Northland, New Zealand
Helena Bay Luxury Lodge
Project Information:
Liquid Automation was commissioned to develop a comprehensive and user-friendly system for the owners, staff, and guests of the newly established Helena Bay Luxury Lodge. The system encompasses various functionalities, including System Control, Audio and Video Distribution, Lighting Control, Data Network Integration, seamless integration with the Building Management System, and remote monitoring and support capabilities.
THE SYSTEM:
Control
CRestron control with discrete touch panels throughout—the user interfaces are simple and intuitive, enabling overnight guests to use them without instruction. Additionally, it is comprehensive and powerful, allowing owners and staff to control the entire property while remaining user-friendly for new staff members.
In-room televisions and audio are controlled using Crestron touch panel remotes and RF gateways.
The Crestron system is integrated with the Building Management System to provide control and real-time status of pumps, fountains, and water features in the landscaping and pool.
Audio Distribution
The property is equipped with 46 audio zones and 126 audio inputs. For this system, we employed a BSS Soundweb solution and Crown DCI amplifiers with native BLU Link inputs. The speakers utilised primarily include B&W in-ceiling speakers, Bose outdoor speakers, and Sonance soundbars mounted beneath certain televisions.
Video Distribution
Triple Play, an IPTV system, offered movies on demand, free-to-air television, and distributed central sources.
Lighting Control
A Lutron Homeworks QS system was used to provide control to over 360 circuits of controlled lighting. Lighting control included a 0-10V dimming phase. The lighting control system encompasses the dimming of various outlets, including those for the sauna, steam room, and swimming pool, as well as DMX control. Additionally, it regulates exhaust fans, mirror demisters, heated towel rails, and auxiliary devices such as water pumps.
Lighting is controlled through discreetly positioned wall-mounted Crestron touch panels and staff iPads, enabling precise circuit and scene control. Astronomical time clocks are employed to activate exterior lighting and pool lights, while non-essential lighting is automatically deactivated during the evening, and essential lighting is deactivated at sunrise. Furthermore, “party mode” time clocks are programmed to prevent automatic deactivation of lights during functions, ensuring that any remaining lights are automatically turned off at sunrise.
A “Goodnight” mode is available for staff to set the property to a sleep state once the last guests have retired. This mode deactivates all non-essential exterior lights, turns all interior and exterior way-finding lights to their designated levels, and resets the background audio to its preset level.
Network
As wireless and IP requirements are expanding rapidly, we sought to ensure that these demands could be met with even coverage and substantial capacity for both the building’s requirements and users. Given that the building construction is predominantly concrete and Hebel, which are not ideal for wireless connectivity, this objective was achieved by designing and installing a comprehensive Ruckus wireless network.
Remote Monitoring & Support
Given the remote location of their site, the clients anticipated a system that could be monitored and managed remotely. Our monitoring software is designed to provide early warnings of potential issues, allowing us to take proactive measures before the site becomes aware of the problem. Through a remote connection, we can gain access to the site’s systems, perform troubleshooting, implement client-requested changes, and utilise IP power boards to effect power resets on equipment.