TECHNOLOGICAL OASIS – THE AMX CONTROLLED VILLA AL-BAHAR
The simplicity of touchscreen control, combined with the bulletproof reliability of the AMX system made it the perfect choice for this challenging installation
With its arid climate, 46 degree temperatures and frequent
up generation and as much remote diagnostics and repair
dust storms, Kuwait city is an extreme environment in which
as possible. Finally, the technology was to be seamlessly
to construct a cool, contemporary and high-tech family
integrated for maximum technological effect but with
home. Rising to the challenge, leading systems integrator
minimum aesthetic impact on the clean, modern interior.
SMC has designed and installed a home automation solution for this remarkable property, based around a
SMC responded with an all-encompassing home automation
robust AMX infrastructure, which will withstand not only the
system, built around core AMX technology. Providing the
rigours of the climate but also the high expectations of its
technological backbone behind the entire solution, AMX
technophile owner. Yes, this stunning family home is in fact
ensures that the various systems communicate effectively
an AMX-controlled oasis with a high level of technological
throughout the villa, allowing its occupants to benefit from
intelligence, enabling it to react intuitively to both external
integrated security, energy management and a flexible,
conditions and internal demand.
future-ready entertainment and communications system. The simplicity of touchscreen control, combined with
Measuring an impressive 16,000 sq.ft and of glass and
the bulletproof reliability of the AMX system made it the
concrete construction, Villa Al-Bahar is uncompromisingly
perfect choice for this challenging installation.
contemporary. The property features glass, steel and concrete wings which have been built around a central
No fewer than sixteen AMX touchscreens, including
courtyard and its walls, which are constructed of a series
nine MVP 5200i panels, provide fingertip control of the
of glass panels and operable louvres, allow for abundant
automation elements of which there are many. From an
natural light while preserving cultural traditions of privacy
audio-visual perspective, there is an impressive multi-room
and separation. Into this challenging environment SMC
entertainment system featuring a Kaleidescape music and
was given the task of installing a fully-comprehensive and
movie server and Apple TV. Amina IPTV set top boxes have
centralised automation solution which would incorporate
also been integrated and linked to digital and analogue Arab
the integration of audio visual systems, lighting control,
and European satellite receivers, whilst a Slingbox allows the
access control, CCTV and security, data and telephony,
client to watch programmes from the United States, where
external shutters, and even the villa’s weather station. These
he also owns a property. Any source can be played in any
disparate systems were to be fully integrated so that they
room in the villa or, by simply grouping rooms on the AMX
could be controlled from the one place, but on a number of
touchscreen, entertainment zones can be easily created.
different levels. The client, for example, was to have full and often remote access to all the advanced system settings
The AMX system also allows for the simple control
that he wanted, whilst others in the property were to be
of
given only the functionality that they needed. All systems
communicating with the villa’s built-in systems to give
were to be extremely robust, with fail-safe operation, back-
occupants the environment they want, when they need
A U T O M AT E
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CONNECT
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temperature,
lighting
CONTROL
and
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shades;
effectively
MANAGE
Due to the highly integrated level of control required we chose AMX as the central control platform for its powerful command line programming and flexible touch panel design software. Explains Robin Courtenay, Director, SMC.
it. The extensive use of glass meant that control of direct sunlight and heat was paramount, as was privacy. The AMX system interfaces seamlessly with the villa’s Lutron Homeworks and Lutron shading solutions which ensure that the blinds automatically close with the movement
AMX technology has been seamlessly integrated for maximum technological effect but with minimum esthetic impact on the clean, modern interior
of the sun and provide privacy for the family throughout the day. The property’s rooftop weather station has also been fully integrated into the system. In addition to the usual meteorological monitoring such as temperature, humidity and wind speed, the weather station also detects the presence of sand storms. As soon as a sand storm is detected, the house has been programmed to respond accordingly with the louvres and shutters around the outside of the building closing automatically. Also outside the property, AMX Metreau VOIP enabled communicators provide a robust door entry interface, withstanding both the extreme temperatures and dusty environment to enable one-way visual and two-way audio conversation with visitors. Behind the scenes, no fewer than nine AMX Central Controllers provide the brains behind this comprehensive automation solution, ensuring that all Villa
Featuring a high degree of customisation, this unified AMX control solution ensures that the villa’s occupants get the most out of its installed systems
Al-Bahar’s disparate technologies and operating platforms are fully integrated as part of the central control system. By harnessing the power of AMX technology, SMC has ensured that sophisticated control of Villa Al-Bahar’s complex systems is made as straightforward as possible, not only for its technology-loving client but for all those living within it.
SMC has managed to make a complex house system so easy for users that my family felt at home immediately and in full control in a house that was simple and easy to manage. Remarked the owner.
A U T O M AT E
|
CONNECT
By harnessing the power of AMX technology, sophisticated control of Villa Al-Bahar’s complex systems is made as straightforward as possible
|
CONTROL
|
MANAGE
The touchpanels have been programmed with many bespoke features including prayer times and a family calendar
OVERVIEW
HIGHLIGHT
With its arid climate, 46 degree temperatures and frequent
Providing the technological backbone behind the
dust storms, Kuwait city is an extreme environment in which
entire solution, AMX ensures that the various systems
to construct a cool, contemporary and high-tech family
communicate effectively throughout Villa Al-Bahar, allowing
home. Rising to the challenge, leading systems integrator
its occupants to benefit from integrated security, energy
SMC has designed and installed a home automation solution
management and a flexible, future-ready entertainment and
for this remarkable property, based around a robust AMX
communications system. Amongst the automation features
infrastructure, which will withstand not only the rigours of the
are a number of impressive functions. For example, the
climate but also the high expectations of its technophile owner.
blinds automatically close with the movement of the sun to provide both shade and privacy for the family throughout the day, and the system also detects the presence of
LOCATION
sand storms, reacting automatically by closing the louvres
Kuwait City, Kuwait
and shutters around the outside of the building.
This uncompromisingly contemporary property is in fact an AMXcontrolled oasis, programmed to react intuitively to both external conditions and internal demand.
+44 (0)207 652 9450 | www.amx.com/eu