INTRODUCTION
Automatic Building & Design is a system for property developers that enables you to include the latest automated security, environmental, convenience and lifestyle benefits into their products to provide a unique individuality and additional revenue.

It is a system that is designed to be integrated either at first fix stage or when there is access to lay additional wiring.

To offer the best service the system's 2 year NHBC warranty is only valid if approved installers carry out the installation themselves or sign off an installation done by electricians or self builders who have attended the approved training course.

If self builders or developers are seeking to install the system themselves and then have it signed off at completion, they are encouraged to contact an approved installer for an informal discussion as early as possible in the project.

The Automatic Building & Design system consists of module and products made by premier suppliers who each excel in their own sector of the market.

Automatic Building & Design coordinates these individual components into a comprehensive system and provides a simple and reliable way to control your home. The solution is modular so you can choose which modules of the system you want for your own particular development.
     
    ABOUT ABD
Automatic Building & Design (ABD Limited) are a leading UK based, international supplier and installer. Automatic Building & Design are well placed to find the correct solution for your particular development and budget. We regularly purchase from over 70 suppliers and access to over 1,200 products. However, in most cases we recommend a hard wired solution for new builds and refurbished properties.

The Automatic Building & Design system has been used for many years and we can point to many reference sites where the system is installed and working effectively.

It has a wide range of different components available covering all of the required functionality, is very robust, simple to operate and is sensibly priced. This, therefore, is the system we have concentrated on in this publication and it means that you can get a complete system for your home that gives you superb lighting control, integrated security, Internet CCTV, multi room audio and stylish automated curtain tracks at a very competitive price.

We hope you find our website informatative and useful and should you need to speak to us at any time, please don't hesitate to call.
     
    LIGHTING AND CONTROL
Automatic Building & Design is a modular system that allows you to choose the initial modules you require for your system and then expand on them at a later date should you wish. There is only one module, the Harmony-Dupline lighting and control module, which is required for all installations. The lighting and control system used in Automatic Building & Design can create elegant and useful scenes:

• Scene Lighting - for entertaining or to bring out the most from your feature rooms.

• Courtesy Lighting - by creating linked zones you can get the system to illuminate pathways, for example to children's bedrooms or to a toilet, that come on in unison when motion is detected and then turn themselves off again afterwards.

• Security Lighting - for immediate illumination of dark areas around your home when intruders are detected.

• Occupancy Simulation - by combining the powerful 'learning' functions of our systems with, for example, our curtains and blinds module, you can create the appearance of occupancy even though you might be away from the property.
     
    LIGHTING AND CONTROL - HARMONY DUPLEX
Harmony-Dupline, the lighting and control solution, is the brains behind our Automatic Building & Design systems. The comprehensive range of switches, sensors, modules and generators make it the perfect solution to integrate the different automated home technologies.

During the installation phase, the wiring and basic components, like installation boxes and panels are put into place, and finally, all central and decentralised Harmony-Dupline components are mounted in the installation.

Based on the part list and schematics generated in the planning phase most installers can carry out preinstallation without special knowledge of Harmony-Dupline's installation-bus.With Harmony-Dupline it is always easy to plan, expand or change an installation.

Status of a given function can be controlled and read anywhere on the bus by several components simultaneously. It is easy to add new components to a function address or re-route a function. The possibility of using existing cabling can facilitate the installation instantly.
     
    LIGHTING AND CONTROL - SMART TECHNOLOGY
You can record lighting activity while you are in and replay it when you are out, thus creating the illusion that the house is occupied.

This is an excellent way of securing your house by deterring intruders while you are away.To compliment any occasion you are able to create different mood lighting scenarios, which, at the touch of a button you can be activated, whether it be low lighting to watch a movie or something brighter when entertaining.

If somebody needs to find their way to the bathroom in the middle of the night, motion sensors will detect their presence and low lighting will be activated to guide them.
     
    LIGHTING AND CONTROL - INTEGRATED CONTROLS
Integrated lighting systems give you impressive yet functional control over your home lighting.

