TECHNOLOGY SPECIALISTS | ALGARVE | PORTUGAL
PORTFOLIO
The projects that we get involved with stretch between the normal residential work through to Super Yacht and Custom Software development for specific custom projects. We have selected some here to show our capabilities, but we are restricted in some situations due to NDA and privacy requests. Whilst some of these projects seem hugely complicated, we do also provide stand alone Alarms/ CCTV/ Music systems/ Cinemas/Heating controls etc..
VILLA - Quinta Do Lago
This project involved a newly constructed private residence in Quinta do Lago, Algarve, Portugal, designed by Vasco Vieira.
We delivered a fully integrated home automation solution incorporating Lutron QS Homeworks lighting control, Lutron Sivoia QS automated blinds, and an AMX touchscreen control system. The AMX platform provides centralised control of air conditioning and underfloor heating, lighting and water features, intercom systems, basement airflow management, audiovisual systems (television and audio), CCTV monitoring, and discreet maintenance-only control functions.
The client utilises a combination of fixed, wall-mounted touchscreens and iPads, enabling intuitive control of all systems throughout the property.
In addition to system integration, we coordinated and worked closely with a specialist lighting designer to achieve the final lighting scheme. This collaborative approach resulted in a visually striking outcome that complements the architectural design of the property.
The system has been designed to operate largely autonomously, minimising the need for user interaction. Most functions run continuously in the background, providing optimal comfort, efficiency, and reliability on a 24/7 basis.
Super Yacht M/Y Sea Owl
M/Y Sea Owl is a 63-metre superyacht built by Feadship in the Netherlands.
We were contracted by Transformational Security, a specialist security company based in the United States, to develop a bespoke AMX software interface for the vessel’s integrated security systems. The system enables crew members to enrol fingerprint credentials, manage access permissions, define schedules, and monitor fingerprint readers throughout the yacht.
In addition to biometric access control, the AMX platform was used to control and monitor the vessel’s alarm system, CCTV, deck sensors, and electronically controlled door locks. This integration provides the crew with a single, intuitive interface for managing onboard security, monitoring personnel embarking and disembarking, and maintaining situational awareness while on watch.
The electronically controlled door locks also allow the vessel to be placed into a full “lockdown” mode in the event of an unauthorised or hostile boarding.
For security reasons, detailed technical information cannot be disclosed. However, the image below shows a screenshot of the biometric enrollment system during the beta development phase. It illustrates the fingerprint enrolment process, while the upper section displays an access event log showing a user successfully accessing a door under the “All Day” schedule—a trusted user profile with unrestricted access.
The final deployed user interface was significantly refined, incorporating a cleaner layout, multiple notification levels, and more comprehensive logging. This interface formed only one component of the overall integrated security system.
This is a fully bespoke software/hardware solution, using our preferred AMX Control solution, to a supplied specification.
Since the original installation, the system has undergone multiple upgrades to adapt to evolving crew workflows and operational preferences, ensuring it remains both effective and user-friendly
H.U.D Test Dome
The test dome was assembled in a warehouse in England prior to being shipped overseas. Its purpose was to support the testing and evaluation of Head-Up Displays (HUDs) for fighter aircraft on behalf of a foreign government.
The upper image shows the original 3D model, while the lower image depicts the completed, real-world installation.
The system incorporated two large, programmable LED luminaires mounted on a track within the dome. These fixtures featured fully adjustable brightness and colour temperature, allowing them to simulate both sun and moon lighting conditions. The base of the dome was constructed from thick laminated glass panels, beneath which metal halide lighting was installed to simulate cloud flare effects. The inner base was mounted on a turntable capable of continuous 360-degree rotation, enabling the mounting and positioning of a fighter jet cockpit.
This combination of features allowed for precise simulation of lighting angle, intensity, and colour temperature, with optional cloud flare from below, while simultaneously permitting full rotational movement of the cockpit to any required orientation.
From a safety perspective, it was critical that the turntable could not be activated unintentionally. All system parameters—including lighting angles, turntable position, test scenarios, brightness levels, and colour temperatures—were controlled via an AMX control system, with an iPad serving as the user interface.
To further mitigate the risk of accidental activation, we leveraged the iPad’s gesture capabilities by implementing a deliberate “double-thumb” gesture as a prerequisite for turntable operation.
