Basalte
Ultra-minimalist Belgian KNX switches — where hardware becomes sculpture.
Basalte (Ghent, Belgium — founded 2004) manufactures some of the world's most refined KNX push-button interfaces and home control surfaces. Their products — characterised by seamless glass faces, hair-thin edges and precision aluminium frames — are specified by interior architects for ultra-premium residential and boutique hospitality projects across Europe. Basalte is the definitive choice when the switch itself must be a design statement.
Role in our panels
How we use Basalte
Basalte's KNX product range includes the Sentido glass touchpanel (a flush keypad with a capacitive glass surface), the Auro single-rocker switch (minimalist single glass rocker), the Eve multi-button keypad (2–6 buttons, flush glass), and the Fibonacci circular touchpanel (a circular keypad with LED ring). All Basalte products communicate via standard KNX TP and are ETS5/ETS6 programmable. Their home automation controller (bOS — Basalte Operating System) optionally supplements KNX for Sonos audio, Lutron shading and Apple HomeKit integration.
In our panels, Basalte devices connect as standard KNX TP sensors — they appear on the bus identically to Gira or Jung pushbuttons. ETS programming defines which KNX group addresses each button surface sends to. Basalte's added value is purely aesthetic: the same KNX functionality at a price premium of 3–5× Gira System 55. Specify Basalte for master bedrooms, living rooms and hotel rooms where the client has specified premium finishes throughout.
Used in these project types
Basalte products
Key components we install
Sentido KNX
Capacitive glass touchpanel with 2–4 button zones and LED indicators. Ultra-thin aluminium frame, flush-mounted. Single or double unit. ETS programmable. Available in white, black, silver and gold.
Auro KNX
Single glass rocker KNX pushbutton. Minimalist design — barely visible flush with the wall. 1 or 2 rockers. For light control and scene recall. Pairs with Basalte cover plates.
Eve KNX
2–6 button KNX keypad with engraving labels. Precise backlit button icons. Available in glass or metal. For scene control panels in living rooms and hotel room entry.
Fibonacci KNX
Circular capacitive touchpanel with LED ring. Unique sculptural form — often used as a centrepiece scene controller in premium living rooms. ETS KNX programmable.
bOS Server
Basalte's proprietary control server. Optionally supplements KNX with Sonos audio control, Lutron shading, Apple HomeKit and visualization. Runs alongside KNX — not required for pure KNX installations.
Basalte FAQ
Are Basalte switches compatible with any KNX project?
Yes — Basalte KNX devices use standard KNX TP bus and are ETS6 programmable. They coexist on the same bus with Gira, Jung, Hager, MDT and all other KNX brands. The ETS product database includes all Basalte products. From the KNX bus perspective, a Basalte Sentido is identical to a Gira pushbutton — just far more expensive.
What is the price difference vs Gira or Jung?
Basalte KNX switches typically cost €300–800 per switch point vs €80–150 for Gira System 55 or Jung LS 990. For a 150 m² apartment with 40 switch points, the difference is €8,000–25,000. This is justified in ultra-premium projects (€1,500/m²+ specification) but not for standard residential.
Is bOS server required for KNX installations?
No — bOS is optional. For a pure KNX installation, Basalte switches connect directly to the KNX bus and are programmed in ETS like any other KNX device. bOS adds value if the client also wants Sonos audio integration, Lutron roller shading, or Apple HomeKit without Home Assistant.
Can Basalte be combined with Gira or Jung in the same project?
Yes — in practice, premium projects often use Basalte in living areas and master bedroom, and Gira or Jung in utility rooms, bathrooms and corridors. All appear identically to the KNX bus. This hybrid approach is cost-effective while maintaining the design statement where it matters most.
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