Create powerful effects and scenes that match your mood, using a remote control, light switch or other control methods.

Dim or brighten lights to compliment your activity, whether it is relaxing, entertaining guests or reading a book.
You can even create a lived in look by setting lights to turn on and off randomly when you are away. Switch your house lights on as you arrive at your front door, whilst you pull into the drive or even from the comfort of your bed.
     
    SECURITY SOLUTIONS
We believe that there is more to a modern security system than a simple motion detector and bell box arrangement. Our holistic approach to security complements the traditional intruder alarm approach by making your house look and sound occupied when you're away:

• Occupancy simulation gives the impression that the house is lived in whilst you're away.Curtains and blinds open and close as they would do if the property were occupied.

• TV and music systems can be switched on to give the impression that the property is occupied.A comprehensive burglar alarm system will detect intruders if a break in does occur.

• A telephone call system will alert either you (via mobile phone if required), neighbours or a monitoring station.

• Password protected digital CCTV camera allows you to look around your property from any internet connection any where in the world.
     
    SECURITY LIGHTS
 The occupancy simulations module from the Lighting and Control range can turn your lights on and off at pre-programmed times, or go into "learnt simulation" mode, where it will replay the lighting changes from the previous few days rather than simply turn on the same light at the same time every evening.

Occupancy detection outside the property at night can go further, and turn on the landing light to make it look as if someone has been heard. Occupancy detection inside the property can go further still, flashing on and off all the lights in the house if someone tries to come in while the system is armed.
     
    SECURITY LIGHTS - CURTAINS & BLINDS
Occupancy simulation isn't just restricted to lights. With curtains automatically closing in the evening, and re-opening in the morning, your house will look occupied even to the cynical observer.For many people, security can be a worry when away from home.

Curtains that remain opened or closed for a prolonged duration can be a sign that the property is unoccupied. Automatic and remote controlled curtain tracks not only give your home a special touch of luxury, but also acts as an excellent deterrent to would-be intruders.

Curtain tracks can be operated by daylight sensors, remote control or by a timer. Similarly, blind systems can be operated by switch or remote control. Bay window tracks can be bent to follow contours. The tracks are made by the most respected and trusted companies in the industry, with decades of experience producing high-quality window treatments.

All of these products are tailor-made to your exact requirements.Our automated curtain and blind treatments work with any window and provide you with a stylish finishing touch to your feature rooms whilst at the same time giving you the extra peaceof mind that your property looks lived in whilst you are away.

• Custom made solutions for any window - simple straight windows to complex bay or full height windows.

• Any curtain weights from traditional material to triple lined or leather curtains.

• Timer controlled, light sensitive or remote controlled options.

• A wide range of blind solutions available, roller, roman or Venetian made from either material or flame retardant wood.

• Light proof systems available for use in children's bedrooms or in home cinemas.
     
    SECURITY DIGITAL CCTV
 Until recently, digital CCTV was an expensive security feature that could only be utilised by large commercial organisations.

However, due to advances in technology, these systems are now becoming more cost effective and therefore suitable for residential users.

Our digital CCTV systems are designed to be user friendly. The cameras are aesthetically pleasing and highly discreet. They can 'see' in the dark, giving you twenty-four hour protection, and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

The Digital Video Recorder (DVR) takes images from the cameras and records them directly to hard disk. These images can then be viewed on a television. Best of all, the built-in ethernet facility allows you to view your property over the internet when you are away.

Our CCTV systems can allow you to view your cameras either all on a single screen (up to 16 cameras in a grid), or one at a time, either on a television, any PC on your home network, or remotely over the Internet.

The Digital Video Recorder (DVR) takes images from the cameras and records them directly to hard disk. These images can then be viewed on a television. Best of all, the built-in ethernet facility allows you to view your property over the internet when you are away.

Our CCTV systems can allow you to view your cameras either all on a single screen (up to 16 cameras in a grid), or one at a time, either on a television, any PC on your home network, or remotely over the Internet.

