Client's Brief

Having already completed a number of successful projects with this Fund Manager's colleagues, we were approached to explore various options for audio-visual and control systems within an extensive refurbishment of an early 18th-Century hunting estate. 

The client is passionate about music and wanted high-performance audio throughout the property.  It was interesting to tackle such a large project (23 zones of audio) where audio was so much more important than video.  That said, the three rooms with video capability, offer exceptional performance as well!

Once we had started to define the audio-visual specification, it was clear that the client's next priorities were control and communication.  With such a large property, it was very important for the client to be able to control the many sub-systems (such as heating, lighting, security) and to be able to communicate easily with other rooms and buildings.

Due to the conservation requirements on the project, the client was keen to ensure that the technology that was installed would not impact the appearance of rooms dramatically. 

System Solution

We concluded that the most appropriate solution to the problem was to utilise Crestron's offerings throughout.  Crestron offered the range of products that covered all  of the client's needs including audio-visual distribution, intercom and paging, CCTV distribution and heating control.  By using Crestron throughout, we were able to offer a bullet-proof system that works first time, every time.

Control was handled primarily by TPS-3000 touchscreens, offering full intercom and camera monitoring alongside all the audio-visual control required.  The main whole-house control was accessed via a 15-inch touchscreen in the magnificent new kitchen wing of the house.  From here the client had full control and monitoring over every aspect of the house at the touch of a button. 

We elected to use a Lutron Homeworks system for the lighting, dealing with around 180 lighting circuits. The system worked flawlessly, controlling a wide range of loads perfectly.

The property's heating systems were completely replaced with underfloor heating throughout and the client was insistent that his system should have the absolute best control and monitoring possible.  With his children away at school during the weeks, he needed to be able to turn zones down easily and schedule in any special programming.  Using the Crestron thermostats and remote sensors, we were able to offer accurate control of heating and air-conditioning in any one of the 45 zones of heating.  We were also able to offer very accurate monitoring of temperature and humidity in the client's two , very well-stocked, wine cellars.

The property had two entry gates, both around 400 metres from the main house.  Using the Crestron intercom system and Siedle door entry systems, we were able to develop a highly-integrated interface around the property

Though there were only three rooms offering television and DVD playback, we were asked to make each one of them a very special experience, from a comfortable little snug next to the kitchen to a custom designed screen lift in the master bedroom.  The centre of the video systems was definitely the cinema which offered incredible performance whilst remaining exceptionally discrete.  Working alongside the Interior Design team, we created solutions that have delighted everyone involved and have not compromised anyone greatly.

Installation Process

With a project of this size, most of the challenges are down to the scale of the system and the large number of parties involved in every detail.  As an ISO9001 company, we were pretty satisfied with our documentation systems and this project really tested every part of our process.  During the lifecycle of the project, we issued over 80 variation orders, countless drawings, dimming schedules etc. and not once did we have any issues with other contractors working from obsolete documentation.

Beyond the challenges of ensuring that the 18th Century appearances were maintained where this was required, we had to overcome a number of technical challenges.

A major design challenge occurred with the screen in the Master Bedroom.  This was designed to go into an Ottoman cabinet at the end of the bed on a lift mechanism.  The Interior Designer (quite rightly) was insistent that the Ottoman should not be taller than the bed to ensure that the client's view of their deer park and fishing lakes was not obstructed in any way.  This led to the challenge that a traditional lift mechanism would not lift the TV high enough to allow the screen to be viewed without having the viewer's feet in the way.  Once again, our friends at Future Automation went back to their drawing board and designed us a lift mechanism that had an extension lift to raise the screen to a suitable height.

As with any project either overseas or a distance from one's base of operations, we had to ensure that our Engineering team were fully prepared each time they visited site.  Leaving anything back in the workshop when it's a five hour round-trip is a mistake we could not afford.  Again, our documentation and excellent communication both with everyone inside the company and with all other contractors ensured that we delivered the project  in the timescale required.

Client's Verdict

The client and his family are delighted with the results of the project.  It offers them the audio performance and flexibility they desired along with the control and monitoring of the house that was integral to the design.  Using products such as the Kaleidescape DVD server with Crestron touchscreens for control has ensured that no-one visiting feels intimidated by the systems.  The intuitive interfaces we have designed allow anyone to quickly feel very comfortable with the system and relax with their favourite music in seconds.

The client has been so pleased with the work we have done that we have already worked on two of his other homes and have extended the specification on this property to include more out-buildings that we will be working on over the coming months.