The Akubela approach
Instead of a rack of separate controllers, Akubela puts the intelligence into a single wall-mounted HyPanel — a touchscreen that is control centre, gateway and intercom in one, running the BelaHome ecosystem. It speaks both Zigbee 3.0 and KNX, so it fits both quick retrofits and premium wired projects. See the full range on our Akubela page.
Core components
HyPanel — the hub
An all-in-one smart panel that acts as a Zigbee 3.0 gateway with KNX support, room and scene control, a SIP video intercom and voice control — replacing a wall of switches and separate keypads.
BelaHome app
Remote control from anywhere: scenes, schedules, notifications and device status on your phone.
Smart locks
Keyless entry that integrates with the panels and app for a unified access experience. For larger buildings, pair with Akuvox intercoms and access control.
Add-ons (Zigbee 3.0 & KNX)
- Lighting — dimmers, smart switches and relays.
- Climate — thermostats and temperature/humidity sensors.
- Security — door/window, motion and water-leak sensors.
- Electrical — smart sockets and controllable outlets.
KNX vs Zigbee 3.0 — which and when
Zigbee 3.0 is wireless and ideal for fast retrofits, apartments and villas where you don't want to rewire. KNX is the wired global standard preferred for large, premium projects and wherever consultants specify it. Because Akubela supports both — even together — you're not locked into one path.
Typical projects
- Luxury apartments and villas.
- Hospitality guest rooms and suites.
- Offices, meeting rooms and boardrooms.
Planning an Akubela project
- Decide control points — usually one HyPanel per key zone or room.
- Pick the protocol — Zigbee 3.0 for retrofit, KNX for new premium builds.
- List devices per room — lighting, climate, security.
- Add smart locks and intercom for access.
- Configure scenes and schedules in BelaHome.
| Component | Role in the system |
|---|---|
| HyPanel | Hub, gateway, control screen and intercom |
| BelaHome app | Remote control, scenes and notifications |
| Zigbee 3.0 / KNX add-ons | Lighting, climate, security and electrical control |
| Smart locks | Keyless, app-integrated access |
Key takeaways
- The HyPanel is the hub — no separate controller needed.
- Akubela supports Zigbee 3.0 and KNX, together if needed.
- Zigbee suits retrofits; KNX suits premium wired projects.