This month, Butler Harwell’s annual pilgrimage for continual professional growth at the Integrated Systems Europe trade show for technology connoisseurs took us to Barcelona, where we were dazzled by the Picadilly Circusesque screens and light displays of Fira Barcelona, were inspired by technology advancements, and grew productive relationships with new and existing brand partners. An early morning outing on day 2 perhaps skewed our interest in particular product categories for the remaining of the show, as we found ourselves captivated by the Sagrada Familia; the perfect example of harmony between Architecture, Design and Technology.

*Unfortunately our photography skills do not match our Technical Skills. This image of Gaudi's glass and steel star is from the official website for the Sagrada Familia.*

Gaudi’s Illuminated Glass & Steel Star

As lighting specialists, we were delighted to appreciate the newly erected luminous star at the 138m peak of the Virgin Mary Tower at the Sagrada Familia. On researching the great feat, we learned that spotlights within Gaudi’s glass and steel star have sensors that communicate with the general control system, allowing for remote monitoring and control of each LED, generating alerts for any potential issues. This method is aligned with our own work, integrating lifestyle technology, including lighting systems, and simplifying their management and control in a home. There are multiple products on the market that facilitate the use of such technology, all with their own benefits.

**Rithum Switch Pro**

The product that stood out for us in this category at ISE this year was the new Rithum Switch Pro touchscreen panel, which slots into a standard light-switch enclosure and includes a speaker and mic for intercom communication. It’s sleek, compact, easy to operate, and manages lighting control, climate-control, multi-room AV entertainment, virtually anything automated within the home, and has been crafted to be compatible with the likes of BluOS, Sonos, Lutron Ra2, Rako, Blustream and Heatmiser. Furthermore, the new feature which appeals, in particular, to Butler Harwell, is the option to either integrate the control system, as per standard practice, or more innovatively, to operate the system via PoE (Power over Ethernet), minimising the need for additional cabling and removing the reliance on Wi-Fi.

Butler Harwell specialises in integrating robust cable infrastructures and electrical works to support the smooth management of technology in the home. However, despite the advantages of integrated systems, and our skill at seamlessly concealing wires, we understand that some clients are still reticent to install a new cabling network in properties which precede such technology advancements, and for certain historical or listed buildings, this may not even be an option. Discovering new products that can accommodate different clients’ needs, whilst bringing homes up to date with features that are now considered basic commodities, and where we can, add luxury, is highly satisfying for us, and makes these industry events worthwhile.

**Rako Lighting Control System**

On the same wavelength, Rako, the premium UK lighting brand, was exhibiting a lighting control system with wired, wireless and NFC (Near Field Communication) keypads to suit different property requirements. The wireless and NFC keypads are battery operated to negate the need to run any cabling, and are programmable via Rako’s patented NFC technology, allowing each button to trigger single or multiple commands. Users can create different mood settings throughout the day, and even control window shades. Pre-programmed lighting scenes that sync with the circadian rhythm have become increasingly popular, with growing awareness around the direct correlation between lighting and overall wellbeing. With lighting control systems such as Rako’s, a homeowner can set the colour temperature and light intensity to boost energy during the day, then eliminate blue light and dim lights for calmer evenings. It is pleasing to see that Rako have provided a technology solution that not only fulfils a task, it considers the limitations (or possibilities) of different environments, whilst still considering the importance of how it sits aesthetically within a home. The flush-to-wall keypads, come in three ranges to suit different preferences, (Modular, EOS and Classic) and are available in seven different finishes to suit all interiors.

**Zuma Lumisonic**

A Zuma product on the Rako stand, took the concept of incorporating technology in a home, whilst respecting design, even further, pairing light and sound in one device. For homeowners who don’t wish to have their speaker systems on display, the wireless ‘Lumisonic’ LED downlights feature inbuilt premium loudspeakers. They’re discreet, non-invasive and can even operate in moisture-heavy environments such as bathrooms. Remote operating via the Zuma app, or compatible music apps such as Spotify, allows for the easy control of different light settings, and immersive sound. It is innovations such as these that create a welcomed conduit to modernise homes for greater function, comfort and convenience, without compromising on design, or even undertaking potentially invasive work.