As well as remote viewing, our systems also offer facilities for automatic recording of all cameras, either on permanently (required in some commercial settings), or triggered whenever motion is detected.

Some of our systems can even write the recorded video out to a CD-ROM or DVD so you can take away a copy of the evidence, and all our networked systems allow a replay of previous recordings over the home network (or Internet) With up to 3 months continuous recording on a single hard drive; you can avoid all the hassles involved with changing tapes each morning.

Complementing the recorder is a range of high quality security cameras, suitable for either internal or external application. Some are night-and-day cameras which include an IR illuminator allowing visible pictures to be captured even on nights with zero ambient light.
     
    SECURITY ALARM SYSTEMS
 Occupancy detectors and audio alarms are not forgotten, however the integration aspects with lights and audio give a whole range of different options to supplement sounding an external bell. Your neighbours might ignore a bell going, but ignoring a house where all the bedroom lights are flashing on and off is harder.

With a wide range of sensors, comprising not only of PIRs, but inductive sensors for doors and windows, water sensors, and smoke magnetic sensors, the Automatic Building & Design range will allow you to determine when your property isn't as empty as you hoped.

• The solution contains a number of dedicated sensors, which can be used for light control, alarming or other tasks.
• The most common sensor types are PIR (movement detection) water, smoke magnetic or inductive sensors for door and windows.
• Harmony-Dupline sensors all have a built-in bus interface and are powered by the bus.
     
    SECURITY AUDIO & VIDEO
 If lights, curtains and blinds making the house look occupied aren't enough, imagine the impact that the TV automatically switching on, or music playing in the dining room would have in the evening.
     
    HOME ENTERTAINMENT
 Automatic Building & Design provide state of the art Home Entertainment Solutions, including Home Cinema, a full range of Multi-Room Systems, Audio Visual products and Home Networking.

We start with a personal consultation, assessing your individual requirement which includes a no-cost home survey.When you have chosen your system, our project management department and professional installation teams make your home entertainment vision a reality.

Automated Building and Design provide you with training on your system and then give award winning customer service to ensure you get most from your investment.

We work extensively with interior designers and property developers as well as consulting on many developments in the commercial sector.
     
    HOME ENTERTAINMENT - WHOLE HOUSE AUDIO
Since our business started we have been strongly recommending people consider the lifestyle benefits afforded by having the ability to listen to one radio station or CD wherever you are in the house. Since then, our systems have grown to accommodate MP3 music sources, multiple digital radio sources and TV or computer based movies throughout your home.

• Up to 32 different zones with cost saving Sub-Zones available for areas such as en-suite areas
• A wide range of discreet speakers that can be fitted in wall or in ceiling
• Up to 8 different sound or picture sources that will be available in every zone simultaneously
• Links provided for CD/DVD, Radio, DAB Radio, Satellite, CCTV, MP3 & DivX based systems
• Full control of source equipment from each zone

Traditionally, listening to music and watching video was limited to one or two rooms in the house. Any more than this could be expensive and obstructive. A whole house audio / video system overcomes these problems.

Instead of additional equipment for each room, for example CD and DVD players, a whole house system requires only one of each. Now it is possible to listen and control music and video from any room of your choice, separately or simultaneously, with ease of use.
     
    HOME ENTERTAINMENT - MULTI ROOM
Multi-Room Entertainment allows your audio and video system to be plumbed into the house. Your audio equipment (CD, tape, mp3 player) and/or video equipment (DVD player, satellite, etc) are plugged into the hub unit. The signals are then distributed round the house via hidden cables to each room.

• A keypad and speakers in each room allows full control over the function of each source. Either one source or multiple sources can be used simultaneously.
• Multi-Room offers options of audio only, or the addition of video, with simple or more advanced functionality depending on customer needs. All options offer you whole house entertainment in a discreet manner.
     
