SELVE Home in Action: A Smart System Offering Maximum Comfort and Flexibility

The single-family home in Lüdenscheid features 152 square meters of living space and underwent a complete modernization in 2019. New owners Nina and Michael Krüger transformed the 33-year-old house, updating walls, floors, and electrical systems. Characterized by open design, the multi-level home reflects the couple's openness to state-of-the-art control solutions. During renovations, they opted against wired shutter drives: “Wireless is the future, and I have full confidence in this technology,” says Michael Krüger.

Wireless innovations dominate in this Lüdenscheid home

The radio system has been at work in the Lüdenscheid home ever since. For motorizing the shutters, the homeowners opted for 14 SE Pro-RC drives. In addition to their local connection to the Lüdenscheid-based company, the “renown of the SELVE brand as an established provider of quality products” was a decisive factor for them. Last summer, the radio drives and 14 commeo wall transmitters for local control of the shutters were installed by a professional craftsman. The process was “extremely quick” and merely marked the beginning. The next step envisioned by the homeowners was the implementation of an intelligent home automation system by SELVE. From the outset, it was clear that their house would become a “Connected Home.” Michael Krüger has a natural affinity for smart solutions, stemming from his profession as an industrial engineer working in the SmartHome industry for an American company specializing in intelligent heating controls, among other things.

Smart applications implemented independently

When the SELVE Home Server 2 became available on the market, the next step was clear for the single-family home in Lüdenscheid at the end of 2019. The homeowner took matters into his own hands: Michael Krüger set up the small high-tech box, downloaded the free SELVE app, and programmed the radio drives on his tablet “quickly and with complete clarity.” But that wasn’t all: he also configured specific switching times, smart controls for rooms and groups, as well as actions with additional devices—all tailored entirely to the couple’s preferences. This process was straightforward for the Lüdenscheid resident, thanks to the simple and intuitive initial setup of the Home Server 2, which also allows for effortless future modifications and expansions.

Krüger has been particularly impressed by the system's versatility after several months of use. It does much more than automate shutters: the server integrates seamlessly with leading SmartHome products like Homematic IP. “SELVE’s strategic integration with Homematic IP products was a smart move, transforming them into a full-system provider almost overnight.”

The Krügers’ setup includes 16 heating actuators that operate autonomously, adapting to their daily routines. Remote access to these systems ensures convenience on the go. Other Homematic IP products connected to the SELVE Home Server 2 include three smoke detectors, motion- and brightness-activated plug sockets for floor lamps, and a terrace door window contact. This interoperability enables cross-brand “if-then” automation tasks. For instance, when the shutters close, the hallway and stairwell lights turn on. Alternatively, if a smoke detector senses smoke, all shutters automatically open. To prevent locking themselves out, the terrace door contact halts automatic shutter commands when the door is open.

Remote status monitoring and future-ready expansion

SELVE Home impresses with its extensive range of functions, which have proven effective in this reference project and are highly appreciated by the residents. High living comfort and security are top priorities for the Krügers, as is “optimized energy consumption”: For example, the coverings of their home’s large panoramic windows close automatically for additional insulation in winter at sunset and during summer on a timer in sunny conditions. “We no longer have to worry about any of that ourselves,” the couple emphasizes. They also enjoy making use of the many possibilities their smart home system offers: whether within their home Wi-Fi to control shutters or lights as needed, or while traveling (for business or leisure) to check the system’s status or simulate occupancy.

Everything is running smoothly and flawlessly, making their daily lives easier. The combination of bidirectional radio and the SmartHome hub provides great flexibility for the future as well: “Since the installation effort is very low, any successor products can be replaced and integrated into our 'Connected Home' with minimal effort, ensuring maximum future-proofing,” says Michael Krüger. He has already planned to expand his system: the next step is integrating the two garage doors. Additionally, the retractable arm awning will be incorporated into the home automation system using commeo sensors and commeo Control—bringing smart functionality to this area as well.

About Selve

SELVE is a global market leader in the field of roller shutter belt winders and a sought-after specialist for drives and controls in the areas of roller shutters and textile sun protection. Based in Lüdenscheid, Sauerland, SELVE represents a high level of expertise in the development and production of roller shutter components as well as innovative drives and controls for sun protection as a medium-sized family-owned company. Founded over 150 years ago in 1866 at its current location, SELVE remains under the ownership of the founding family to this day.