Swiss Cottage NW6: Rako, AV and Electrical Scope

This archived project note records the proposed scope for a property in Fairhazel Gardens, Swiss Cottage NW6. The original building had suffered fire damage, and London Electricals was appointed to coordinate electrical and home-technology work as part of the restoration programme.

This is the original design-stage brief, showing how the electrical, lighting and AV packages were planned together during the restoration.

Recorded project scope

• First- and second-fix electrical wiring.
• Electrical design for lighting, small power and mechanical services points.
• A wired Rako lighting-control system.
• Data cabling, Wi-Fi and home-network infrastructure.
• Mechanical wiring for underfloor heating.
• Savant whole-home AV control.
• A central AV rack for the home-technology equipment.
• BPT XIP video-entry equipment.
• A basement media room with 5.1 surround sound.

Why the packages needed one coordination plan

The electrical, lighting, heating, network and AV systems shared containment routes, plant space and wall positions. A lighting keypad could not be placed without considering the door, furniture and backbox. The AV rack needed power, ventilation, data and access. The media room needed speaker, display and lighting positions agreed before ceilings and finishes closed.

Coordinating the packages under one information set reduced the risk of duplicated cable routes, missing supplies and late changes between trades.

Planning wired Rako lighting

A wired lighting-control design brings together the circuit schedule, dimming and switching modules, panel space and keypad layout. We match the fittings and drivers to the controls and test the intended dimming range, including the low evening levels.

Scene names should follow how the rooms are used. Enter, Cook, Dine, Relax and Off are easier to understand than a large number of minor variations. Commissioning then checks the real room after finishes and furniture are in place.

Network and AV infrastructure

Home-control and audio-video equipment depend on a stable network. The design should record data outlets, wireless access-point positions, the incoming internet service, rack switch capacity and any devices that need fixed connections. Equipment should be labelled and the final topology retained for support.

For the basement media room, screen, speaker and seating positions should be coordinated together. A 5.1 layout only works properly when the room geometry and listening positions are considered; speaker labels alone do not make the result.

Intercom and heating interfaces

The design team coordinates door entry and underfloor heating with their own native controls, then defines any useful functions to present in the wider home-control interface. That gives the homeowner convenient access while retaining the systems’ essential operation.

Planning a similar London refurbishment

Bring the electrical and technology team into the project before first fix. Provide the latest architectural plans, reflected ceiling plans, mechanical information, room brief and proposed equipment locations. London Electricals can then create a coordinated scope and identify decisions that need the architect, interior designer or contractor.

Explore Rako lighting installation, Rako repairs and upgrades, or media-room design.