The Victorian-style Seamill Hydro Hotel is the epitome of modern luxury. Nestled into the Ayshire countryside and overlooking the Isle of Arran in Scotland, Seamill Hydro Hotel offers the perfect backdrop for weddings and other special events. The family-owned hotel has undergone major renovations in the past decade to make the property even more spectacular. Most recently, the hotel completed a $13 million construction project, building a wedding and conferencing venue on the property named the Firth Pavilion. The building was designed to encompass the most up-to-date technology whilst not compromising on the clean cut and classical theme of the facility, creating one of the best wedding and event venues in the world.

The Firth Pavilion includes the richly appointed Glenashdale Bridal Suite, bars, two conference rooms, breakout rooms, a ceremony room, sales office, administrative office, kitchen, buffet area, and stage. Everything in the space is designed to play off the stunning panoramic views of the Ayrshire coastline and the mountain range of Arran. Along with attention to decorative details, technology plays a key role in the venue and includes high-end lighting, shading, video, audio, and security equipment. These systems called for a fully integrated control and automation system that would allow the staff to enhance the space through lighting, environment, and entertainment capabilities. With the goal of creating an incomparable space, the hotel owners envisioned a system capableof elegant automation that would make weddings and other events truly memorable.

Electronics systems contractor Lairds AV, well established with the hotel after overseeing the integration of its Glen Rosa suite, was tasked with designing a system that would provide intuitive control of the lighting and entertainment systems. Because of the successful installation of RTI control and automation systems within the Glen Rosa Suite, the integrator decided RTI was once again the right choice for the the Firth Pavillion. In addition to its ease of integration, RTI would allow Lairds AV to efficiently design a highly customized experience that the owners and staff could operate without a hitch during weddings and other events — events for which no detail can afford to go mismanaged.

Based on the RTI XP-8s control processor, Lairds AV has created a customized automation and control experience throughout the new venue. With the control processor as the backbone of the RTI system, the owners and general manager have overall control of lighting, the Nuvo audio distribution system, WyreStorm video distribution system, QMotion shades, an automatic door, and a CCTV. Lairds installed RTI KX2 and KX3 in-wall touchpanels and two-button RK1+ in-wall keypads in strategic locations in each area for convenient customized control. Some panels are programmed to offer limited control to the staff and public, while others are completely passwordprotected to keep settings from being adjusted.

The biggest priority for the system was creating an automated control sequence to create unforgettable bridal entrances. Using RTI’s Integration Designer® programming software, the integrator created a scene within the system where a touch of a button on a touchpanel automatically opens the ceremony door, entrance music plays, and lights turn on in sequence. The system was also programmed to automatically open the shades and turn down the lights, giving guests spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. Despite driving complex, specifically timed events, the system is extremely easy for hotel staff to use.

“When the owners of Seamill Hydro Hotel shared their vision for this space, we knew every element had to be perfect,” said Mark Laird, founder of Lairds AV. “After experiencing the capabilities of RTI systems within the Glen Rosa suite, they really put their imaginations to work for the Firth Pavilion. Using RTI solutions, we could deliver the control and automation experience the owner envisioned. The system allows technology to be integrated and controlled in such a way that’s truly elegant and a natural fit for the ambiance of such a grand venue and a magnificent landscape.”