Voice-controlled automation: How Crestron and CSS upgraded David Holmes’ accessible smart home
From a groundbreaking installation in 2012 to a meticulously planned upgrade in 2024, this high-tech house is testament to innovation, adaptability, determination, and the power of collaboration.
David Holmes’ journey from professional stuntman to broadcaster and ambassador for the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital (RNOH) has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Following a life-changing spinal injury on set, David embraced a new kind of freedom - one powered by cutting-edge smart home technology.
To keep his mind active in hospital, David set about designing a home in his mind. A team of talented home automation experts would help David turn that vision into reality.
In 2012, Crestron and CSS lead the way in creating a fully automated home that gave David unprecedented control over his environment. ‘This house changed my life,’ said David at the time. Now, a decade later, Crestron and CSS have returned to adapt and future proof the system with a comprehensive upgrade - ensuring the house can continue to evolve alongside David’s needs.
This transformation reveals more than just technical achievement. It is a story of partnership, innovation and the application of technology to empower lives.
"This project, one Crestron has been deeply involved with for many years, highlights the power of adaptable smart home technology. David's independence is paramount, and this 2024 upgrade to a voice-controlled system ensures he retains full control of his environment. We're immensely proud of our platform's flexibility in meeting evolving individual needs."
Michael Short, Senior Director Marketing Operations and Residential, Crestron EuropeThe original vision
When Crestron and CSS were first approached in 2010, they took on the challenge of creating a home that could restore David’s independence.
The power and flexibility that Crestron offers as a platform was already legendary in the industry. The unique demands of this project also required absolute reliability, ease of use and superb performance. Ian Bolt, CSS Chairman, was unequivocal: ’Crestron is the only manufacturer capable of assembling a platform for such a uniquely complex and demanding array of individual pieces,’
And with CSS’s proven ability to handle complex, demanding projects with innovative flair, they provided the perfect installation partner.
The result was a highly automated smart home that allowed David to control everything - from changing the coloured lighting in the bar area, to viewing security cameras and operating the dropdown screen in his much loved cinema room.
Everything was controlled via an iPad, providing superb autonomy. Over a decade later, the original system has stood the test of time, remaining relevant as well as reliable.
Why the upgrade was required in 2024
As David’s condition has evolved, so too have his needs. Recent changes have compromised his ability to use touch-based controls like an iPad, and so a hands-free, voice-driven functionality has been designed to deliver greater usability.
This transformation required reprogramming the entire installation to integrate voice commands across all systems. Now David can control doors, windows, lights, security, his entertainment systems simply by speaking. Every element of David’s smart home can now respond to his voice alone. It is a true example of technology responding to human needs.
What’s new: State of the art features for the future
The 2024 upgrade is not simply about voice controls - the Crestron and CSS team has taken the opportunity for a comprehensive overhaul to bring the smart home up to the latest technological standards and beyond.
Audio and video overhaul: all audio and video systems have been upgraded to Crestron’s NAX audio and NVX video platforms, delivering high-resolution audio and 4K video to every room.
Extended Voice control: the SIRI/Crestron-based voice control system has been expanded to ensure David can control every function in the house.
Seamless integration across systems: an astounding array of brands and systems has been integrated under the Crestron platform, ensuring a seamless user experience.
These enhancements mean the system has not only been tailored to David’s current needs, but is future proofed to deliver to the same high specification for the next ten years and beyond.
"Lots of different brands of equipment in the house but it all works seamlessly to give David a superb user experience."
Andy Throne, CSSA trusted partnership: The people at the heart of the project
One of the standout aspects of this project is the dedication and continuity of the team. Andy Thorne, who led the original 2012 installation as CSS’s lead engineer, returned to oversee the 2024 upgrade. Now CSS’s Special Projects Manager, Andy’s long-standing relationship with David ensured that the new system would be as intuitive and effective as possible.
Technology that makes an impact
What sets this project apart is how technology was used to truly improve someone’s life. For Crestron, this project highlights the platform’s ability to truly integrate a uniquely complex system.
For David, the impact of the upgrade goes far beyond convenience: it’s about regaining control over his life. ‘The whole house can be controlled by my voice’, he says. ‘As well as losing a limb, I actually gained another. That sense of independence is re-installed.’
A truly unique application of smart home integration
From the first installation in 2012 to the transformative upgrade in 2024, the partnership between Crestron, CSS and David Holmes shines a light on the radical power of smart technology. With the right team alongside, we can harness this power to adapt to and even anticipate human need. We can use it to offer freedom, independence, and peace of mind.
Ian Bolt recalls: ‘CSS has been involved in this industry for over 30 years, working on some of the finest properties across the UK and beyond. But this is the project we feel most strongly about. It allowed us to use technology to make a serious impact on how well somebody is able to live their life.’
The Crestron and CSS teams continue to innovate. As for David’s home, they are proud for this to remain a beacon of accessibility and smart living into the next decade and beyond.