Integration is the key

Clipsal C-Bus can be programmed to do some impressive things, but often the most spectacular functions are unseen - quietly going about their business without any fuss or fanfare.

Such is the case with a project recently completed by Club Clipsal member Rene Strehler from Swiss Precision Pty Ltd, in the trendy inner-Sydney suburb of Surry Hills.

As an approved C-Bus Point One Installer, Rene has years of experience installing C-Bus systems with all of the bells and whistles, but even by his high standards, this job was quite special.

Integrated team equals integrated solutions

The project involved the complete transformation of an old warehouse into a stunning living space. The property was familiar with change, having been converted into a garage during the 1940s and 50s, and then a nightclub in the 1990s.

Rene became involved due to his long-term professional association with the builder, Collins Integrated. Working with the client and interior designer Steven Collins, the project was a true collaboration throughout its three-year duration.

“Central to the original brief was that the old and the new should complement each other perfectly,” said Rene. “The job virtually evolved as we progressed, meaning most of the time we didn’t have drawings to work with. Every step of the way, decisions were made on-site after discussion between the client, interior designer, builder and myself. The end result demonstrates that this sort of attention to detail really pays off.”

Everything old is new again

Before any rebuilding could commence, the entire warehouse was gutted, to provide a blank canvas. The new configuration would incorporate two levels at the front and rear of the building, with a patio in the middle. The front and rear areas would be connected by a bridge and a garage would sit under the structure.

Creating the perfect climate

Efficient heating and cooling would be crucial to ensuring the comfort of the occupants, and hydronic underfloor heating was selected for the ground floor areas, connected to a system of radiators on the upper level. Water for the system is heated by solar with gas backup and pumped to where it is required by a complex system of manifolds and valves. The system incorporates 13 thermostats. On the ground floor, they are placed within the concrete slab, housed inside conduit. Rene has programmed the C-Bus system to provide absolute control, with individual zoning to every area throughout the building.

In addition to the water circulation required for the heating system, three circulation pumps are also needed to ensure delivery of hot water throughout the property. C-Bus has managed to reduce gas expenditure by turning off the pumps when the home is vacated and turning them back on when the entry system is activated.

Cooling is provided by a multisplit system, with individual head units also able to be controlled via C-Bus.

Gallery or cinema, C-Bus sets the scene

C-Bus ensures all curtains and blinds are closed when the property is vacated, in order to prevent the extensive art collection being exposed to direct sunlight for lengthy periods; and numerous scenes have been programmed to ensure the cinema, located on the ground level, provides a genuine Hollywood experience.

C-Bus also provides complete control over the 180 groups of lights throughout the dwelling, accessed via a colour touch screen and several DLT wall switches. The addition of Wiser provides the owner with total control over the entire home by remote device, from anywhere in the world and via iPad and iPhone within its Wi-Fi reach.

C-Bus even ensures the elevator arrives at the car park level at 5 pm daily, in anticipation of the owner’s arrival home.

Because of the unusual configuration of the home and its sheer size, Rene has programmed almost 80 individual scenes into the C-Bus system, allowing for virtually any eventuality.

The satisfaction of a job well done

“Because of the ongoing consultation process and the desire to get things exactly right, this client really was the best I’ve ever worked with,” Rene concludes. “The interior designer, Steven, had such a specific vision of what the project should be, how it should perfectly integrate the old and the new, and we all bought into the vision. It was a fantastic experience and the client is delighted with the result.”

Other items linked to C-Bus include: the irrigation system, which includes a rain meter and several solenoids, all access control (front gate, doors and garage doors), security alarm and smoke detection to activate lights in the event of a fire.