Improving Quality of Life

London, England

When Bruce Denny, a software entrepreneur, and Tim Cohen, founder of an accountancy firm, first toured a two-story flat for sale in the Waterloo section of London, they saw huge potential. The 2,650 square-foot unit on the 22nd floor offered breathtaking views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the famed London Eye, but its interior did not meet the exacting standards of this highly-successful couple.

© Chris Gascoigne/VIEW

After purchasing the flat, they spent nearly seven months and £1.3 million on renovations, but when the massive project was complete, Denny and Cohen had the hi-tech, contemporary home they desired.

Extravagant Simplicity
When selecting the home’s technology, the couple knew they wanted to incorporate a control system. As Cohen explains, “We wanted an integrated control system because we wanted a very simple interface for what would otherwise be a complicated process. In other words, we wanted to incorporate lots of technology, but desired that it would be easy to use, and we wanted it installed in a way that would complement the design and feel we were trying to create for our home.”

“What AMX offers is fantastic. With the way we’ve implemented the system in our home, everything’s available at the touch of a button. Our guests are amazed by what the system can do and how sexy it is to use. It’s incredibly impressive.”

The couple selected an AMX® NI-4000 NetLinx® Integrated Controller as the foundation for their system, which enables centralized control of the home’s heating and air conditioning, lighting and audio/video systems, including four Microsoft® Windows® Media Centers, one plasma screen, four LCD displays, one 100 inch projection screen, a DVD player and two Sky TV satellites. The AMX system even controls the video camera mounted on the exterior of the building, which provides views of Big Ben from any TV in the home.

© Chris Gascoigne/VIEW

To interface with the controller, Denny and Cohen selected two AMX 8.4 inch Modero® ViewPoint (MVP) Touch Panels with wall docking stations in the living space and master bedroom, three AMX four inch G3 Touch Panels, which are installed in the kitchen, study and guest bedroom, and two AMX eight-button keypads, which are located in the entrance and at the foot of the stairs.

True Home Automation
“We entertain a lot,” said Cohen, “and we wanted our guests, who may or may not be technologically savvy, to be able to operate the AMX control system with little or no instruction.” To achieve this, the couple programmed extensive automation into their AMX system to reduce the number of menu options. For instance, when the “Watch a Movie” icon is touched in the living space, the blinds close, the paneled wall slides back to reveal the projection screen and the lights dim to a pre-determined setting.

© Chris Gascoigne/VIEW
 
“Achieving true home automation is the key reason for incorporating a control system into a home,” said Denny. “Programming one-touch operation for everyday operations like lighting is a huge convenience. I no longer have to fuss with the lights and audio sound levels before dinner or walk around the home to be sure everything’s turned off before leaving. Without a doubt, I can say that the AMX system in our home has positively impacted our quality of life.”

Uncompromised Control
Denny and Cohen installed AMX’s Web Control software with their system, which allows them to remotely control their AMX equipment while they are away from home. Whether at work, visiting family or friends, or traveling to a foreign land, the homeowners can access their entire system from any computer via an Internet connection.

© Chris Gascoigne/VIEW

“What AMX offers is fantastic. With the way we’ve implemented the system in our home, everything’s available at the touch of a button,” said Denny. “Our guests are amazed by what the system can do and how sexy it is to use. It’s incredibly impressive.”