In this self-contained and energy independent villa close to Prague, a Loxone controls an extraordinary range of functions, automatically completing 55,000 tasks every single day.
The homeowners wanted a modern passive house and, thanks to solar panels and working with sunlight, it uses extremely small amount of external energy bringing the costs down to a minimum. Solar panels make enough energy for lights and electric energy, and a sun shield moves every minute as the sun goes around to deliver light and heat to the house, reducing the need for lights. The hydrometer station on the roof of the house helps to predict the weather forecast, and water control is based on this station.
Environmental sustainability
The central focus is environmental sustainability which the smart home system delivers in various ways, firstly with renewable energy. The property has, in effect, a mini solar power plant on its roof. The solar panels that have been installed are capable of generating 10 kW of electricity as of now and will be capable of producing up to 40 kW in the future. The electricity generated is stored in a battery from energy utility CEZ and then used economically according to the needs of the people inside the villa.
Secondly the house is energy efficient. As well as the mini solar power plant, the villa has a weather station on the roof, through which Loxone is able to ensure the energy efficiency of the property. Based on the progress of the sun and the amount of natural light entering the building, the temperature of the villa is controlled through the inclination of the blinds and by opening/ losing the windows and doors. The house also includes a heat recovery unit and the air conditioning system is able to deliver a constant inside temperature.
The villa is also water efficient. The rainwater tank is operated automatically based on the weather forecast to ensure that the garden is watered using the optimal amount of water.
Access control
Loxone motion sensors cover the entire property. When the owner’s family arrives home, the ventilation system starts and the radio comes on. The whole house and garden are controlled by Loxone stereo, with the ability to play music in each room of the house independently.
There are also sensors throughout the property to monitor air quality. This can then be adjusted through the ventilation system, with the owner receiving alerts via the Loxone app in case of any concerns.
The villa even has a solution for blackouts, with priorities such as water heating remaining connected during power cuts while less important functions are switched off.
The 2N IP Style was chosen to be the property’s main intercom. By drawing on the processing power of Axis’ Artpec 7 chip and the flexibility benefits of edge IP devices, the 2N IP Style gives the villa’s owner all of the decision-intelligence they need at their door. Because of this chipset, the intercom platform offers bi-directional video and provides a full-colour picture without any artificial light. Its 5MPx camera’s incorporation of Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technologies ensures full image quality and identification of visitors, even in darkness or uneven lighting conditions outside.
The 2N IP Style is integrated with a camera system that is capable of recognising the number plate, colour and type of car before opening the entrance gate – and it works both for the owner’s car and other people such as cleaners and nannies who visit the villa regularly.
Gareth Robinson, 2N’s solutions manager, said: “The 2N IP Style was designed for exactly this kind of project. In part, that is because of its performance, functionality and aesthetic appeal, which is a step change for the intercoms industry. However, it is also because of the integration options the intercom offers, which means that it can help create this kind of sophisticated smart home ecosystem.”
The intercom is also connected to the alarm system, which is provided by Jaboltron. The alarm system is automatically operational when the owner’s family are not at home, and, at night, also automatically covers the entirety of the house where they do not sleep.
Remote support is provided by 2N as maintenance is carried out such as updating the firmware and cybersecurity features.
