Smart Retrofit — JLT Townhouse
Non-invasive smart-home upgrade for a 3-storey townhouse with zero wall opening.
The essentials
- 75 devices installed with zero construction
- Battery-powered door/window sensors throughout
- No-neutral smart switches replaced existing plates
- 20% cooling reduction via occupancy-aware AC control
Project overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Client | Family of Four (anonymised) |
Area | Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai |
Property type | 3-storey townhouse |
Timeline | 4 weeks |
Customer objectives
Objective 1
Automate lighting, shading, and AC without construction
Objective 2
Integrate existing split ACs via IR
Objective 3
Add security sensors on all entry points
Existing conditions
Existing conditions
- Standard switches, no neutral
- Wall-mounted split ACs
- No existing smart devices
Key challenges
Key challenges
- No neutral wire in most switch boxes
- AC remotes varied by floor and brand
Engineering analysis
Engineering mapped all switch boxes; selected Aqara H1 no-neutral switches and Broadlink IR blasters per AC. Zigbee mesh extended via smart plugs acting as routers.
Solution architecture
Zigbee coordinator (SkyConnect) on Home Assistant mini-PC; no-neutral switches, battery sensors, and IR blasters form the device layer.
Technologies used
Technologies used
Core platforms and technologies.- Zigbee· Mesh network
- IR blasters· AC control
Protocols used
Communication protocols actually deployed.- Zigbee
- Infrared
Products & equipment
Before & after
| Feature | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
State | Manual switches, basic AC remotes, no security sensors. | App + voice control, scheduled AC, entry alerts. |
Project timeline
How it works
Week 1
Survey, switch-box audit, equipment order.
Week 2
Switch and sensor installation.
Week 3
IR pairing, scene programming.
Week 4
QA, customer training, warranty handover.
Project statistics
ROI summary
Sustainability metrics
Sustainability metrics
- Occupancy-aware AC saves ~4 kWh/day
- Motion-dimmed lights cut standby energy
Key engineering decisions
No-neutral switches vs smart bulbs
Switches preserve existing fixtures and dimming compatibility. — Trade-off: Limited switch styles available.
Risk register
| Feature | Risk | Likelihood | Impact | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zigbee dead spots on roof terrace | Zigbee dead spots on roof terrace | Medium | Low | Outdoor smart plug as repeater. |
Lessons learned
Lessons learned
- Document every AC remote code before removing batteries
- Battery sensors need annual replacement reminders
Customer outcomes
Outcome 1
Family controls entire home from a single app
Outcome 2
Kids' room AC auto-off after bedtime
Outcome 3
Front door alerts via mobile push
Future expansion opportunities
Future expansion opportunities
- Add smart lock when family is ready
- Integrate robot vacuum for scheduled cleaning
Project Intelligence Score (internal)
Internal analytics only.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to repaint after install?
No — all devices are surface-mounted or battery-powered.
How long do batteries last?
Typically 12–24 months depending on sensor activity.
Smart Citizens Engineering. "Smart Retrofit — JLT Townhouse." Smart Citizens, 2026-07-08. https://ai.smartcitizens.ae/case-studies/story/jlt-townhouse-retrofit.
Smart Citizens Engineering (2026). Smart Retrofit — JLT Townhouse. Smart Citizens. Retrieved 2026-07-24, from https://ai.smartcitizens.ae/case-studies/story/jlt-townhouse-retrofit
Design your smart environment with Smart Citizens
Talk to Smart Citizens engineers for a bespoke design, budget estimate, and rollout roadmap.