In recent decades, the environmental sustainability of buildings has fuelled innovation at Kintrol.

With an increased community focus on energy efficiency and environmental impacts smart buildings have become the clear infrastructure solution for residential and commercial buildings. Kintrol, in consultation with respected architects, have delivered a cutting-edge solution which meets the evolving social demands of their clients. In a recent project for the Meals on Wheels commercial building in Wakefield, Queensland, Kintrol successfully implemented a well-designed solution that was easily integrated into the existing building design.

THE BRIEF

The scope of the project encompassed multi-function spaces, including kitchen, lounge, boardroom, office and community areas. The project required a solution which would be suitable for both permanent and casual staff across various operations of the business, for the preparation and delivery of meals to the community. As rooms at the centre are also available to hire by the public, security was an additional community concern. The design solution had to meet these various staffing needs, be efficient, environmentally sustainable and security focussed.

THE AUTOMATION SOLUTION

Cintrol Net, a window and door automation system that provides comfort, safety and security to its users with full on-site and off-site operation and monitoring of windows, was the ideal product to meet the brief. With Cintrol Net automation the client is able to set windows to open and close automatically with a timer, for the whole building or each individual zone within the building. The timer can also be overwritten for security or safety reasons. For example, in the event of a fire, exceeding internal temperature thresholds or the onset of inclement weather, as defined by the Hierarchy of Priority. Implementation of Cintrol Net in the new Meals on Wheels building creates an environmentally responsive building that is mindful of its occupants and is sustainable and self-operating. The building houses a commercial kitchen for the preparation and distribution of meals for delivery services, which generated specific functionality requirements that were easily met by the flexibility of the Cintrol Net system. In order for the kitchen hood fans to function efficiently, ‘makeup air’ is required. This is simply air that flows into the kitchen to replace the air that has already been extracted. The Hierarchy of Priority locks the kitchen-zones windows open when the extractor fans are in use to ensure safe operation. Other zoned areas include the community meeting room, staff lounge, boardroom and offices. Windows in these zones can be pre-programmed for secure monitoring and selective activation on-site via the touch screen or off-site via the mobile app.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Several features have been implemented to create a smart, responsive building that is comfortable and sustainable for the community in all conditions. If the temperature rises above a pre-set comfort level, windows automatically open to increase ventilation. Other weather sensors can also be installed that detect precipitation, wind direction and speed, air quality and external temperature, and the windows can be programmed to open or close when pre-set criteria are met. For example, a drop in the air quality due to smog or smoke will trigger the close of all windows. When the building air conditioning system is in operation, the windows will close, until such time as the air conditioning is switched off.

SECURITY OF MIND

The building also features a main switch to ‘close all on exit’. However, if windows are accidentally left open the building is left unoccupied prior or pre-set times, an optional security feature will close the windows when movement is detected outside. With the availability of pre-programmed monitoring, optional password protected access, onsite touch screen functionality, and offsite mobile app control, this innovative solution met the necessary safety and security needs of the client. The Cintrol Net window automation solution provides Meals on Wheels Wakefield with a smart, easy to use, self-functioning system, that meets the specific operation requirements and is also fully adjustable. The completed design solution delivered a highly efficient and environmentally sustainable automation system, implemented in an easy and cost-effective way. For more information, please contact Kintrol on 07 390 1955 or use our contact form.

In 2018 Architecture Koen won an Educational Architectural Award in the Queensland Architecture Awards for the Springfield Anglican College Year 1 Classrooms. As part of this project, new and existing windows were specified to be interactive with the HVAC system.

As designers, manufacturers, and distributors of quality automation solutions for windows of all styles and sliding doors, Kintrol’s Kbuss system was selected for the project.

The Kintrol Kbuss system is smart – providing an environmentally conscious airflow solution and convenience to the classrooms. When air conditioning is switched on, the windows close automatically and lock to stop them from being opened.

A manual switch installed in each of the classrooms allows individual room operation – providing there are no conflicts with the HVAC and / or timer. A second operation, provided by a touch screen, enables viewing and minor operations including on board security code for operation or adjustment, and function scheduling. The system also contains an ‘auto close’ for building shutdown in the evening, and individual room switching permitting timed operation out of hours.

In addition to these features, the Kintrol Kbuss system is capable of monitoring the environment and reacting when required. In the event of a smoky external fire, windows can automatically close to prevent the spread of fumes. If it becomes too hot inside, windows can automatically open to increase ventilation. If windows are left open when leaving a building, they can be set to close when movement is detected outside. Kintrol automated windows can also be set for rain, strong winds, temperature drops, smog, hail, or even for a specific time.

The new world class Kintrol© Net WiFi Kbuss system is Australian designed and manufactured. Based on plug-n-play technology, this system features onsite viewing as well as offsite viewing and interaction from anywhere in the world with high level security protocols.

Kintrol automated windows and doors provide easy to use, convenient, environmentally conscious airflow solutions and lifestyle options to residential and commercial buildings with the latest advances in design and technology.

For more information, please contact Kintrol on 07 390 1955 or use our contact form.