Orchard Lodge

The listed property has been renovated throughout to offer a charming blend of traditional features and modern technology. It was super important for the family that traditional, period features were not overshadowed by hi-tech control panels. With originally, the family approaching the team at Marshall & McCourt to discuss the integration of a renewable heating system; as creating a future-proof new home was a key consideration for them. So the team at Marshall & McCourt also discussed further possibilities of a holistic smart home system that would make sense to allow full integration of the renewable heating system.

From this holistic approach, the original specification for smart heating and hot water control evolved to include lighting, shading, audio, access and security. With this project being a great example of the benefits of early planning, by considering smart technology integration at the start of the planning process, the homeowners were able to work with their architect, builder and Marshall & McCourt, to tailor their specification to meet their needs. The communication between these essential parties meant that the client’s vision was delivered exactly as planned. The blending of old and new was perfectly done via the use of the sleek and subtle Loxone Touch Switches, which are the only visible contact point to control the technology, besides the app. Up to 50,000 tasks are saved a year in this home by Loxone's night mode (triple tap = all lights off and alarm armed), lighting for the time of day to create a mood and the heating ensures all the rooms throughout the house are at their desired temperature in relation to time and usage eg frost protection mode for when away, or working from home mode, etc. Furthermore, the lighting has been configured to mimic occupancy when the house is vacant, presence simulation is activated. This house's heating management, controlled by Loxone, includes full operation of the separate hot water, underfloor heating, radiator and towel rail circuits. In addition, a full integration to the Froling biomass boiler was made possible using the Loxone Froling Extension. Further to the heating control, a motorised Velux window and separate motorised blind have been intgrated, which can both be controlled by a Remote Air and Loxone Touch. Also, when the sump pump is activated in the cellar, a push notification is sent to all users. A unanimous favourite feature of this home is the lighting due to the ability to change lighting settings from your sofa whilst watching TV eg “chill mode” for once it gets dark. It’s also ideal for highlighting some of the property’s key features, such as the spiral oak staircase and original oak beams.