Case studies

22/9/2003

The SJI Barn Conversion

London-based home systems integrator, SJI Systems, designs and builds integrated solutions for high-end residential properties featuring automation and entertainment systems. A recent barn conversion on which SJI worked, is based in rural Hampshire.

The converted barn in Hampshire

Some custom installations transcend what has gone before. As with most things in our 21st century luxury-seeking times, there are simply no limits as to what can be achieved - given the right amount of skill in application and, of course, the appropriate funds. Not everyone will be able to afford such luxury, but there is nothing wrong with aspiring to own a Ferrari while only being able to afford an MX5.

On the Crest of a wave

The barn conversion boasts no less than eighteen Crestron touchscreens, and is the first UK installation to feature the new Crestron Cat5e multiroom audio/video distribution network. But that's just the tip of a very big iceberg. It also includes three 32", two 42" and one 50" Sony plasma screens.

Integrated living

The sound system comprises a 7.1-channel surround sound cinema with a Myryad MDP 500 Digital Preamp-Processor, Crestron 7 x 200W amplifier, and in-ceiling Sonance speakers. Also included is a state-of-the-art Avaya IP office converged networking system for telephony, data and broadband access, enabling both wired and wireless voice and data communications throughout the main house and nearby buildings. This is clearly more than just an entertainment suite, and there are even more business applications. High-speed Internet access is delivered over ADSL and telephony via multiple ISDN lines. The installation of a voicemail server allows the client to dial into the property and pick up voicemail via a dedicated number. CTI (computer telephony integration) offers pop-up screen PC functionality on calls to twenty individual extensions, offering the same functionality to that of any business/contact centre.

Centralised communications

Music on demand

The business applications have entertainment based functions too. The installation includes the latest ReQuest Multimedia hard disk-based music servers (full details in the equipment listing), controllable by any networked PC throughout the property, or via any of the wall-mounted Crestron touch screens. The client simply loads a CD into any PC on the LAN and is able to 'rip' the CD direct to the server for whole-house music playback.

A total of forty Sonance speakers are installed throughout the property, both internally and externally, with an incredible sixteen Crestron multiroom audio zones (2 x BiPAD8) and sixteen Crestron video zones (1 x PVidx3 & 1 x PVidx4), in conjunction with the new Crestron RMC/RMCLV room control modules. All amplifiers (2 x 16x60 and 1 x 7x200) are Crestron too. Satellite/aerial communications comprise an external, concealed, wall-mounted integrated reception system boasting digital radio (DAB) access, Sky+, FM radio and terrestrial TV.

Motorised plasma in bedroom

Let there be light

Lighting is controllable via six concealed Lutron Grafik Eye dimmers. Seven roof light windows are controlled via the Crestron system, and can be open or shut via any wall-mounted touchscreen.

Surveillance and access control is seamlessly integrated into the overall Crestron system, allowing the client to view multiple CCTV cameras installed around the property via any plasma screen or any video-enabled touchscreen, and permit/deny access to the property gates via any of the eighteen touchscreens. Remote access to the property for remote diagnostics management and client access is made possible via Crestron E-Control.

Surveillance from any plasma screen

Equipment List

AV:
Crestron AV2 Series 2 Control Processor (1).
Crestron C2ENET Card (1).
Crestron CNX-BiPAD8 Pro-Audio Distribution Processor (2).
Crestron CNX-PVID8X3 Pro-Video Distribution System (1).
Crestron CNX-PVID8X4 Pro-Video Distribution System (1).
Crestron CNAMPX-16x60 Amplifiers (2).
Crestron CNAMPx7x200 Amplifier (1).
Crestron STI-PC Cresnet Dual Power Control Modules (7).
Crestron CNRFGWA/UK Wireless Receivers (4).
Crestron ISYS(tm) TP-2000 Touch panels (6).
Crestron CT-1000 Touch panels (8).
Crestron MT-500 Touch panels (3).
Crestron STXi1700 Touch panel (1).
Crestron CNRFHT-30A/UK Remote Controllers (4).
Crestron CNX-RMC Room Control Modules (3).
Crestron CNX-RMCLV Room Control Modules (8).
Crestron E-Control(tm) Remote Access (1).
Audio ReQuest ARQ2-Pro-120 Media Server (1).
Audio ReQuest ARQ-ZONE-120 Zone Extenders (3).
Myryad MDP 500 Digital Preamp-Processor (1).
Sonance In-Ceiling/Outdoor Speakers (40).
Sony 33", 42" + 50" Plasma Displays (6).
Pure Digital Radio (DAB) Tuners (2).
Sony DVD, VCR players (4).
Sky+ Satellite Receivers (2).
Middle Atlantic ERK-2725-LRD Racks (2).

IT:
Avaya IP Office 403 Switch (1).
Avaya 24-port Cajun IP Network Switch (1).
Avaya Wireless IP Data Network (1).
Avaya Wireless PCMCIA Laptop cards (2).
Avaya Compact DECT Wireless IP Telephony (1).
Avaya wired and wireless telephony handsets (10).
Hewlett-Packard Voicemail Server (1).
Watchguard Firewall/MuVPN Access (5).

Lighting:
Lutron Grafik-Eye Dimmers (6).

Support network

The client has also signed up to the SJI OnSite+ support service, one of a selection of carefully-designed packages that make up the SJI On+ Support Program. With OnSite+, the client has unlimited telephone/email access to SJI's in-house contact centre, boasting telephone support, onsite technical assistance, warranty management, system health-checks and on-going programming services. OnSite+ is offered as a Monday-Friday 9:00-5:30 Standard service or as a Premium 24/7 service.

Team effort

As with all SJI projects, this was a company-focused effort and was 100% team driven. SJI was responsible for the complete AV/IT installation, and all final Crestron system programming was carried out in-house. SJI's business partners, under SJI project management, carried out security and satellite installations.

The pool barn project (adjacent to the main house) is currently under construction, with AV/IT systems being installed into the private gym and pool areas with seamless connectivity back to the main house communications room. Finally, cinema room is currently awaiting cabinetry commissioning. Once finished, this Hampshire project will almost certainly be championed as one of the top installations in the UK.

www.sjisystems.com

This case study appears courtesy of Custom Installer magazine.
Tel 01480 469253 edit@insidehi-fi.co.uk