Showcase: Smart Garden Projects Created By Loxone Partners
When we think of smart homes, it’s often the case that we think only of the inside of the house, however, did you know that Loxone can be used to automate the outside of your home too? From automated gates at the front of the house to swimming pools at the back, Loxone can offer enhanced security, energy efficiency and add a little ‘wow’ factor to outside spaces, large and small.
We often talk about what ‘can’ be done with Loxone, however, this month we wanted to showcase some of the real life projects that our Partners have recently installed.
Don’t forget that you can find a Partner near you by using our Partner Map, or alternatively, give us a call on 01183 130 140 and we’ll help you find a Partner.
Amica Electrical:
Smart Gates, Garden, Pool and ‘Pod’
Images used with the kind permission of Amica Electrical
Amica Electrical were chosen as the Loxone Partner for this impressive family home in Ringwood, Hampshire.
At the front of the home, the large wooden gates that stand at the entrance of the sweeping driveway are controlled via Loxone, as is the garage. The lighting for the gates and front garden is also controlled via Loxone to ensure that the homeowners don’t arrive home in the dark.
A sleek swimming pool is the centrepiece of the garden. Amica set the pool lighting to come on from dusk until dawn automatically – ideal for late night dips! Thanks to Loxone, pool maintenance is also a breeze, as the pump and filter run automatically on a schedule.
We all know that water and electricity do not mix. That’s why the lighting in the pool changing room is controlled via motion sensors, preventing anyone from touching any switches whilst wet! Motion controlled lighting is a popular alternative to having a pull cord for the lighting (which often ends up look a bit grubby and sad before long).
Hidden amongst the tall trees at the back of the house is an impressive ‘office pod’. The pod boasts a Multi Extension Air to control the garden lighting and the office pod lighting and heating. Amica also added security to the office pod with a Door & Window Contact Air and a Motion Sensor Air. Not only that, but a Smoke Detector Air was also installed to give the homeowners additional peace of mind.
Wiise:
Smart Greenhouse
Images used with the kind permission of Wiise
Following a recent kitchen renovation that included smart heating, windows, blinds, smoke alarms and lighting in a property in Buckinghamshire, Wiise was asked by their customer, Michael, to install some power and lighting to the garden greenhouse as a surprise birthday present for his husband, Iain.
The challenge of this project was that all the work had to be completed in just one day, including getting mains power to the greenhouse itself. Iain takes great pride in his greenhouse – so much so that he often checks in on it whilst at work via remote CCTV access. The Wiise team had to make sure that all the remote CCTV access to the house was switched off whilst the project took place so that Iain wasn’t able to sneak a peek at the greenhouse and spoil the surprise!
The Wiise team created special lighting ‘scenes’ for the greenhouse, which can be activated using the Touch Air switch inside the greenhouse. The Loxone Touch Air also has an inbuilt temperature and humidity sensor which came in useful for monitoring these via the app.
In addition to the colourful LED strip in the greenhouse, Wiise also automated the heater and created a ‘Frost Watch’ mode to ensure that the heater comes on automatically if the temperature drops below a specified threshold.
Wiise:
Indoor/Outdoor Living
Wiise also worked on a project in which all lighting is controlled using Loxone Nano IO Air technology. The customers wanted to create a space that blended the indoor and outdoor spaces of their home in order to create more room for entertaining during the summer months.
The lighting scheme was carefully planned to give as much depth and width as possible to the garden when lit up during the evening, without being too bright and overpowering.
XSYS Automation:
Smart Garden & BBQ Hut
Images used with the kind permission of XSYS Automation
It’s official: man caves are sooo 2016. The latest garden must-have is a BBQ hut and it’s easy to see why; the charming BBQ hut in this project looks like a cross between a hobbit house and a cosy hunting lodge, complete with antlers adorning the doorway and luxurious fur rugs waiting inside.
This particular hut takes things to the next level, however, with colour changing LED strip installed around the coving. The colour of the LED strip can be changed using the wireless Loxone Touch switch on the wall – red for a warm, cosy glow in winter, cool blue in the summer or whatever the customer feels like. There’s also a motion sensor installed, which means that the lights are brought on automatically when someone enters the hut (and, more importantly, are switched off when it’s not in use).
The best part? The project was retrofitted using Loxone Air technology, meaning no mess and disruption for the customer.
XSYS also looked after the installation of automated lighting throughout the garden. Now the customer can enjoy simple, convenient control of all lighting in the garden using the Loxone app.
Need some more inspiration?
Check out our garden page and watch the video to pick up some great ideas and tips for your own smart garden or request a free Loxone brochure.