ᐅ New semi-detached house construction – which systems to install?

superzapp schrieb:

[...] Raspberry Pi as ioBroker for IFTTT scenarios [...]

The Shelly devices work quite well, but the sentence from the quote suggests some fundamental misunderstandings. Why use IFTTT for scenarios with Shelly when you have ioBroker? I would NEVER put building automation in the hands of a cloud service or handle basic functions solely with IFTTT. That’s fine for small experiments (like when the car arrives home, it notifies the house via IFTTT, etc.), but nothing more. If the cleaning person accidentally pulls the server cable out of the wall, you have a problem.

The only open question with this setup is really ioBroker. If Shelly stops working or is discontinued, you will have to look for other manufacturers compatible with the rest of your system.

Controlling an air-to-water heat pump via smartphone and app (away mode) might be technically possible and even stylish, but it is technically pointless. An air-to-water heat pump, as well as a ventilation system or a compact unit with both components, should be operated intelligently based on demand using sensors in the rooms (temperature, CO2, occupancy detector). This provides the highest energy efficiency and best comfort. There is no need to remember to turn anything on via smartphone. Additionally, underfloor heating is slow to respond. If I turn on the heating one hour before arriving home, the rooms are still cold at that time. Therefore, it makes sense to keep it running continuously.

I am also planning a complete renovation of the electrical system, and I want to have CAT8 cables installed, which have a relatively large diameter with AWG22. For example, something like this:

CAT7 already exceeds today’s requirements for potential data rates, but I don’t have empty conduits and prefer not to break open the walls again. I expect that a larger diameter will provide better performance for Power over Ethernet later on.

Regardless of whether you choose CAT7 or CAT8, I strongly recommend terminating the cables with keystone jacks at both ends (at least at the patch panel). This is much easier and allows cables to be reconnected later without hassle. For example, like these:

The patch panel should then be unpopulated and compatible with keystone jacks, for instance something like this:

Otherwise, I plan to install at least one double outlet in every room, plus a dedicated cable in some ceilings for access points, and one double outlet per hallway floor. The room layout plays a small role in this planning.

Additionally, I am considering an IP-based video intercom system, such as Doorbird. It makes sense to run a cable to this location. The same applies for external cameras if needed. These devices can be conveniently powered via PoE without requiring an additional power supply.

Besides the patch panel where the in-wall cables terminate, you will also need short patch cables to connect to a switch. For example, like these:

If you end up with a large number of cables, investing in a 19" server rack is worthwhile. This can house the patch panel, switch, and other components such as NAS, router/modem, etc. Something like this:

Including a power strip, for example one like this:

If you want to power devices via PoE (access points, cameras, intercom, etc.), use a PoE-capable switch. There are plenty available. Personally, I tend to recommend the Unifi Switch Pro 24 PoE GEN2, though it might be too expensive for most people.

To connect these devices, you can either use a wall outlet with a patch cable or skip the outlet altogether and terminate the in-wall cable directly with a network plug such as this:

So, these are just some suggestions. I do not receive any commission for the items mentioned — similar products can certainly be found from other retailers. But I think this helps to better visualize the setup.

Now I need to revisit this topic. I will probably forego a full KNX system, as it will likely exceed the budget and I probably wouldn’t use it to its full extent anyway.

At the moment, what matters most to me is the ability to control the electric roller shutters remotely. According to the building specifications, a simple toggle switch is currently installed. What do I think should be possible?

- Central opening and closing via app, voice command, and of course automated according to pre-programmed patterns.
- Control of both individual roller shutters and all of them together.
- Darkening of rooms when the indoor temperature gets too high.

Have I forgotten anything important?

Additionally, I would like to control a few lights smartly. For example, with motion sensors in the hallway or stair area.
In the bathroom or living area, with additional indirect lighting for a pleasant atmosphere.

The air-to-water heat pump operates by itself without constant adjustment, so temperature control in the individual rooms is likely unnecessary.

I don’t really mind using 2-3 apps for this at the moment, but certainly not significantly more.

Which system would be best suited for me?
So far, I have liked free@home and Homematic IP very much, although one is wired and the other is wireless.
I would be very grateful for further tips.

Free@Home is almost like KNX, but with a poor visualization system and the technical capabilities limited mainly to Busch-Jäger devices. In your case, you might want to take a look at OPUS. It’s a German manufacturer, works with a standard installation, can be upgraded later as needed, and fits into standard switch programs. It’s of course a wireless system, since a bus system is beyond your budget. We have had extremely good experiences with it, and if you want, you can later expand it over IP (HomeKit, etc.). For example, you could start by purchasing the blinds actuators and later replace the light switches with OPUS ones.

C.beckmann1986 schrieb:

Did I forget anything important?

Well, there are various things beyond simple if/then scenarios. You can’t foresee and program everything in advance.

C.beckmann1986 schrieb:

Additionally, I would like to control a few lamps smartly.

“A few” is always a step toward nowhere. If you do it, you should do it properly and integrate everything. It’s useless to automate some devices but still have to use the light switch in room XY to perform an action. Here’s my tip: all or nothing… regardless of what lamps or systems you use.

C.beckmann1986 schrieb:

In the hallway or stairwell, for example, with motion sensors.

Yes, good idea, but here too a concept and integration with the rest of the system is very beneficial—e.g., for alarms.

C.beckmann1986 schrieb:

The air-to-water heat pump runs on its own, without constant regulation. So the temperature control in the individual rooms is probably unnecessary.

Correct, unnecessary. But monitoring and control can sometimes be interesting and useful.

C.beckmann1986 schrieb:

I don’t really find it bothersome at the moment to have to use 2-3 apps for this—just not a lot more, of course.

Multiple apps often mean the devices don’t communicate with each other, which sometimes is helpful. But if you’re okay with that, then fine—that’s your house.

C.beckmann1986 schrieb:

Which system would suit me best? So far, I have liked free@Home and Homematic IP very much. The one is wired, the other wireless.

I agree with Untergasse43: free@Home equals KNX but without flexibility. No price advantage compared to KNX and limited to one manufacturer. So all the disadvantages are combined in this system. The supposed ease of programming on a tablet does not outweigh the limitations, yet it’s still bought. Crazy world.

Homematic IP is basically free@Home over wireless—so that’s also out, really.