Intelligent interiors

Selina Denman , June 8th, 2009

Demand for energy efficient, fully-automated interiors is definitely on the increase, Commercial Interior Design discovers

From audio-visual products that blend seamlessly into the overall design, to kitchens that interface with the internet and wireless networks that optimise lighting and temperature, technology is impacting every inch of the interior, and revolutionising the way that users interact with the spaces that they inhabit.

Demand for greater energy efficiency, increased automation and enhanced aesthetics is driving the take-up of technology in the interior. Notably, designers and consumers are seeking solutions that contribute to the overall aesthetic, encouraging providers to create technologies that are visually appealing as well as technically advanced.  

The big picture

With its new generation of Aurea FlatTVs, Philips has made a point of combining cutting-edge technology with iconic design. The new range features the latest version of Philips Active Frame technology, so the outer frame surrounding the TV emulates the colours

on the screen with an ever-changing glow of light. In addition, the improved Active Frame features a new brilliant pearl colour, made from high-quality glass with anti-reflective coatings.

The Aurea, which is available in a 42” format and features a Full HD 1080p LCD display, also includes an invisible speaker system with six speakers fully integrated into its rim.

Aurea can be paired with a white Ambisound Soundbar, a single unit home theatre system that produces an immersive 5.1 sound performance. “Philips has implemented various improvements based on extensive consumer feedback and recommendations received since launching the first Aurea LCD TV in 2007.

 “The new Aurea range has unrivalled levels of functionality, a stunning design with a full-glass front, and offers consumers a unique entertainment experience in their living room,” said Vincenzo Ventricelli, director of customer marketing, Middle East and Africa, Philips Consumer Lifestyle.



The Infiniti range from TechVision is taking the audio-visual experience out of the living room and into the bathroom with its waterproof LCD televisions. Available as a 7” or a 17” screen, with a modern black surround or mirror finish, the televisions are fitted with a heated glass screen to prevent misting.

The products can be wall or stand mounted – with the option of having the TV recessed neatly into the wall, with no need for sealants.

The high-resolution, wide screen LCD panel is suitable for all wet environments, features built-in ‘Freeview’, offering digital TV and radio, connects to separate stereo speakers and comes with a fully waterproof remote control.

Meanwhile, Dubai-based Galtech has strengthened its home theatre offering with the launch of the Sunfire Theatre Grand Media System. “This is a high performance, modular and scalable media server for music and movies with storage options ranging from 1TB up to 6TB,” explained Leila Hechaime, sales director of Galtech.

“The TGM-100 system is as easy to use as it is sophisticated. Customers can easily load their entire collection of DVDs and CDs onto a highly reliable, enterprise-level storage solution.

“Artist, album, genre, film, director, even cover art, are downloaded automatically using Gracenote online metadata – making it a breeze to sort through extensive collections. A stunning, animated TV interface provides intuitive and instant access to the collection – all at your fingertips from the comfort of your favourite seat.”

Galtech is a regional distributor of home automation products ranging from in-wall touch panels, keypads, wireless control devices, amplifiers, speakers, controllers and home theatre solutions, to sub-woofers and everything needed to get these items connected and working, including cables and accessories. One of its most popular products is the Elan Home Control system.

Leaving home

While a significant proportion of interior-related technologies originate in the home, they are not confined to residential applications. Even what is commonly known as ‘home automation’ can be extended far beyond the
confines of a residence.

“There is great demand for our products from hotels. Hotels are particularly interested because interior automation conserves energy. They already have it in a number of hotels here, and now most of the new ones coming up are requesting it. Our product is more on the residential side, but it can also be applied to small and medium-sized commercial applications,” said Hechaime.

Like Hechaime, Andrew Prince, managing director of RoomWithNet Trading, is also seeing growing interest in smart automation products from the hotel sector. “A lot of hoteliers are very interested in improving the guest experience. Obviously, they are tending to baulk at huge capital investment at this time, however, there are several hotels that we are talking to that are keen to make the step into using this kind of technology.”

RoomWithNet Trading has launched a home automation system, Zity, which is as suitable for a villa or palace as it is for a hotel. Zity allows the regulation of lighting, air-conditioning, heating and security systems, which can all be regulated by remote control and timer switches. “At a simple level, you are replacing ordinary light switches with intelligent switches. Using wireless connectivity, switches on a network will communicate with each other, and also with remote controls, whether they are touch screen or push buttons.”