    HOME ENTERTAINMENT - HARMONY MP3 MEDIA SERVER
Harmony Media Server is a PC software system which allows you to find all of your music files anywhere on your network without the need to move files to a central location. Acting as an MP3 'jukebox', this software is capable of storing and sorting 1.2 million individual music files at the touch of a button.

Whether your files are strewn across your PC or on several different portable devices, Harmony Media Centre can bring them together in one place without having to change their location.

FEATURES:
• Store up to 1.2 million media files.
• CD ripper geared for fast and high quality CD ripping using high bit rate and maximum error correction.
• Works seamlessly with Harmony Home Automation Server.
• Cover art scanner.• Alphabetically organise your entire music collection.
     
    HOME ENTERTAINMENT - ZONED MP3 MEDIA SERVER
Everyone in the house has varied music taste. Therefore our MP3 server range includes models with multiple output streams, allowing four or more different tunes to be playing in different parts of the house.

Combine our Zoned MP3 server with a whole house audio system and you'll never be without music.
     
    HOME ENTERTAINMENT - WHOLE HOUSE AND ZONE SYSTEMS
 Some people prefer a system that plays the same sound throughout the house, so that they can wander freely while never losing track of the CD, DVD, radio or television programme in question.

Others prefer zoned systems, where each room can listen to a different source - perhaps you are listening to Radio 3 in your office while the children are each listening to a different MP3 in their rooms, in the meantime your partner is watching the current episode of Eastenders on the Sky box.

DISCREET CONTROL
• Your Automatic Building & Design system can be controlled by tasteful keypads mounted in the wall or, optionally, through handheld remote controls.
• Our higher-end models can even be controlled by a computer for occupancy simulation, or web control.Used in conjunction with our MP3 servers, the higher-end systems can even display track information on the keypads.
     
    HOME ENTERTAINMENT - HOME CINEMA
Modern homes generally have an area for viewing either television or movies. Sometimes this is a discreet addition to a room or alternatively it can also be a feature area of its own. Either way, Automatic Building & Design can accommodate your needs:

• A wide range of solutions to cater for, from simple systems through to the most demanding of requirements.
• Professional grade equipment including high-end high definition plasma, LCD, projectors and screens, combined with automated lighting, shielded installation connections and cabling that offers better reliability and functionality than available high street systems.
     
    HOME NETWORKING
These days' busy professionals want to operate their laptops from any location. Our system provides the latest ways that you too can enjoy the freedom of a wireless system whilst combining the fault tolerance of traditional Cat-5 based wiring:

• Latest high speed broabdand technologies installed discreetly throughout your houseFull security of firewall and optional virus checking
• Range extending systems for super long range wireless access
• Discreet wall plates for integrated Cat-5 wired internet access points

Controlling your house from a home network is part of the solution for many of our customers. Increasingly, though, customers want to be able to monitor and control their houses from an office, or another residence.

When combined with Automatic Building & Design Networking, our networked products - CCTV, lighting control, blind and curtains (controlled by the Harmony Home Controller), and audio video systems can all be controlled from anywhere on the Internet.
     
    HOME NETWORKING - SECURE CONNECTIVITY
We all appreciate the importance of firewalls at work, but at home they are often omitted. When you are exposing the ability to control your house, it is vital to have in place secure solutions that lock down remote access properly.
    HOME NETWORKING - MIXED MODE NETWORKING
Our systems combine the convenience of wireless with the higher throughput and better security of wired links.

For the larger property we can provide wireless range extenders, or multi-access-point solutions allowing you to roam throughout the house with your laptop or PDA switching seamlessly from one point to the next.
     
   

HEATING VENTILATION & AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)
Automatic Building & Design can control heating, ventilation and air conditioning throughout your home in any number of zones. It includes the modern facility to take into account the lag of your system and only supply the minimum amount of power needed to control the heating in any particular zone.

