Hotel & Hospitality — KNX Automation
From the room controller to the façade — a complete KNX system that guests never notice until they realise how perfectly everything works.
Hotel automation requirements
Hotel automation is fundamentally different from residential. A 100-room hotel has 100 identical KNX sub-systems that must be centrally managed, individually controlled, and fault-isolated. Card-reader entry, DND/MUR signalling, GRMS integration, energy efficiency by floor — these are hotel-specific requirements that KNX handles better than any other system.
Per-room control
Each room has its own KNX sub-panel or terminal. Full isolation — a fault in room 301 doesn't affect 302.
Card reader input
Energy card or RFID reader → KNX binary input → welcome scene. Guest inserts card: lights on, AC setpoint rises to comfort level.
GRMS integration
Guest Room Management System (Optima, Hestia, Protel) integrates via KNX IP or BACnet. DND/MUR states visible at reception.
KNX room controller setup
Each hotel room uses a KNX room controller as the scene master. Zennio Z50 and Gira Control 9 are the most common in EU hotel projects. The room controller panel mounts in a recessed box near the entry (typically adjacent to the fuse board alcove or inside the room's secondary distribution box).
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Zennio Z50 room controller | 10-input touch panel, scene management, AC control (2-pipe fan coil), DND/MUR button output |
| KNX switching actuator 4x | Bedroom light, bathroom light, entrance light, socket circuit |
| KNX blind actuator 2x | Blackout roller + sheer fabric layer |
| DALI gateway 4 ch | Bedside reading dimming (DALI-2 drivers), bathroom mirror dimming |
| Energy card reader input | Binary input 230V: card inserted → ON telegram → welcome scene |
| KNX thermostat sensor | Room temperature feedback to AC unit |
| Fan coil unit actuator | 3-speed fan + valve control for 2-pipe FC units |
Hotel scenes we programme:
Common areas and facilities
Lobby & reception
DALI-2 presence + lux adaptive lighting, KNX scene wall panels, DMX RGB accent lighting, video intercom to rooms
Restaurant & bar
DALI dimming per zone (bar/dining/lounge), KNX scene presets (breakfast/dinner/event), RGB ambiance strips via Casambi or DMX
Corridors
DALI presence sensors (10% base level, 100% on movement), emergency lighting integration, card-reader validation signals
Conference rooms
KNX scene panels (presentation/videoconf/break), motorised screens, DALI adaptive, AV system integration
Pool & spa
DALI waterproof drivers, IP68 underwater LED, KNX pool equipment control (pump, heating), humidity-triggered ventilation
Façade
DMX512 RGBW LED wash, astronomical clock scenes (sunset/midnight/off), Art-Net controller from main panel
Hotel energy management
Energy is the largest variable cost in hospitality. A well-designed KNX system with proper card-reader logic and occupancy sensors typically saves 30–45% on HVAC and lighting costs compared to conventional manual systems.
30–45%
HVAC energy reduction
Card-reader logic sets AC to economy when guest is out
25–35%
Lighting energy reduction
Presence-based DALI dimming in rooms and corridors
Per-floor
Energy metering
Schneider iEM3155 Modbus meters on each floor riser
Real-time
Energy dashboard
Live kWh by floor, by system, by day — via Home Assistant or Schneider EcoStruxure
KNX hotel automation — built to spec
Room controller panels, common area DALI, façade DMX — all from one supplier. We deliver pre-programmed panels to site and commission on the day of handover.