The owner of a new 3,000-square-foot loft in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan was looking to manage the environment, automate audio and video components, and activate lighting scenes using a control solution that would be as simple as pressing a single button.
He and his wife were expecting their first child, so having a convenient means of turning everything on and off as they arrived home carrying their baby was also important.
They hired Mattera Design, of New York City, and based on the needs and budget, Mattera designed a home control system around RTI that could be commanded from their Apple iPads and an RTI KX7 in-wall touchpanel.
Economical, Elegant Home Control
Mattera Design created an RTiPanel app user interface, controllable via iPad, that graphically represents Lutron RadioRA 2 lighting controls based on selected zones, enabling quick lighting scene adjustments.
The app also allows for control of the Somfy shading system and the Nest thermostat.
“We knew the RTI XP8’s control processor coupled with the RTiPanel app and KX7 touchpanel would provide comprehensive loft-wide control while complementing the overall décor and modern feel of the loft,” says Joseph Mattera, owner of Mattera Design. “Moreover, the RTI solution interfaces perfectly with the lighting and motorized shading systems, as well as with the audio and video gear located throughout the loft.”
“At the end of the day, with a new baby on the way, simplicity and a system-wide on/off control were at the very top of our client’s ‘must-have’ list,” adds Mattera.
Music Selection Made Simple
To direct music throughout the space, Mattera Design deployed a four-source RTI AD-4x audio distribution system that works in tandem with Denon receivers in the living room and master bedroom, Sonance and Gallo speakers throughout the loft, and a KEF subwoofer.
The AD-4x has both a matrix switching preamp and a built-in power amplifier to distribute audio. RTI’s Sonos driver enables two-way communication with a Sonos Connect wireless music player to deliver control including cover art, song selection, and favorites directly within the RTI interface.
Making overall operation as simplistic and easy to use as possible, RTI’s KX7 in-wall touchpanel allows the owners to activate preprogrammed settings instantly — lights and shades automatically set, audio components begin playing music, and the appropriate mood is set.
Photos: Inside the New York City Loft
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