The system’s strength lies in the straightforwardness of use, installation and maintenance. “The end user is demanding smart technology but they’ll switch off it is not simple and unobtrusive,” Prince pointed out. 

The intelligence is in the switch, he explained, which means that normal socket switches need to be replaced – and that’s about it.

“The intelligence is built in. Most systems are very complicated and have data cables and black boxes and controllers. This is a simple technology. It is a simple install, and a low-cost install. It is also very easy for the user to make changes as and when they want – they do not need to call an IT expert in,” Prince detailed.

There is also the opportunity to play around with the aesthetics, which will appeal to the design community. “The front of the plates can be configured. You could have a pewter front plate, or a gold one. They also have little LED lights when you turn them on or off so you can have those in anything from cool white to blue,” said Prince.

Wireless intelligence

Lutron Electronics is also promoting wireless automation solutions. The company recently launched a wireless version of its Lutron’s Grafik Eye QS, a fully customisable preset light and shade control system, providing convenient control, energy savings, and enhancement of the visual environment.

The new Grafik Eye QS Wireless offers the same integration but in a wireless configuration. This allows for reduced installation time and cost by eliminating the need to run or pull wire from the Grafik Eye QS to other components.

Grafik Eye QS Wireless also features a host of energy-saving features, including an energy savings indicator, a built-in astronomical and programmable time clock, direct connection to occupancy sensor for manual on/automatic off, daylight harvesting of both incandescent and fluorescent lights, and the ability to dim lights to preset levels.

“These components, along with other advanced features, comprise one easy-to-use system that can simultaneously control fluorescent, LED, and incandescent lighting, as well as shades and wireless components,” said Jesus Guerrero, product manager, Lutron. 

“The system delivers better lighting control, scalability, and improved energy efficiency. Grafik Eye QS Wireless is appropriate for a single room to an open office, and new construction or retrofit,” Guerrero added.



Green team

Lutron introduced its Wireless Occupancy Sensor earlier this year. The sensor is specifically designed for easy installation in conference rooms, copy rooms, small offices, classrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, restrooms, and other spaces where automatic lighting shut-off is desirable.

The system can be installed in a matter of minutes by simple placing the sensor on the ceiling and replacing the standard light switch with a compatible Lutron dimmer or switch. The sensor contains front-accessible buttons for easy setup and an illuminating lens to verify ideal locations.
 
 “We are very excited about this breakthrough product. Now homeowners, facility managers and contractors can retrofit a space in minutes to save energy and money, without any rewiring,” said Eric Lind, director, commercial marketing, Lutron.

Greater consumer awareness of the need to be energy efficient is acting as a key driver of business for interior automation suppliers. “Everyone wants to save on energy these days and this has been to our advantage, since home automation is the first step in saving on energy consumption,” said Hechaime.

Al Mazroui ICAS, which incorporates a strategic business unit focusing on automated systems for residential and commercial applications, has also pinpointed energy savings as a major driver in the take up of technology. The company offers video intercom, lighting control, CCTV, sound and LAN systems for commercial applications.

Lighting control systems based on KNX protocol are its most popular product and it launched Facility Pilot, the latest software in lighting, blinds, sound and AC control, last year.

Meanwhile, RoomWithNet has launched the eco-friendly Tucana Global All-in-one LCD-PC. The recyclable product offers space-saving all-in-one benefits with an integrated high-definition LCD TV. Suitable for conference rooms, waiting areas and training facilities, it allows users to flip back and forth between PC and TV modes, or use both TV and PC at the same time in split screen or PIP modes. Every Tucana Global offers optional built in wi-fi and webcam.  

Available as wall mountable or desktop models, there are no hard drive towers or wires, and installation is simply plug and play. Tucana Global units start at 26”, which run on as little as 12 volts, with screen sizes that go up to 65” and optional built-in webcam and wi-fi on every model.

“It is all built into one unit, which is energy efficient,” said Prince. “That’s where we are coming from. It’s one power socket for four devices. This is important for designers to keep in mind – things must be energy efficiency, user-friendly and low-cost to run.”