PORTFOLIO / HOUSE THREE

This stunning and extensive new property was built to replace the original Manor House, however living in the depths of Derbyshire has its pros and cons. Breathtakingly beautiful scenery and serene tranquillity is juxtaposed with poor internet access and unreliable power. Unfortunately it’s the latter that can cause havoc to home automation systems and which proved to be a challenge on this project.

Resilience and reliability are always top of the agenda for MAX AV and it quickly became apparent that the power supply was even more erratic than we could have envisaged. To remedy this, as well as the usual battery backup facility (UPS) which provides emergency power and protection to the control system, an additional stand-by generator runs the entire house should power be lost for any significant length of time.

For the owner it was essential for the system to perform with upmost speed and reliability. MAX AV installed a blazing fast Control4 controller to take the helm with multiple video and audio enabled touch screens providing not only simple control but great whole home communication and intercom facilities too. A Control4 door station also integrates seamlessly with the touch screens to allow simple communication with visitors and enable entry control from anywhere in the house. IPad and iPhone integration is simply the icing on the cake.

The owners had this to say - “As well as audio, video, blinds, heating and lighting control an important requirement for us was the ability to integrate and control all aspects of the security system. Thanks to MAX AV and Control4 we can now control both gates, the telescopic bollards, CCTV cameras and we are notified immediately if the perimeter alarm system is breached. One of our favourite features is the light on the Control4 keypads which MAX AV have programmed to light up red to notify us if the gates have been left open”.