Self Build EIB Control Case Study

Wiring your home for a digital lifestyle can be somewhat of an ugly task and is often left to the pros. Automated Home has a story up about a house in England that was renovated and completely wired for HA duties. Nothing as extravagant as say a fully automated theater, but it is a very good look at whats involved if you want to get your whole house in on the home automation act.

From the article:

• A welcome home function incorporating a motion sensor by the front door so
  when you walk into the house at night the lights in the hallway, landing,
  kitchen and family room light automatically. The owners will never have to
  ‘stumble’ around a dark building with arms full of groceries.
  
• A ‘discreet’ scene has been set for the bedrooms. In the master bedroom, the
  discreet button turns on the wall, landing and bathroom lights at a very low
  level, effectively lighting a pathway there and back so that they don’t
  needlessly wake anyone asleep.
  
• Simulated occupancy where the house repeats previously recorded switch
  pushes and blind movements when the owners are out. The actions are played back
  at random intervals to give a very real appearance that some one is always at
  home.
  
• A porch light and architectural lighting are programmed to come on at dusk
  and turn off at a random time in the late evening. The rear courtyard and garden
  have numerous lighting circuits that allow for scene setting at night depending
  on how the space is being used. Infrared patio heaters have been built into the
  garden walls and provide heat for cooler evenings.