Intelligent KNX control with a clear structure – Smart living comfort in a new-build home

Particular emphasis was placed on creating a clear and well-structured user interface for the panel. Thanks to the YOUVI visualisation, users gain an immediate overview of all rooms. Functions such as “All lights off”, “All lights on” and “Lower blinds” enable intuitive operation that is equally suitable for those less familiar with smart home technology.

“The clients wanted a clean, uncluttered control concept without numerous switches on the walls. We achieved exactly that. Almost everything is controlled simply, centrally and reliably via the touch panel,” explains system integrator Scholz.

Efficient DALI lighting control without a separate logic module

Across the main house and the self-contained flat, the installation comprises more than 100 KNX data points and around 120 luminaires, approximately 80 per cent of which are dimmable via DALI. The entire lighting scheme – including wall and ceiling fittings as well as various LED strips integrated into walls, floors, the cloakroom and the outdoor areas – is controlled directly via the touch panel.

Particular attention was paid to the exterior lighting concept. Illuminated garden columns, wall luminaires, the house number and a striking two-metre-high crescent-shaped sculpture are automatically activated at dusk and switched off again at midnight.

What makes this solution stand out is that, with support from PEAKnx, these automations operate entirely without a separate logic module. This is made possible by combining an MDT AKS switching actuator with timers stored within the respective YOUVI widgets to define on and off times.

The switching times are configured directly within the visualisation, while the relevant threshold values are stored in the KNX application itself. The result is a streamlined yet flexible solution that requires no additional programming logic – an efficiency advantage of YOUVI and an approach the integrator intends to adopt as a standard in future projects.

Integration of the PV system and energy monitoring via YOUVI

In September 2025, the photovoltaic system – including inverter and battery storage – was subsequently integrated directly into YOUVI via the PEAKnx Fronius Bridge. Setup, including entering the inverter’s IP address and enabling access via the Fronius web interface, proceeded smoothly.

Using the energy monitoring widget, generation, consumption and battery charge levels can be visualised virtually in real time. This interface was also configured without difficulty following brief remote assistance from PEAKnx support. The integration operates on an IP basis and requires no additional hardware logic.

Home and grounds always in view

Alongside comfort and intuitive operation of the smart control systems, security was another key priority for the homeowners in their new-build project.

A total of seven outdoor cameras have been installed around the property via the camera module, monitoring the house, garden and garage areas. The footage is visualised centrally and clearly through YOUVI.

Door communication is handled via a Gira door station with audio and door release function, connected through the YOUVI door station module. As video streams from Gira systems cannot be accessed by external applications, a separate Reolink IP network camera was integrated. This camera transmits live images of the entrance area to the Control 12, allowing the residents to see who is at the door.

A practical approach with flexible maintenance solutions

The client, owner of a timber construction company, carried out much of the interior fit-out himself, including the bespoke furniture, the kitchen, a utility kitchen and two cloakrooms. He also independently integrated the numerous LED strips into walls, furniture and ceilings – in close coordination with the system integrator.

For potential maintenance requirements, Wohncompact relies on a remote maintenance solution from Enertex, enabling swift adjustments and support without the need for on-site appointments.

A robotic lawnmower purchased at a later stage – which navigates via GPS due to the various light columns and sculptures in the garden – complements the overall smart concept. However, it has deliberately not been integrated into the home automation system.

Everyday success with YOUVI

The homeowners are highly satisfied with their touch panel and, in particular, with YOUVI – and would choose the solution again without hesitation. YOUVI is also the preferred visualisation platform for the system integrator’s projects.

“The interface is modern, ETS integration is straightforward and very little rework is required. Compared to other systems such as Enertex or myGEKKO, YOUVI is significantly more attractive for our clients.”

The ability to import the ETS project directly and automatically generate widgets during the parsing process saves valuable time during commissioning and helps to prevent configuration errors – a decisive advantage for system integrators in day-to-day project work.

For practical reasons, the pool control system is scheduled to be integrated into the KNX installation via a Modbus gateway from spring 2026 and will then also be visualised in YOUVI. At present, the pool controls are still located in one of the two double garages, which is used as a workshop, meaning the residents have to walk back and forth for adjustments.

Currently, the entire system is operated directly via the touch panel – without voice control, as the homeowners prefer not to use cloud-based solutions for security reasons. Should voice control be required in future, an offline system such as ProKNX would be considered.

Conclusion: Smart control, clear design

The modern detached home near Ellwangen demonstrates how extensive KNX projects can be realised with PEAKnx touch panels – without the need for separate logic modules or cloud-based solutions.

The interplay between the Control 12, YOUVI and carefully selected KNX components results in a solution that is equally elegant, functional and future-proof. Thanks to local data processing and an open architecture, the system remains independent and easy to maintain, while allowing additional features – such as the planned pool control integration – to be added whenever required.

This project provides a practical example of how intelligent control, high design standards and user comfort need not be mutually exclusive, but can instead complement one another seamlessly. It illustrates how complexity can be reduced and user-friendliness maximised – with technology that proves reliable in everyday use.