The system can work with:

• Traditional boilers such as gas or oil powered heaters
• Underfloor heating systems, either liquid based or electric
• Air conditioning and ventilation systems
• Ground and open air based heat pumps
     
    HVAC - HEATING
The Automatic Building & Design solution uses discreet temperature sensors which can be sited away from the radiators to properly measure the room temperature. These are connected to a zone controller, (which can be wall mounted or alternative variants can be hidden from view).
The zone controller manages both temperature and time control for the room (each room is now effectively a separate zone). All of the zone controllers are connected to our low-voltage communications network; also sitting on this network cable are our unique intelligent actuators.

These are smart, motorised valves which either mount on the radiators or are concealed on the pipe which feeds the radiator. These intelligent actuators will open and close under the command of their associated zone controller. This ensures:

• More accurate temperature regulation.
• Simpler plumbing. Zoning occurs at each radiator. The intelligent actuator performs time and temperature control functions in one package with no need for separate zone valves.

• Each room can be controlled individually for timed operation and temperature, from the wall (using a zone controller or touch screen panel), or from a PC.
• The associated pumps and boilers are controlled by other Automatic Building & Design modules and run only when needed.
     
    HVAC - VENTILATION
All houses need ventilation; sometimes this is achieved by passive trickle vents above windows, but often some form of mechanical ventilation may be needed. Simple bathroom extracts can be driven from the lighting circuit, but increasing use is now made of heat recovery ventilation units.

These units comprise a supply and extract fan, and a heat exchanger which takes heat from the extract air and pre-heats the incoming fresh air.Simpler units can be set to run continuously, but more comprehensive products have trickle/boost modes, bypass dampers for summer use (to allow free cooling of the house) and auxiliary heating/cooling coils. These types of unit require:

• A small 'smartBox' with a Automatic Building & Design module which fits beside the ventilation unit.
• Boost/trickle control can be linked to house 'away/holiday' mode.
• By-pass or auxiliary heating/cooling can be linked to desired temperatures in the house.

Some houses employ natural or passive rather than mechanical ventilation techniques using the buoyancy of warm air to create the 'stack effect', enhancing ventilation through an atrium or wind tower. Such schemes employ automatic opening windows or vents at low and high level, which must be inhibited during high winds, etc.Typically, our solution features:

• A small 'smartBox' panel with the Automatic Building & Design Module situated near to the window.
• A weather station with wind speed and direction can inhibit the opening of windows under certain conditions.
• Several further sensor may also be needed to measure variables.
     
    HVAC - AIR CONDITIONING
'Split' or DX systems - Increasingly, home owners are specifying comfort cooling systems for their properties - this is not, strictly speaking air-conditioning, because it does not control the 'condition' (i.e. temperature and humidity) of the air, only the temperature. These systems come complete with their own builtin controls, and their own user interface.

However, these types of system are often fitted in conjunction with separate heating systems (e.g. underfloor heating). If the two systems are kept separate, with their own independent user controls, confusion and mis-setting of the two systems will almost certainly occur, resulting in the heating system 'fighting' with the cooling system. This will cause discomfort and wasted energy bills.

The Automatic Building & Design approach works by controlling both systems from a single sensor and interface. The user sets the temperature (and times) they want to use, and the Automatic Building & Design system decides whether heating, cooling or no action is required, just like climate control systems in modern cars.

• Uses the same sensor as the heating.
• Retains the manufacturer's user interface for maintenance, but inaccessible to the end user.
• Typically, a small 'smartBox' panel with the Automatic Building & Design module fits beside each indoor unit, which connects to the communications network.
     
    FAQS
Q. When is the best time to install Automatic Building & Design technology in my new home?
A. In terms of a new build, the ideal time to install Automatic Building & Design technology is during the first fix of the build, especially for the more complex and sophisticated systems. Extra wiring requirements can be incorporated at this stage, therefore minimising disruption and inconvenience further down the line.

Q. Does this smart technology make a property easier to sell or add value to it, and if so, how much?
A. Automatic Building & Design technologies can enhance both the appeal and the value of a property. This technology is becoming an integral part of the home and will become more of a reality as broabdand internet becomes more widespread in homes. Automatic Building & Design technology is about enhancing your lifestyle and the environment in which you live - it is this concept which is attractive to potential buyers.