This project was delivered as a fully bespoke solution, with software developed to specification and on-site support provided to accommodate customer-requested changes. The capability to design and deliver complex, custom-engineered systems such as this distinguishes us from other providers. We have extensive experience in truly bespoke projects and consistently draw on that expertise to deliver high-quality, reliable, and user-focused solutions.
The photos below show the inside of the dome
Custom App for Air Conditioning & Underfloor Heating system
We developed a dedicated application using AMX automation for Polar Bear Designs’ Zentium and Ursium temperature control systems. Although originally created for integration within our wider home automation solutions, the application can also be deployed as a standalone system to control an entire property.
This development arose from operational necessity on our own projects, in line with our approach to all technologies we intend to support and deploy over the long term. Development costs are amortised across multiple projects, ensuring both sustainability and consistency for our clients.
The Ursium and Zentium thermostats are high-specification temperature control systems that utilise a single temperature setpoint. The system intelligently manages underfloor heating and air conditioning in tandem, delivering efficient and stable climate control. Each thermostat is capable of controlling two independent zones—an arrangement well suited to bedroom and ensuite configurations—and can manage air conditioning and underfloor heating in both zones, or either system independently. Additional functionality includes control of domestic hot water systems and towel rails.
While the thermostats themselves are designed to be intuitive, our application significantly enhances usability by providing a centralised interface. This allows all thermostats throughout the property to be monitored and controlled from a single location(up to 31 Thermostats).
Additional screenshots of the application are shown below.
Lutron System & AV System replacement - Vilamoura
Villa Refurbishment Project – Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal
We were commissioned to upgrade the existing lighting control system shown in the first image, which was based on a Control4 platform. Following an initial assessment, we elected to replace this with our preferred lighting solution, Lutron HomeWorks QS, widely regarded as one of the most flexible and reliable lighting control systems available.
After identifying and documenting all lighting loads (circuits), the existing installation was completely removed. The original wiring layout could be considered a potential fire risk, as illustrated by the disorganised cabling visible in the first image. The second image shows the new Lutron system installed, with approximately three-quarters of the wiring completed at that stage, with extra lighting modules added to the right. The refurbished installation features organised wiring and a far more logical and serviceable equipment layout.
In addition to the lighting upgrade, we assumed responsibility for the audiovisual systems. At the owner’s request, Sonos was implemented for music playback and integrated with an HDMI-over-IP video distribution system. Both audio and video systems were unified through an AMX control interface, allowing intuitive selection and control of music and television sources throughout the villa. A full Ubiquiti WiFi system was also installed.
The project was delivered under a tight timeline, as the property was purchased shortly before the summer season and the owner wished to occupy it during that period. To meet this deadline, our team worked extended hours, including late evenings, to ensure the system was fully operational in time.
Following the summer period, the system was further enhanced with the addition of a new alarm system and poolside audio.
Images of the original and refurbished system racks are shown below.
Vilamoura Lutron Homeworks Upgrade
Super Yacht - M/Y Le Caprice V
M/Y Le Caprice V is a 46m Composite hull Super Yacht, Built in Turkey by Vicem Yachts
This yacht was purchased, part way through build, by one of our customers in Portugal. We have fitted out his previous yacht a 32m Pershing and was asked to look at this one. The difference being that the previous yacht was for personal use and this was to be chartered and personal.
There were some restriction, simply due to the stage of the build.
We installed and AMX Automation system with fixed wall touch panels and iPads, as interface to the systems. Interface was also made to the AC system, a full 4K HD TV CAT 6 distribution system with Kaleidescape Movie players & Cable boxes were installed. The music system for the entire yacht was based on Kalediescape Music along with Apple Music. Overall, a very simple system.
VILLA - Quinta Do Lago
Modern Villa designed by Vasco Vieira - Quinta Do Lago, Algarve, Portugal
This project was required a full lighting system plus TV's to be connected to our local cable service. The system had to be simple and easy to use, since the owner was planning to use it for personal use and rentals.
A Lutron QS Homeworks system was installed, to control all lighting and water features. Lutron QS Sivoia blinds were also added for daytime shading and the Lutron system was used to control 3rd party curtain tracks. The client provided a lighting design, which we built the Lutron System around, and we were also responsible for the full electrical installation.
All TV's were connected to the ITED distribution to allow connection to the local Lazer cable service and also each had a Sonos Soundbar, allowing easy access to both streaming music and TV sound.
We installed a Ubiquiti WiFi system throughout the property, with multiple WiFi ID's 7 VLANS allowing restricted access for children and guests whilst maintaining a fast service.