The art of smart

Home automation is an art form inspired by possibilities and desires. That is the vision of Roel van Gestel, owner of All4Control, specialist in functional and surprising solutions for audio and video, lighting, security, comfort, climate and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Both inside and outside the home. 

"As a system integrator, we supervise projects from A to Z. We like to think along with the architect, contractor, installer and end user from the advisory phase, so that home automation not only blends invisibly into the design, but also meets all the functional needs and requirements of the end user."

Roel van Gestel has years of experience in home automation. In his position as product manager at Marantz Europe, he witnessed the development of mid to high end audio solutions for homes, with surround sound and home theater solutions for all living areas. In 2010, as streaming media took off, Van Gestel made the move to a distributor in home automation. 

"As a sales and field engineer, I set up a new, Dutch sales channel for audio, video and lighting," he says. "Initially as an employee, but later in an agency because home automation also includes security, comfort, climate and ICT. Under the name All4Control, I fleshed this out, also providing (product) technical support to installers. When the demand for total solutions gradually grew, I came up with a concept that allows audio and video, lighting, security, comfort, climate and ICT to be easily and centrally monitored and managed with normal wall switches, centrally placed touchscreens and smartphones and tablets, and with which virtually all customer requirements can be met seamlessly."

Four pillars

The concept of All4Control is based on four pillars, including (1) Simplicity in ease of operation in up to four steps, (2) Comfort and furnishing, (3) Entertainment and (4) Total care and sustainability. Van Gestel cites some examples in climate control, audio and video and security. "By installing wall switches that can measure temperatures in addition to lighting controls, a separate thermostat becomes unnecessary. And speakers, televisions and projection screens can also be concealed invisibly in walls or ceilings so that they fit into any interior." 

So with All4Control's home automation solutions, home designs are no longer marred by walls full of switches. Cables are also concealed in such a way that it appears as if everything is wireless. 

"In the design of our installations, we pay maximum attention to aesthetics, energy efficiency and safety. For example, residents can have their installations adjusted so that when they leave their home and activate the alarm code, all the equipment in the house automatically switches off and/or activates an absence simulation. That this is appreciated by architects, contractors, installers and end-users alike is proven by the many projects we have now been able to carry out for clients both at home and abroad."

Project supervision: from advice to aftercare

Due to the success of All4Control, Van Gestel abandoned his agency completely in 2017. A year later, he took over all projects, activities and service and maintenance contracts of the De Meern-based company Goosebumpz. Since then, All4Control supervises and realizes luxury housing projects, from the consulting phase to final delivery and aftercare. 

"Every project invariably starts with a conversation with the end customer, in which we identify the home automation needs and requirements," Van Gestel said. 

"Then, together with the architect, we look at how we can seamlessly integrate all techniques into the aesthetic design. If required, we assist the contractor and (electrical) fitter with the installation of all cables and piping, in accordance with our functional design and accompanying wiring and connection diagrams, after which we successively take care of the delivery, assembly and adjustment/programming of all home automation systems. We then provide standard two-year aftercare and support, assuring the end customer of an optimally functioning, high-end installation."