THE CHALLENGES

Cost‑efficient use of the existing infrastructure

Creating a modern working environment in a historic building

To modernize the GOLDBECK House efficiently and with minimal disruption, LOYTEC implemented a Bluetooth MESH–based room automation concept that is ideally suited for phased renovation in an existing building. Instead of relying on a fully wired approach, which would have required extensive cable installation, invasive construction work, and higher costs, the LOYTEC Bluetooth MESH solution enabled rapid upgrades of room functions while reusing the existing infrastructure.

This approach delivered the performance and functionality of modern room automation while significantly reducing installation effort, which greatly accelerated implementation in the renovated areas. In the GOLDBECK House itself, the upper three floors of the four‑story building were renovated consecutively over a period of seven months. Bluetooth MESH proved particularly advantageous, as each floor could be commissioned independently without large‑scale rewiring or extended downtime.

At the room level, 41 LPAD7‑31G3 touch panels provided a consistent and intuitive user interface across all modernized areas. In addition, 160 LOYBT‑SBM1 modules and 13 LOYBT‑MS3 multisensors formed the wireless backbone for control and data collection. Where wired integration was necessary, 23 LIOB‑552 modules ensured reliable connectivity to local field devices. A central LROC‑800 coordinated room functions and supported scalable integration.

For centralized operation and monitoring, the LWEB‑900 platform offered access to all key functions, device states, and operational data, creating an essential foundation for long‑term maintainability and campus‑wide transparency.

Bluetooth MESH was used for room automation, while BACnet/IP ensured standardized communication with the building management system. This architecture ensured that room‑level intelligence remained flexible and easily expandable, while the BMS retained full control and interoperability through an open protocol. As a result, GOLDBECK received a future‑proof system design that supports both intuitive local operation and efficient centralized management.

A particular challenge of the project was that both the configuration tools and device software were still in beta at the start of the work. Even under these conditions, the LOYTEC Bluetooth MESH approach proved to be the better choice, as it enabled fast iterations, phased commissioning, and practical validation in the renovated floors, without costly rework on the cabling infrastructure.

Programming was carried out entirely by the GOLDBECK team, demonstrating how the solution supports efficient engineering workflows and enables operators to implement configurations and future enhancements independently.

The introduction of the LOYTEC Bluetooth MESH room automation system in the GOLDBECK House led to a number of measurable benefits for both building users and operators. Employees now benefit from optimally regulated room conditions, intuitive user interfaces, and a more responsive automation environment, while operators experience smoother and more transparent management across all renovated floors.

In addition, the system enables comprehensive collection of trend data, providing valuable insights into building performance and user behavior. These data forms the basis for continuous optimization, improved energy efficiency, and better informed decision making.

The enhanced device monitoring also allows the operations team to detect irregularities at an early stage, perform proactive maintenance, and resolve issues quickly, which reduces downtime and minimizes operational disruptions.

The modernization also introduced new functional capabilities that were previously not available in the building. Features such as free night cooling or executing central commands offer a higher level of automation flexibility and contribute to both user comfort and operational efficiency.

The modernization of the GOLDBECK House demonstrated impressively how a historically influenced existing building can be transformed into a contemporary, comfortable, and operationally transparent working environment without requiring extensive interventions in the building structure. The LOYTEC Bluetooth MESH room automation solution proved to be a particularly suitable approach because it supports phased implementation, makes effective use of the existing infrastructure, and at the same time provides the functionality of modern room automation.

For GOLDBECK, this not only creates noticeable added value in daily operations but also establishes a reliable foundation for long term optimization. The collected trend data, the improved device monitoring, and new functions such as free night cooling or central commands create the prerequisites for a more efficient and forward looking operation as well as the continuous development of building performance.

Following the successful test phase, the next step is already planned. Additional buildings on the GOLDBECK campus will also be upgraded to the Bluetooth MESH room automation solution. This will gradually create a campus wide unified, scalable, and future proof automation platform that sustainably supports both user comfort and operator requirements.