For the House of Yanki Sizzlers, the collaboration between Ar. Ekta Kapadia of EVK Architects and Harsh Mehta of Future Automation Solutions result in a smart hospitality environment, powered by automated lighting, immersive audio, and integrated entertainment systems.
House of Yanki Sizzlers, located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is a two-level hospitality destination set in proximity to GIFT City, the state’s emerging financial and business hub. This project brings together a restaurant, banquet facility, and a high-energy discotheque under one roof, offering a dynamic mix of dining, social, and entertainment experiences.
Designed by Ar. Ekta Kapadia, Principal Architect, EVK Architects, with System Integration by Harsh Mehta, Managing Partner, Future Automation Solutions (a KNX, CEDIA CoI, HAA Level I & II, and Casambi 4C certified professional), the House of Yanki Sizzlers exemplifies an elevated hospitality experience through seamless automation that enhances comfort, ambience, and entertainment.
Adding his insight on the technical details, Harsh Mehta explains, “The project was designed with a focus on user-centric automation, where each system, ranging from smart surveillance to lighting controls, surround sound, and zone music, works together to create an intuitive, interconnected environment which helps the team to manage all the verticals easily and quickly. The layout was carefully considered to ensure that every space was optimised for both functionality and entertainment, with a focus on providing accessibility and ease of control for the management team.”
A major inspiration behind the design was the owner’s philosophy of creating a space that allows their guest to enjoy the ambience along with mouth-watering food. FAS has incorporated high-performance systems like the Background and Foreground Ambient Music for the Restaurant, Yamaha Active Stagepass Speakers for the Conference area and Yamaha Custom Calibrated High SPL Loudspeakers, to Boom up the space while having parties, all of which were strategically placed to create an unparalleled entertainment experience throughout the property.
“Our audio design for the banquet space incorporated 4 Yamaha Passive Loudspeakers paired with 2 Passive Subwoofers, calibrated with a DSP and a mixer. Additionally, the DMX lightings were also integrated which enhanced the space and made it a powerful Discotheque,” says Harsh Mehta.
Due to the space limitations inherent in this commercial hospitality project, the team faced several design challenges in the audio-visual installation. The team has skillfully opted for a discreetly integrated projector and motorized screen, effectively camouflaging the technology without sacrificing space.
All the entry and exit points have Motion sensors to save energy and navigate the guests to the main entry. In this open ceiling project, each piece of equipment installed contributed to enhancing the overall grid design. To ensure complete coverage without blind spots and to maintain an unobstructed view within the open ceiling concept, all cameras were strategically suspended from the ceiling.
Perhaps the most striking aesthetic achievement is the integration of the Projector–motorised screen for an exceptional viewing experience. The AV system is curated for various purposes like background music, conference areas, discotheque performance, function, or party-oriented blends in the overall design of the project. The overall result is a carefully curated design where technology enhances the environment, creating a sophisticated yet functional space.
Lighting Control
The entire property’s lighting system is under automation control, including all direct and technical illumination, decorative lighting, focus lighting, façade, in a way that enhances the ease of use, via scenes, timers and global controls.
Dimming and Tunable Lighting: All the technical lighting in the project is controlled on a Digital dimming (DALI) platform, again on KNX. With DALI as the controller, the lights are tunable and can be meticulously controlled according to the preferences of the property’s requirements.
DMX Lighting Control: The integration of DMX lighting with the KNX platform provided unparalleled flexibility and control. KNX managed the ambient lighting, ensuring comfortable illumination for general use, while DMX powered the dynamic, colour-changing, and effect lighting for events and performances. Wall panels or touchscreens connected to the KNX network offered intuitive control, enabling staff to easily switch between lighting presets, creating the perfect atmosphere for any event. This seamless integration ensured that the banquet hall efficiently adapted to diverse lighting requirements, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Motorized Shade Solutions: For both floors, Motorised shading solutions were preferred, offering comfort, noise-free and seamless control of automation on KNX keypads as well as Control4 platform, enabling the use of smart timers tagged to geolocation to allow optimal sunlight and maximum ambience.
HVAC Integration & Scheduling: For VRV Air conditioning Systems, an IP gateway Interface Adapter was installed. VRV AC Control was provided through COOLMASTER, which is feedback-driven and integrated with KNX to enable thermostat utility via user interfaces. This provides real-time status of every indoor unit along with mode and temperature, also maintaining and managing schedules.
Background Ambient music: Both floors give a nice and soothing experience of soft music while enjoying the meal. Also, the system allows it to host a stand-up comic event while plugging in the wireless microphones.
Audio-Visual solution: Enhances guests’ experience to enjoy live matches and sports on a bigger screen of 120” with motorised shaft, when not in use it can be rolled up.
Discotheque Audio: It gives the liberty to owners to host grand parties and wedding functions to cater to a large audience of youth near GIFT city.
Sensor Controls: Lighting control sensors have been deployed across the passages, corridors and Toilets for easy navigation at night and ease of use without really worrying about energy wastage. The lux levels, motion pattern, and sensitivity, zone detection and delay times are all customed for each space.
Complete Wi-Fi and Networking: The client demanded strong WiFi connectivity in both floors. We managed the network, keeping the system decentralised within the floor limits and empowering the TVs, Projectors, Audio amps, with LAN connectivity.
Smart Surveillance: The smart surveillance system provides complete coverage of both floors, including the crucial kitchen area, which, despite its complex layout and heavy machinery, is monitored effectively with strategically placed cameras.
Signage TVs: At the bakery counter and entrance of the property allows the client display lip-smacking delicacies and their promotional videos. Also allows the guest to display their name on the TV while hosting a wedding or party.
Network Infrastructure
The network was structured in a decentralised manner to reduce unnecessary wiring. Network switches were strategically positioned across both floors, with nearby devices like cameras, WiFi access points, and amplifiers linked to their corresponding switches. The entire space is WiFi-6 enabled.
In conclusion, Mr Maulik Patel, Director of Projects at Future Automation Solutions, says, “Our schematics for every subsystem were super-detailed, which helped us to execute this site seamlessly, especially our electrical SLDs, Audio Video SLDs, space planning and more.”
Tech Insights:
- Lighting and Shading Controls: KNX Backbone, Hardware from Theben GmbH backend, MDT Touchpads, eElectron IP Interface
- Ambient Music: YAMAHA In ceiling speakers, Yamaha Stagepass, Yamaha Amplifiers
- HVAC Control: CoolAutomation KNX
- Discotheque and background music: Yamaha passive speakers, Subwoofers, with Yamaha power amplifiers, DSP and Mixer.
- Networking and Wifi: Grandstream Access Points
- Visual experience: Optoma Short Throw projector with 120” motorised tab tensioned screen.
- Integration Control: Control4, USA
- Smart Surveillance: Hikvision
- Sensor-based Lighting Control: BEG
- Display: Samsung Signage TVs
- Fire/Smoke Safety: Ravel
- Software/Platforms Used: KNX ETS6.0, Control4 Composer, GWN CLOUD
- Applications: Control4, Musiccast Yamaha, Samsung, Hik-connect
