Client Requirement

The Everingham Rotating House (ERH) is attracting attention worldwide thanks to its unique and clever design. It is one of Dynalite’s more interesting home automation projects to date. 

Borne out of a seemingly innocent comment; “Wouldn’t it be handy to have a house that could move?” the ERH is the result of thousands of research and development hours and dedication to the integrity of a design based on ecologically sound building principles.

Designer, Luke Everingham, wanted a to build a home that met exacting criteria; the cost must not exceed that of a conventional house of the same size and level of appointment; the layout and finish must be highly functional; it must require very little maintenance; must be white ant proof and must allow the occupants to maximise seasonal conditions and the outstanding 360° views on this property located in the Australian bush. The result is nothing less than amazing due to the simplicity and practicality of the design; a house that rotates 360° - capable of following the sun to capitalise on its winter warmth, avoiding the fierce summer heat and allowing the owners to decide what view to look at next.

Dynalite was originally considered for basic lighting control and home automation, capable of delivering preset lighting scenes to create a mood that would complement the time of day and the outstanding exterior views. After initial discussions it became apparent that Dynalite could offer much more in terms of control of this truly unique home environment.

above: The Everingham Rotating House

above: Simple preset lighting changes are executed using wall mounted panels

The Dynalite Solution

After discussing project requirements and parameters it became obvious that the homeowners would benefit from the installation of a DTK600 Touch Screen in addition to the standard wall mounted user control panels. The touch screen accepts floorplan bitmap files, enabling customised screens to be implemented and allowing clear identification and execution of various control tasks, including light level changes and switched on/off control of the variable motors controlling the speed and direction of the house. A Dynalite DDRC810DT Relay Controller provides a low level interface to the Rockwell motor control system that runs the house. This provides not only speed and direction control, but more complex functionality such as selection of a certain face of the house to ‘follow’ the sun as it moves throughout the course of the day. A combination of Dynalite DDMC801 Multipurpose and DDRC120FR Relay Controllers provide leading edge dimming control of low voltage halogen downlight fittings and fluorescent fittings in service areas, such as the laundry. Stylish decor matching Revolution series user control panels located throughout the house complete the system offering.

Client Benefit

The Dynalite solution provides the homeowner with a choice of user interfaces, from the contemporary Revolution series user control panels to the powerful DTK600 touch screen. The result is a simple-to-use, intuitive automation system which can be accessed and operated by any member of the family. The Dynalite Smart Home....it’s about streamlining your life, not complicating it.

Download Everingham Rotating house Case Study pdf (2.5Mb)