Diamond in City, Accra — the Acacia building

The building

Diamond in City is a luxury residential complex in one of Accra's most prestigious districts. The Acacia building, its most prominent structure, was specified as a smart building from the start — energy efficiency, security and a single intuitive interface, on infrastructure that could absorb whatever came next.

The problem

• Scalability — lighting, shading, HVAC and security today, more systems later, without reinstallation.
• User experience — residents who are not technical had to find it obvious.
• Energy efficiency — a large footprint in a tropical climate makes lighting, shading and HVAC control the whole game.
• Aesthetics — traditional switch plates did not belong in these interiors.
• Integration — the new system had to join the existing electrical, security and climate systems without disrupting the building.

What was installed

• 8" SQ touch panels as the hub in each apartment — lighting, HVAC, shutters and security on one screen instead of a wall of switches.
• NIO actuators driving lighting, electrical contacts and shutters.
• Push-button control replacing conventional switches, for a minimal look in the units.
• Shading that tracks the sun, cutting artificial light and moderating indoor temperature before the air conditioning is asked to.
• A modular architecture so later upgrades are additions, not replacements.

Results

• Residents set lighting, climate and shading to their own preferences from one interface.
• Adaptive shading and lighting cut consumption by responding to daylight and outdoor conditions.
• Security monitoring sits in the same place as everything else.
• New automation features can be added as they appear, without an overhaul.
• The building reads as premium and future-ready to buyers and renters.