For more than a century, Harland & Wolff’s former Headquarter Building and Drawing Offices was the control centre for one of the largest shipyards in the world, but after being vacated in 1989 the building was unoccupied and left to slowly rot for nearly thirty years. So when it was announced that the historic building was set to be restored and transformed into a boutique hotel, the news was warmly welcomed by both the tourism industry in Northern Ireland and the general public.
In partnership with Titanic Foundation, developers set out to breathe new life into the building, working with conservation architects to restore its original features and remain true to its history, but also seeking to create a unique, modern space. A key part of achieving this balance was through the use of technology in the building, including the award-winning ELAN control system and KNX lighting – features programmed and installed by iControl.
“The distribution company for ELAN and KNX put one of their clients in contact with me after they were unable to undertake the project independently, ” iControl’s Aaron Kearney explains. “They approached me to programme all of the lighting and sound systems on the ground floor, so this included all of the main public areas, the bars and restaurants, the entrance lobby, reception area, conference rooms and event spaces.”
They approached me to programme all of the lighting and sound systems on the ground floor, so this included all of the main public areas, the bars and restaurants, the entrance lobby, reception area, conference rooms and event spaces
Aaron Kearney, Director, iControl
Through this state of the art technology, including MILES sound systems, Aaron was able to grant seamless, intelligent control of multiple hotel features. From atmospheric lighting and background music, to visitor announcements and audio controls for speeches at weddings and events, all within a excellent time frame:
“Our end was a very quick turn around, we had our work completed in around 2 weeks,” said Aaron. “Everything was mainly programmed from our base then brought in and installed on site.”
Thanks to a collaboration of teams across multiple industries, Titanic Hotel opened its doors in 2017 with The Guardian deeming it ‘one of Belfast’s true architectural gems’. Hotel manager, Adrian McNally, noted: “I think a sympathetic balancing of old and new has been the main challenge but I believe we have got the magic just right.”
About iControl
iControl is a leading electrical engineering company specialising in design, build, installation and commissioning of intelligent control systems for modern homes and living. iControl can deliver systems for the entire home, embracing heating and lighting, audio and audio-visual including home cinema, and smart appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines etc.
Part of the AK Electrics group, iControl has worked on a wide range of prestigious projects throughout Ireland and the UK.
For more information contact Aaron Kearney on 028 7938 7420
aaron@icontrolbuilding.com