Case Study

Art Meets Innovation

S3 Europe partnered with the iconic Brody House in Budapest to elevate its guest experience through an expertly installed Control4 automation system. The primary objective was to create a seamless integration of audio-visual (AV) and lighting control across Brody House’s public spaces on the ground floor.

This setup needed to reflect the hotel’s eclectic, artistic ambiance while offering an adaptable environment for guests, ranging from casual breakfast settings to intimate after-hours gatherings. Additionally, it aimed to streamline operations for the staff, enabling them to focus more on guest service and less on technology management.

Details

Technology Architect: Andrew Woods

Architect: Ernő Schannen in 1896 for Dr. Vilmos Tauffer

Accommodation, Bar, Restaurant, Gallery, Events

8 Room Boutique Hotel

Prior to its conversion into a boutique hotel in 2009, founders William Clothier and Peter Grundberg resided here with their artist friends, hosting cultural salons and dinner parties. They named the house after respected Hungarian writer, Sandor Brody, and ‘his’ street on which the house is sited.

Art filled main room at Brody House
the inside entrance of Brody House
bar area of brody house
control4 keypad at Brody House
piano on wall at brody house

The S3 Solution

Control4 at the Core

At the heart of this sophisticated system is the Control4 CORE 1 controller. This device functions as the central brain of the system, efficiently managing all entertainment equipment and lighting, while ensuring effortless control over every aspect of the hotel’s atmosphere.

Entertainment for Every Moment

Brody House has a unique vibe, and music plays a crucial role in setting the scene for each guest’s visit. With the CORE 1’s integrated music server, staff can select from Brody’s bespoke library or stream from services like TIDAL, Apple Music, and SpotifyConnect, ensuring a musical mood for every moment.

To further enhance control, Wireless Configurable Keypads were installed in five key locations. These elegantly designed devices allow staff to adjust both the music and the lighting at a touch, creating an immersive experience. Custom engraving on the keypads adds a touch of exclusivity, blending luxury with function.

Lighting with Precision

For lighting, we implemented Shelly Dimmer 2 modules to manage seven distinct lighting loads throughout the public spaces. This gives staff the ability to adjust brightness according to the time of day or specific event requirements, transforming spaces from bright morning brunches to moody, intimate evening settings.

Adding another layer of flexibility, Shelly RGBW2 modules control LED strip lighting, enabling dynamic colour changes and effects that accentuate the property’s eclectic artwork and architectural features.

Empowering Brody House’s Staff

Ease of use was paramount. Control4’s system simplifies the staff’s daily tasks, allowing them to adjust the atmosphere in seconds. Whether it’s creating a morning breakfast setting or setting the mood for an evening event, the system empowers staff to focus on guest satisfaction rather than fiddling with technology.

The Wireless Configurable Keypads and the intuitive mobile app interface make control second nature, removing the need for extensive training. And because the system is built on Control4’s reliable platform, downtime is virtually nonexistent, ensuring that everything runs smoothly even during the busiest times.

A Celebration of Art and Culture

Brody House isn’t just a boutique hotel; it’s a vibrant hub of creativity. Since its inception, the hotel has been an integral part of Budapest’s thriving art scene. Every room and public space is filled with contemporary art—photographs, limited edition prints, and sculptures—all thoughtfully curated to inspire and provoke. Brody House has long been a sanctuary for artists, offering sponsored studio spaces where they could work and engage with the community. Over the years, this commitment has expanded into art happenings, exhibitions, talks, workshops, and even residency programmes.

The lighting and audio-visual integration by technology architect, Andrew Woods, was designed with this artistic legacy in mind. Together with in-house Lighting Designer, Izak Furstenberg, the system was created to accentuate the art throughout the property, allowing it to shine during social events or intimate gallery viewings. The flexibility of the Control4 system makes it possible to set the perfect tone for events, whether that’s a warm, soft light to complement a new sculpture or dynamic coloured lighting for a contemporary art installation. Curated music playlists can also be easily adjusted to enhance the guest’s experience.

Technology Overview

  • Control4 CORE 1 Controller: The nerve centre of the installation, orchestrating all audio, lighting, and environmental controls.
  • Wireless Configurable Keypads: Customisable keypads with personalised engraving, placed for easy access and seamless control.
  • Shelly Dimmer 2 Modules: Manage seven lighting loads, providing ultimate flexibility and precision.
  • Shelly RGBW2 Modules: Allow full control over dynamic LED strips, enhancing specific areas and creating bespoke lighting effects.
  • Triad Audio Matrix Switch: Distributes audio across four zones, ensuring the right sound in every space, integrated with the existing amplifier.
  • TIDAL Music Streaming: A premium streaming service providing access to tailored playlists for each event and mood.
  • Control4 ShairBridge Technology: Enabling AirPlay streaming, allowing guests to play their own music directly from their devices.

Why Control4?

Control4’s OS was chosen for its adaptability and scalability. Its open architecture allows seamless integration with Brody House’s existing infrastructure, and its intuitive programming ensures that future upgrades or expansions can be easily accommodated. With customisable keypads and a reliable, user-friendly interface, the solution fits perfectly with Brody House’s ethos of blending high-end technology with a luxury, eclectic aesthetic.

The Brody House Guest

Brody House welcomes free-spirited characters with open minds. Typically curious, Brodyites revel in all that life has to offer. A passion for art, a playful nature, and an appetite for meaningful experiences define the hotel’s clientele. They’re often on a journey, each with a story to tell, seeking out spaces that reflect their individuality. Brody House’s ability to offer a tailored, immersive experience through advanced technology resonates with these adventurous souls, making every stay feel personal, unique, and utterly unforgettable.

Results and Benefits

For Brody House:

  • Operational Efficiency: Staff can now manage multiple zones of lighting and audio at the touch of a button, improving response times and reducing complexity in daily operations.
  • Curated Guest Experiences: The hotel can provide bespoke atmospheres throughout the day, from laid-back brunch vibes to energetic evening moods, enriching the guest experience.
  • Unobtrusive Technology: All elements of the installation complement Brody House’s stylish yet understated luxury, ensuring that technology enhances but never distracts from the property’s unique charm.

For Guests:

  • Personalised Ambiance: Each area of the hotel can offer a distinctive vibe, be it for a formal dinner, casual meet-up, or an exclusive after-party. The music and lighting adjust fluidly to meet the specific desires of each moment.
  • Enhanced VIP Experiences: The option for guests to take control of the entertainment, especially for private events or gatherings, further elevates the hotel’s appeal to its discerning clientele.

Conclusion

This collaboration between S3 Europe and Brody House illustrates how intelligent automation can transform a hospitality venue into a refined, guest-centred environment. Control4’s cutting-edge technology has been seamlessly integrated to offer an unrivalled level of control and customisation, ensuring that Brody House continues to stand out as a premier destination for those seeking both artistic flair and luxury.

S3 Europe’s expertise in creating bespoke automation solutions not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our VIP clients, delivering a truly extraordinary experience for both operators and guests alike.

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