A TRULY SMART SOLUTION FOR WINDOWS AND DOORS

It’s no secret that today’s consumer is getting smarter. We’ve all been using ‘smart’ phones for several years and homes are getting smarter and smarter with the likes of video doorbells, heating control systems and leak detection sensors. With security being so high on people’s priority list, surprisingly, adding Smart technology to windows and doors has never really taken off - generally due to it being expensive, ugly and unreliable. That is, until now.

Kubu Smart have developed a range of Smart sensors that monitor the security status of doors and windows in real time and will alert you if there’s anything to worry about. Most contact sensors will tell you if your door or window has been opened or closed, but Kubu is much more sophisticated, being able to report: open,closed, locked, unlocked, partly secure, night vent, and even if it’s under attack.

In addition, the Kubu App can send smart notifications when they are needed most, ensuring the homeowner is always secure. The SureSecure geofence feature will notify you if you have inadvertently left your home unlocked when leaving; the timed notification feature can remind you at bedtime (or any other time for that matter) if you’ve forgotten to lock your door; and the family sharing feature allows you to see the security status of your friends and family’s homes - ideal for elderly relatives or sheltered housing.

Designed to be completely concealed (so as not to spoil the aesthetics of the home), Kubu sensors work hand-in-hand with specially designed Avantis hardware - the most respected high security multi-point locking systems available - which are both PAS24 and Secured by Design accredited. By co-designing the hardware and smart security technology together, Kubu has been able to overcome all the issues and obstacles that other systems are yet to solve, in order to create extremely high levels of accuracy. For example, the Kubu window sensor has been developed with patented ‘floating-sensor technology’, which allows the sensor to move with the window over time, helping to avoid many common issues such as sash-drop and thermal movement. This means it will always provide 100% accurate status reports without the need for repeated setup or calibration.

Kubu also provides many lifestyle benefits including smart home integrations, air quality monitoring and even weather warnings to remind you to shut those windows before it rains. By seamlessly integrating with the Internet-of-Things, Kubu is able to interact with many other smart devices within the home: get status alerts through your smart speaker; automatically turn off the heating if your windows have been opened; turn off the lights when the front door is locked; or switch on a camera if the window is being attacked.

The scenarios are endless. Not only is Kubu extremely Smart, it is cost effective too. The manufacturer of the windows and doors makes their products ‘work with Kubu’ by simply fitting locks that are compatible with the Kubu technology, which are then fitted as normal by the installer or property developer. For no extra work, and no extra cost you can provide a differentiator when designing a property and can help your developers offer something different.

For the price of a “Smart Lock” for just one door, the homeowner can then upgrade the entire property with Kubu sensors, creating a full perimeter security system that can help to improve the home's green credentials too. If you would like to find out more about Kubu and how it can add value to your next project, visit: getkubu.com/trade or email: sales@kubu-home.com.

Office Refurb For Strand Hardware

Strand Hardware has given its company headquarters a radical make over – improving its energy efficiency, work space and creating a welcoming new hi-tech reception. It has used products from many of its suppliers and customers for the project including new windows, fire doors, electricals, plumbing, furniture, decoration, carpeting and signage, along with some of its own ironmongery products.

It has resulted in a more modern, open plan work space for its expanding team – encouraging greater team synergy and literally breaking down walls to silo working which had been enforced by the old layout. Strand has occupied the premises on the Premier Business Park, in Walsall, since the company was founded more than 30 years ago and according to Managing Director Steve Marshall a little modernisation has been beneficial. “Not only will it enhance working conditions for the Strand Hardware team but also convey a better image of who we are and what we are about to visiting business associates.“

Staff have also benefitted from ergonomically designed furniture and layout. Its reception has been reconfigured to make it lighter and more airy. It also features digital displays to welcome visitors and showcase Strand’s extensive product range. A key driver in the process has been digitisation – reducing paper-based processes and transferring its traditional filing system to a cloud based environment. For more information on Strand Hardware contact: info@strandhardware.co.uk or call: 01922 639111.