architectural features. Ceiling, wall and recessed installation options ensure a discreet, integrated finish. As demand for smart motorisation continues to grow, Matter compatibility has been introduced, enabling straightforward integration with platforms such as Apple HomePod, Google Home and Amazon Echo Dot.
SMART INTEGRATION AT SCALE
As global leaders in motorised shading, Silent Gliss internal shading systems are engineered for connected environments, with compatibility across a wide range of home automation and building management systems. Individual or group operation is available via remote, app or voice command, with gateway and expansion units enabling scalable control across larger projects. Curtains and blinds can be automated together seamlessly to deliver a cohesive shading solution.
REFINED ALTERNATIVES: ROMAN AND ROLLER BLINDS
For projects seeking a softer aesthetic, the SG 2360 motorised roman blind system delivers the same engineering principles in a tailored blind format. Designed for medium and large windows, it combines quiet motor operation and discreet technology with decorative fabrics for a refined finish. As with other Silent Gliss motorised systems, control options remain flexible, supporting both standalone operation and full system integration.
Motorised roller blinds further extend the range, offering shading for all window sizes. Features such as Up-synchro ensure consistent alignment across multiple blinds, while batterypowered options provide a motorised solution where wiring is not possible. Control via automation platforms or the Silent Gliss Move App ensures ease of use across both smart and radio applications.
COMBINING MOTORISED AND MANUAL SOLUTIONS
In situations where motorisation is not required or possible, Silent Gliss offers the flexibility to combine motorised and manual systems within the same project, ensuring a consistent design language throughout. The company also provides complete shading solutions, from hardware to finished blinds and curtains, including fabrics, delivering cohesive performance and aesthetics across residential, commercial and hospitality environments.
INTELLIGENT SHADING FOR MODERN BUILDINGS
Silent Gliss continues to exceed rising expectations around comfort, control and integration. With world-leading quiet and powerful systems, its solutions are designed not simply as window treatments, but as integral components of intelligent, connected environments.
