3 KNX Systems, One Platform - Building Automation at iC-Haus

What Was It About?

At the corporate campus of iC-Haus GmbH in Bodenheim, three independent buildings were each operated with their own separate KNX installation. Each building had its own visualization, its own user accounts, and an independent shading control system.

The goal of the project was to consolidate all buildings into a central platform in order to simplify operation for facility management and to optimize shading across all buildings.

What Were the Challenges?

The three KNX systems were planned and operated independently of each other. Identical group addresses as well as different visualization systems made consolidation more difficult.

In addition, the shading functions operated building by building with their own weather data, causing the facades to respond differently to identical weather conditions.

How Was Symcon Used?

Symcon connects all three KNX installations via the existing KNX IP gateways within a single shared project. The existing group addresses could be adopted without any changes. The cross-building group addresses, such as those of the master weather station, are available across all buildings for shading control.

For facility management, this created a central visualization with a unified user access. The shading automation evaluates the data from a KNX weather station and controls the facades of all buildings synchronously.

The local weather stations remain active for wind and rain alarms, ensuring safe operation independently of the central infrastructure as well.

Conclusion

By deploying Symcon, three independent KNX systems were consolidated into a single central platform without any modifications to the existing group addresses.

The unified visualization significantly reduces the administrative effort for facility management. At the same time, the central shading control ensures a harmonious facade appearance and supports the reduction of energy consumption for heating and air conditioning.