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AMX and Lewis help The Croft to grow

Award-winning automation solution from AMX and Lewis Building Technology helps The Croft stand out in high-end property market.

When property developer Anaar Singh of Aston Residential started his latest refurbishment project, The Croft, incorporating smart home technology throughout the property was top of his to-do list. Ask him why, and he responds without hesitation: “These days, home automation systems are a prerequisite in the high-end housing market,” but, according to Singh, it’s the brands you incorporate and the flexibility of the system that add the real value.

“In my experience,” he says, “when a buyer in that market views your property there are three things they want to know. One – have you got home automation installed? Two – is it extendable? And three – what brands have you included?” Anticipating such questions, Singh turned to leading systems integrator Lewis Building Technology who responded with what is now an award-winning automation solution, built around a core AMX infrastructure, which is helping the property differentiate itself at this, the top end of the market.

The stunning character detached property in Hertfordshire, which went on the market for £1.6 million, incorporates all the systems and technologies expected by the discerning buyer. Integrated security, CCTV and access control, scene-setting lighting and an easily scalable, future-ready entertainment and communications system have all been installed, but in an inherently flexible way. As the backbone to the technological provision, innovative AMX technology allows the various operating platforms to communicate effectively throughout the house. This comprehensive automation solution received recognition from trade association CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) when it won the Best Integrated Home under £30,000 category at the CEDIA Awards 2013.

Providing precision control of all the automation elements, the AMX system will simplify the way in which occupants interact with the technology around them. Intuitive, fingertip control is afforded via the AMX Application downloaded onto iPads located throughout the property. Developed in conjunction with AMX’s authorised product partner Touch Panel Control, this innovative App transforms the iPad into a fully functioning wireless touchpanel. Connecting as a native AMX device to the AMX NetLinx master, the Application provides real-time touch control of all the automation functions. And, unlike other solutions, the Application interacts directly with the system controller to provide full MJPEG video support, control and feedback, as fast as a regular panel. An iPad docking station integrated into the kitchen allows for easy storage and convenient operation of the AMX control system, whilst an AMX TPControl plug-in for Sonos allows this popular wireless multi-room audio platform to be integrated and fully controlled by AMX.

Centrally-located NI-2100 and NI-700 NetLinx controllers provide the brains behind the entire automation solution; communicating with all the equipment in the property, so that a single touch of the iPad starts all the action.

This impressive automation system will provide The Croft’s owners with a highly flexible and extendable set-up that can be easily scaled as their needs change, with the addition of more modules and components. And, according to Singh, the feedback from the market has been incredibly positive: “It’s a definite selling point and incorporating brands like AMX has given The Croft an advantage over other developments that might have inferior systems installed,” he says.

“The Croft was always going to be refurbished to a high specification and buyers in that market would not only expect to see quality fittings and materials, but a home automation system. It’s certainly something a lot more people are aware of these days,” says Singh.

“What I wanted and managed to achieve is a system that incorporates brands like AMX and Lutron that discerning customers will recognise and a system that they can easily extend.” And, with prestigious awards for Lewis Building Technology and The Croft now sold, it seems that this AMX-centric automation formula is certainly a winning one.

www.amx.com/eu/