Corporate Office — KNX Automation
Presence-adaptive lighting that cuts energy by 40%. HVAC integrated with occupancy. MID-certified energy metering per floor. Meeting rooms that configure themselves.
DALI-2 presence-adaptive lighting
The most impactful function in an office: lights on only when someone is there, at the exact level needed. DALI-2 presence control (DALI-2 Part 303 sensors) gives closed-loop control: sensor measures lux level, adjusts DALI ECG output to maintain target illuminance (typically 500 lux on desk per EN 12464-1).
DALI-2 office control strategy:
- • Presence zone: PIR sensor covers 2×2m work area. Occupancy = 500 lux maintained. Empty 10 min = fade to 0%
- • Daylight harvesting: Lux sensor at window. Sunny day → ceiling fixture dims to 20%. Overcast → 80%
- • Groups: Row of desks = one DALI group. Press one switch = full row on/off
- • Scenes: Normal (500 lux), Cleaning (100%), Meeting (dim to 200 lux), Presentation (blind closed + 100 lux accent)
- • Emergency: DALI-2 emergency test via Part 202. Automatic monthly function test, 3h endurance test. Report to BMS
Energy impact:
Office lighting with DALI-2 presence + daylight harvesting typically consumes 35–50% less energy than manually-switched fluorescent/LED circuits. For a 1000 m² office at 15W/m² installed, that's ~6,000 kWh/year saved — significant for energy performance certificates (EPC).
HVAC & BMS integration
In commercial buildings, HVAC is controlled by a Building Management System (BMS — Siemens Desigo CC, Schneider EcoStruxure, Honeywell WEBs). KNX integrates with BMS via BACnet IP or OPC-UA — KNX room-level data (setpoint, occupancy, window contact) feeds the BMS; BMS commands fan coil units, AHUs, and VRV systems.
KNX → BACnet for Siemens/Honeywell BMS
Direct integration with VRV outdoor units and AHU controllers
Direct KNX control of 2-pipe or 4-pipe fan coil units — no BMS needed for small offices
CO₂-triggered ventilation boost — mandatory in meeting rooms (EN 15251)
Meeting room automation
⚡ Room booked (via calendar)
→ Lights on 15 min before meeting. AC target 21°C. Blind to 50% (reduce glare on screen)
⚡ Presenter mode
→ Front lights off. DALI perimeter to 20%. Projector screen drops. Motorised blind closes
⚡ Video call mode
→ Lights 400 lux even distribution. No shadows. Blind 70% (controlled backlight)
⚡ Room vacant 15 min
→ Lights fade off. AC setback 16°C. Blind neutral. Room freed in booking system (webhook)
Investment overview
Small office (500–1000 m²)
KNX switching + DALI-2 presence per zone. No BMS integration. Energy meter per floor.
€8,000–18,000
panel + programming
Mid-size office (1000–3000 m²)
Multi-line KNX, DALI-2 full with daylight harvesting, BACnet/Modbus HVAC, meeting room scenes, MID metering.
€20,000–55,000
panel + programming
Large office fit-out (3000–10000 m²)
Full BMS integration, KNX backbone, multi-floor DALI-2, comprehensive energy monitoring, EPC optimisation.
Custom
panel + programming
IEC 61439-compliant panels for commercial fit-outs
Certified panels, DALI-2 commissioned on-site, BACnet integration tested. Full documentation for building handover — M&E package included.