Hyderabad-based Architect Ar. Ravi Kumar Bathula, Principal Architect, THE DESIGN has designed a palatial home for G.Satyanarayana Goud spread over an area of 12,000 sq ft in Hyderabad. This residence not only resonates with modern elegance but has been integrated with the latest smart home automation systems.
Scope of Work
Ar. Ravi Bathula has skillfully merged modern design elements; seamlessly connected the lush green surrounding with interiors and further hired renowned system integrator Incygys Automation to integrate smart automation systems that has resulted in a perfect comfort zone for the homeowners. Further, one can admire the space planning, where each space is interlinked with each other to form a unified design and is further connected with home automation systems that take care of all the client’s requirements right from security, lighting to entertainment space.
The Client’s Vision
The affluent client wanted this home to reflect his status and lifestyle to the visitors. As the client is well travelled and is well versed with the benefits of automation systems, he had given a free hand to the Ar. Ravi Bathula to install the latest automation systems. Hence, the residence is fully automated with a specific emphasis on lighting and technology. The architect designed the home to provide the client with an experience of a different kind where everything is at the touch of a button.
Project Planning & Implementation Phase
Ar. Ravi Bathula studied the project’s scope, the initial technology layout was designed. In the second phase, the architect’s floor plan was used to build and assemble wiring layouts, control devices, displays, equipment racks, speakers and lighting components that included switches and dimmers for the automation system. Next, the architect provided the integrator with all the information necessary to install and program the systems, as well as provide the client with comprehensive system documentation.
Automation Brands Used
The architect segregated the entire project into 11 zones, including the entryway, kitchen, living room, bedroom, media room, hallways, garage, lawn, walk-in wardrobe, bar lounge and outdoor seating area. Fewer compatible brands were utilised to maintain uniformity across the user interface, automation protocols, and system programming.
Automation solutions were provided using RTI, KNX, Hager, Legrand, and Basalte components. Invac offered Centralised Vacuum Systems, and the full integration was done by Incygys Automation from Hyderabad.
Installing the System
After a detailed study , the architect and the team finally decided to install Invac Central Vacuum Systems. Keeping the client’s convenience in mind, the system was customised to collect all dirt and waste in the house and direct it to an out-of-the-way receptacle via tubing installed in the walls. The power source has been concealed and positioned in a fixed location. The team has installed the inlets in convenient spots and around the house. Instead of connecting a portable vacuum to fixed electrical outlets, the team has provided flexibility to the owner to relocate the central vacuum line from the inlet and also provided an automatic dustpan that enables them to sweep dirt into a wall vent.
Smart Lighting Control
Smart lighting not only enhances the overall decor of the home but also provides the client with greater control over their lighting. They can manage each smart bulb and LED-integrated fixture wirelessly using their phone, tablet, and smart assistant. The installed lighting system provides the client with numerous tangible benefits in comparison to traditional bulbs, which require a switch to control the lights. Here the smart LED lights are controlled via an app or other smart accessories. The smart LED bulbs last significantly longer and produce less heat than standard light bulbs, requiring less energy and the client can check the status of their lights from anywhere, because they can be controlled remotely as well.
Smart Automation further provides the ease where the Smart LED bulbs can be set up individually or in groups. The client can configure timers to turn Off or On the lights at a certain time. When they are not at home, the system can be set to switch On and Off the lights mode.
Another noteworthy feature is the instant mood lighting, which is preset and the bespoke light fixtures can be operated at the touch of a button to create the required ambience. These light fixtures offer various colour options from warm lighting to white lighting or coloured LED lights.
HVAC Automation and Smart Control
Automation of HVAC systems lowers the need for human intervention. This was accomplished with the help of a Coolmaster HVAC automation controller. Coolmaster is a plug-and-play device that allows Home Automation to be seamlessly and universally integrated with any Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) or Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) HVAC system. This device enables automation integrators to control, monitor, maintain and manage any VRF or VRV system by establishing a universal communication channel between HVAC and automation systems.
Benefits and Operation of the HVAC System
- The process variable to be controlled: A process variable is the current measured value of a particular part of a process that is being monitored or controlled i.e. temperature
- A desired control setpoint for the variable: In temperature control applications a setpoint is the target value (desired temperature) at which a controller attempts to maintain the process variable. This can be achieved by adjusting its control output power (the correcting variable).
- A controlled device: The master controlling device is the thermostat.
- A controller that manages decision making: A temperature controller is a device that is used to control the HVAC by comparing a sensor signal with a set point and performing calculations according to the deviation between those values.
- A sensor to give some feedback for a directed change to maximise the energy efficiency with Automated HVAC Systems
- Off-hour controls with automatic shutdown feature in HVAC systems regulate start/stop under different time schedules, based on occupancies, life safety and security reasons.
- Motorised shutoff damper controls for outdoor air intake and exhaust systems automatically open or close the systems when not in use to reduce energy costs.
- Ventilation fan controls to automatically shut off fans when not required.
- Using static pressure reset based on the zone to optimise variable air volume (VAV) pressure in systems reduces the amount of power a fan needs.
- Multiple-zone HVAC system, with supply-air temperature reset controls that respond to the outdoor air temperature based on the most recent climate zone.
- Pump-pressure optimization in systems reduces pump energy by varying control valve positions in a hydronic system of the villa, resulting in variable fluid flows.
Benefits of other Integrations
Smart Water Management: The installation helps in controlled water irrigation for landscaping as well as monitoring water level through sensors where it automatically operates the water pumps.
Media Room: Specification and equipment in the media room included: 7.4.2 Dolby surround from TruAudio USA; Tru Audio Elite Series 46 – 7 channel surround; Marantz Amplifier and AV receiver; Tru Audio Atmos Surround and Sunfire Subwoofer.
Facade Illumination: Ar. Ravi Bathula majorly focused on the façade of the house and implemented Several lighting calibrations which set to give off different kinds of lighting based on the sun path. The programming can also turn on and off automatically. Dimming Technology has been used extensively to highlight the architectural elements of the design. Through the use of RFID sensing, the gate will open and close on its own as the vehicles belonging to the client approach it.
Motion Sensing Lights: These lights have been installed in all bathrooms, washrooms and wardrobes. The Automated Window Treatment determines when the curtains are open or closed based on the lux level and the direction the window faces.
Benefits of Smart Automation
Technology has enabled the client to automate several parts of their bungalow. It enables them to run, manage, and monitor their home from their smartphones. The client achieved the ability to control appliances and lighting in their house from any location at the push of a button. They can lock their doors with a single click on their smart device from anywhere with automatic door locks. The client can regulate the HVAC system to set the temperature to their preference. Plus, with the home automation system, they are able to set thermostats from anywhere so that they arrive home to a suitable temperature. The client’s primary concern was the protection of their children which has been well managed through security cameras, they can open the doors and monitor when the kids come and exit.
This smart technology will save energy by turning off lights when children or adults forget to turn them off when leaving a room.
Experience & Takeaways
Each project we deal with requires a very unique solution and to see it come to life, and harmonise with the design language of the architects/interior designers is a thrilling experience. The projects we work on give us the confidence that we are providing a better future for our clients and we look forward to new innovations that enhance one’s lifestyle.
