REGENTS CRESCENT
CASE STUDY FROM MICHAEL KOWALSKI, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AT ARK ME
- Multi Dwellings – Apartment controls including panel build and commissioning
- Regents Crescent – 76 apartments
Regents Crescent was 76 high spec apartments and mews houses located adjacent to Regents Park in London. Ready Controls delivered a KNX lighting and blind control with a BMS integrated solution to each apartment. Each apartment had its own dedicated control panels that was used to control Dali and phase dimmed lighting throughout the units. The Jung F50 KNX control plate switches were used as temperature readers and room set point controller that interfaced to the apartment BMS system that was used to control the heating and cooling systems. The KNX and BMS system bidirectional communicated and exchanged information to operate the apartments heating and cooling systems in conjunction with the user’s needs. The control solution consisted of:
• Dali lighting control
• Phase dimmed lighting control
• Control of motorised blinds
• BMS integration for HVAC control via KNX to Tridium
• Cloud based app control via a Nomos smart IoT server.
“I have worked with Ready Controls since they were established in 2017. During that time we have completed five different projects – four which involved high spec KNX controls with off-site construction – Paddington Gardens, Chelsea Island, Magna Carta and Regents Crescent. We also worked on Nine Elms where Ready Controls were commissioned to fit BMS for over 500 apartments.
Ready Controls have a completely different approach – they look at a project holistically. Many other suppliers approach projects in a sense of ‘if that what the client wants, that is what they will get’. With Ready Controls they add much more value, not only through their expertise and specialist advice, but in the solutions they provide. So rather than just doing what a client asks for, they go that extra mile. They offer something completely unique and bespoke, helping us to understand the latest technology. They are the experts so they advise us on the right solutions. It makes a huge difference to the success of our projects. I don’t know any other business offering this service.
ADDED VALUE
From a client perspective, Ready Controls massively increased the value of the properties. We work on many high-end apartments in prime locations. Instead of just a simple switch, they are fitted with a full KNX control system that is completely unique. So we are continually exceeding our clients’ expectations. We are getting a higher spec of equipment for the same cost, so we are also guaranteed value for money.
OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION
Most other companies build on-site. Ready Controls differ as they specialise in off-site manufacturing. The control panels are built in a workshop, the whole kit arrives in one piece, is fixed to the wall so all the cables can be connected. For all parties there are numerous benefits to off-site construction. We save around 70% of the time on commissioning, the quality of the install is very high (as the margin for error is reduced), we can improve efficiency, reduce man hours and material waste. It also has a positive impact on the teams on-site. It can be quite a high pressure, busy environment, there can be many contractors all with their own time pressures and challenges. With prefabrication off-site we can reduce that conflict. Time spent on site can be reduced from five days to five hours, so it is a win win situation.
END USER BENEFITS
Ready Controls can install a full KNX system which is built for the future. As and when end users want to add additional functions, this can be done easily without any disruptive work or adding more cabling. Systems easily can be customised and modernised simply via a laptop. The end user can also programme the touch screen themselves, it is very intuitive and user friendly. We are confident we are installing future proofed systems.
The Ready Controls team are a pleasure to work with. Their communication is excellent and they are always there when we need them. When our clients come to us with their requirements, Ready Controls are always our first choice”.
