IO House is a newly built 18,000 sq/ft state-of-the-art property, located in central London. It incorporates formal reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, a kitchen and dining, office, playroom, cinema, indoor swimming pool, gym and spa, extensive garage with car stacker, as well as a vast garden with indoor/outdoor living. The client was eager to use a Lutron lighting control solution, having previously used Lutron at his other properties. HomeWorks QSX was the ideal solution for this home given its artificial and natural light control, as well as temperature, audio, and security control. This installation in IO House incorporates 551 circuits with lighting control via a mixture of dimming technology, including 21 DALI circuits, 12 DMX, 17 phase-control, and eleven 0-10V, controlled via 116 custom Palladiom keypads. Throughout the property there are 30 CC/IO interfaces providing integration with third-party equipment that requires contact closure input/output and 6 processors. We installed a Lutron Connect bridge to allow remote access to the system.
LIGHTING
We have incorporated colour-changing, tunable lights throughout the house and externally, which are conveniently controlled via the Lutron Homeworks QSX system. Additionally, scene-setting lighting has been thoughtfully implemented throughout the property, incorporating programmed standard scenes and motion-sensing technology using PIRs. Lutron lighting was used to create artistic effect throughout the property bringing paintings and sculptures to life, accenting colour and form, and allowing them to be the focus within a space.
At the request of our client, we designed an extraordinary colour changing interactive staircase that plays music and illuminates when in use, reminiscent of the iconic piano scene from the movie “Big” starring Tom Hanks. The lighting and sound effects are activated by pressure sensors recessed to the underside of the translucent Corian treads, seamlessly integrated into the Lutron system for easy control. To further enhance the unique ambiance, our client also desired an interactive indoor slide, complete with controllable audio and lighting effects that are triggered by Lutron enabled motion sensors.
We successfully installed programmable ‘Twinkly’ string LED lights in various areas of the property, both inside behind an onyx bathroom wall and outside integrated in to a green wall, all expertly managed by the Lutron system. For an added touch of personalisation, we mapped each LED of the twinkly lights in the bathroom to our client’s phone, allowing them to create and display their desired designs in lights. Remarkably, we were able to adapt a consumer-grade product to suit the requirements of this ultra high end residential project, resulting in a successful installation that seamlessly integrates technology and aesthetics.
To enhance energy efficiency and enable automated control of the external lighting, we implemented Lutron’s QS timeclock. This advanced system incorporates an energy-saving astronomic timeclock feature, ensuring optimal use of lighting based on astronomical data.
WINDOW TREATMENTS
To optimise the control of natural light within IO House, each window is equipped with up to four levels of treatments. These include automated sheers for privacy, automated blackout blinds to completely eliminate light, and automated external louvres. Throughout the property there are 57 roller shades, 6 drapery tracks and 8 QSPS10PNL blinds panels.
Additionally, motorised glass doors measuring 7m x 7m have been seamlessly integrated into the Lutron system, allowing effortless control. The secure room external security roller shutters are also conveniently operated through Lutron.
A key aspect of the window treatments is their intelligent programming, which enables them to adjust their position throughout the day and seasons to account for solar gain. This dynamic feature ensures that the optimal amount of light is allowed in or blocked, depending on the specific time and season, creating a comfortable and energy-efficient environment.
NETWORKS & SECURITY
The security of the family and the property were the main priorities of this project. With perimeter and internal intruder detection, and signalling systems paired with an overarching high-quality, 4K CCTV and monitoring system we were able to provide a tailored Grade 3, NSI Gold rated security solution that fitted the brief. The external door entry panel for access control was custom made by us using BPT and HIK facial recognition technology. We were able to create a unique, and attractive door entry panel that fitted the look and feel of the rest of the property and integrated with the Crestron control system.
Speed, reliability, and security of the data network performance was also key. A secure, robust, high-performance, multi-layered data 10Gbps network (both wired and wireless) was installed across the property. Starlink broadband has also been incorporated as a failover connection.
AUDIO VISUAL
High performance audio/video entertainment systems were required in key areas. This included reception and distribution of media content, broadcast television (including satellite), OTT services, high quality audio systems in key areas that are capable of high SPLs for sustained periods and a high-performance home cinema, incorporating 3D functionality and a line-array loudspeaker system. The 9.6.4 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X capable cinema has a 7.2m wide Display Technology screen with 4-way masking, 2D/3D 4K 4:4:4 HDR projection, Barco Njord 2D/3D projection solution, motorised cinema seating and Steinway Lyngdorf audio processing and application with configurable modes to suit the focus, use and content. A soundproof projector window has also been installed between the projector room and cinema room to prevent sound bleed. Within the cinema WC a TV has been installed which plays the same content as the cinema.
The aesthetic coordination with the interior architecture and landscaping was vital. Sonance Invisible speakers were used in most areas to deliver ambient sound but without a visual footprint. Where speakers were visible the Sonance Architectural range were used because of their flush finish and bezel-less grilles providing a discreet solution with high performance. In external areas Sonance’s discreet, high-quality IP rated external speakers were used. LG and Sony screens were used throughout the property, except in the pool area which has an 85” Aquavision IP-rated TV. Within the pool area a digital water curtain adds an interactive and playful detail. The content for this is programmable via an iPad. Remote control of the sauna is also possible from wireless devices on the LAN.
BESPOKE SYSTEMS
This unique project implemented several specialist bespoke systems including video-based experience zones in the passenger lift, car lift and an interactive staircase and slide. The car stacker display shows car positions and statuses via a 32” touchscreen. Within the passenger lift there is an immersive screen arrangement across 5 faces providing motion-based video content which can automatically relate to the speed, position or occupant. The interactive staircase can play music and light up when in use (think Tom Hank’s playing the piano scene in 1988’s “Big”), and once through the oculus slide door, you’ll get the full experience of the indoor slide with controllable audio and lighting which can be triggered by motion.