For some, architecture, design and technology are separate entities, that incite unease at the idea of being ‘juxtaposed’. However, it is in the marriage of these three pillars, that we can find the balance between function and aesthetics. The Sagrada Familia, it is the picture-perfect representation of innovation, creativity and technology. We were interested to discover that one modern construction technique is to pre-fabricate many of the elements of the Sagrada Familia in Gaià, 80 kilometres from Barcelona. Butler Harwell’s Huf Haus show-home in Weybridge is a prime example of a pre-fabricated building, and Butler Harwell are exploring extending the pre-fabrication avenue further to craft exceptional rooms with minimal intrusion. More on this to follow at a later date.

When considering holistic design, Butler Harwell perceives outdoor spaces as valuable extensions to the home for entertainment and wellness. Gaudi’s nature inspired design elements and stone sculptures take us the realms of Outdoor Technology and the showstopping product of ISE ‘24: the world’s first of its kind, ‘Unfolding Open Air Sculpture’ by C SEED.

The ‘Unfolding Open Air Sculpture’ by C SEED

The weak liaison from Gaudi to folding TV screens may be unforgiveable, but it would be a greater sin for us not to express our appreciation for the revolutionary piece of kinetic art. When not in use, the N1 Outdoor TV is discreetly folded and concealed in its base, imitating a sculpture. When automated, each MicroLED panel silently and beautifully unfolds in just 25 seconds to fully open to a 165-inch or 137-inch screen. It features Adaptive Gap Calibration for 100% seamless picture quality, best-in-class pixel power for ultra-high res images in any daylight environment, including direct sunshine, and has a special anti-glare screen surface coating to produce truest blacks and vibrant colours. If that’s not enough it has integrated audio, a complete control system, and the screen rotates up to 180 degrees, for ultimate comfort and flexible viewing from your chosen location: lounge area, swimming pool or jacuzzi. Needless to say, Butler Harwell are excited to offer this product to clients who are looking to optimise their outdoor living space.

C Seed n1 Outdoor - sculpture_low res.jpg

It is impossible to cover everything that impressed us in the deep pool of technology at ISE 2024. It was near impossible to cover it all in just a few days, but we left feeling inspired, and have started to initiate new ideas for the year ahead. We are grateful for the forward-thinking brand partners we will be collaborating with, and we look forward to sharing more news in the months to come.

Butler Harwell Director Tom Butler at the Nature Inspired Sagrada Familia Doors.JPG

Butler Harwell Director Tom Butler exploring the Sagrada Familia .jpeg

Butler Harwell Marketing & Outreach Manager at the Sagrada Familia Doors.JPG

Butler Harwell Marketing & Outreach Manager visiting the Sagrada Familia.JPG

Butler Harwell MD Tom Butler exploring the Nativity Temple at the Sagrada Familia.jpeg

Butler Harwell MD Tom Butler visits the Sagrada Familia.jpeg

Butler Harwell_The Sagrada Familia Ceiling.JPG

Gaudi's Mosaic Sculptures at the Nativity Temple.jpeg

Gaudi's Nature Inspired Mosaic Sculptures at the Sagarada Familia.jpeg

Wishing Coins at the Sagrada Familia.jpeg

Blog Author: Joanna Richards, Butler Harwell Marketing & Outreach Manager

Thank You

Thank you to the resources below which provided helpful insights to satisfy our curiosity after our visit to the Sagrada Familia:

https://www.endesa.com/en/press/press-room/news/social/endesa-foundation-sagrada-familia-star-lighting-highly-energy-efficient#:~:text=The%20whole%20tower%20has%20LED,double%20objective%3A%20Conceptual%20and%20artistic.

https://blog.sagradafamilia.org/en/divulgation/technology-sagrada-familia/

https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/7694-la-sagrada-familia-by-jordi-faulî-and-anoche