Q. Is home automation expensive?
A. For the security, environmental, convenience and lifestyle benefits that home automation offers, it's fair to say that it isn't expensive. A typical solution for a medium sized house (3 or 4 bedroom) will on average total 2 - 5 percent of the overall build cost. Due to each requirement being totally individual, prices will vary.

Q. Will my Automatic Building & Design be guaranteed?
A. Yes. Not only does each individual product that we install have a 12 month manufacturer’s warranty. The Automatic Building & Design system itself, when signed off by us, also has a 2 year NHBC warranty.

Q. Am I able to see these technologies in action before I purchase?
A. Yes. Based near Oxford, we have a demonstration room with all the latest home automation technologies all brought together in one place.

Q. Can you use Cat 5 cabling in a Automatic Building & Design system?
A. Yes. Cat 5 Cabling is a compatible cable, although some systems require mains and/or specialist cabling.

Q. We are working towards the firstfix now - What extra wiring do we need?
A. It is worthwhile planning now rather than later as it could be costly. Please call us to discuss your project ASAP as it is far easier to install at an early stage (e.g. before plastering or decorating).

Q. How can Automatic Building & Design be installed?
A. Either by us or you can have it installed by a third party electrical contractor. We have trained installers who can install and maintain all Automatic Building & Design products as well as offering recommendations on customising and upgrading systems. We also offer training for electricians all year round if they needed further knowledge on the system they are installing. The most competitive installation process is our ‘Assisted Project Management’ option, where we specify and commission the solution and your own electrician carries out installation.

Q. Can you use Cat 5 cabling in a Automatic Building & Design system?
A. Yes. Cat 5 Cabling is a compatible cable, although some systems require mains and/or specialist cabling.

Q. We are working towards the firstfix now - What extra wiring do we need?
A. It is worthwhile planning now rather than later as it could be costly. Please call us to discuss your project ASAP as it is far easier to install at an early stage (e.g. before plastering or decorating).

Q. How can Automatic Building & Design be installed?
A. Either by us or you can have it installed by a third party electrical contractor. We have trained installers who can install and maintain all Automatic Building & Design products as well as offering recommendations on customising and upgrading systems. We also offer training for electricians all year round if they needed further knowledge on the system they are installing. The most competitive installation process is our ‘Assisted Project Management’ option, where we specify and commission the solution and your own electrician carries out installation.

Q. How much do I pay for a survey and quotation?
A. Nothing at all. We offer a FREE on site consultancy (location dependent) followed by a no obligation quotation.
     
    SERVICING & SUPPLY
SUPPLY ONLY
We can help you select and then supply all the necessary components to site for installation by either yourself or a qualified electrician. We can then provide telephone support and advice from our once based technical support team, although training courses are available should your electrician wish to obtain the further knowledge and qualication.

ASSISTED PROJECT MANAGEMENT
We can carry out a free, no obligation onsite survey and help prepare wiring diagrams as well as over phone support throughout the project and attend site visits (location dependent).

You or your electrician then perform the majority of the work, thus keeping the cost of the project to a minimum, although final on-site commissioning will be carried out by Automatic Building & Design.

The whole project will have a NHBC 2 year warranty upon sign off by us.The majority of the modules are suitable for self builders or installation by an electrician, although, should you prefer, comprehensive training courses are available throughout the year.

FULL SERVICES
Should you require Automatic Building & Design's full service we can offer the complete solution from initial on site consultancy through to post project sign off and support.
     
   

CONTACT US
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about ABD and our line of home automation products.

ADDRESS
Automatic Building and Design (ABD) Limited
The Old School
188 Liscard Road
Wallasey
Wirral CH44 5TN

TELEPHONE
0044 (0) 870 861 8600

EMAIL
info@abd-limited.com
     
     
     
 
       
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