Revolutionizing Home Security: Niko's External Video Unit

Seamless Design Meets Advanced Technology in Niko's 2 Wire IP Outdoor Unit

The Niko 2-wire IP outdoor station, a part of Niko's stand-alone access system, is a testament to the team's innovative approach. The outdoor station connects to an indoor touchscreen and a mobile app, allowing homeowners to answer calls even when they're not at home. The unit's design is minimalistic, with all distracting elements moved away from the front side, resulting in a clean, uncluttered look that integrates seamlessly into any facade.

One of the main inspirations for this design was architectural lighting. The team aimed to create a design that is unobtrusive and blends seamlessly with the environment. Instead of the traditional metallic housing, they opted for a monochromatic black enclosure. This choice allows typically obtrusive elements such as the camera lens and speaker grill to blend better with the rest of the product, creating a monolithic volume.

The device's enclosure is made of casted aluminium finished with a powder coat paint. The pushbutton and name labels are made of a light-translucent PMMA material. The unit is slim and compact, with a height of 182 mm, width of 110 mm, and thickness of 28 mm. It has a protection degree of IP54 and operates at temperatures ranging from -20° to 50°. The camera has a viewing angle of 155° and the device also features tamper detection.

The unit is simple to operate with just one button on the outdoor station. Pressing it initiates a call, triggering an incoming call on the touch indoor station and on smartphones connected to the system. Users can see and talk with visitors, and if the system is connected with an electric door lock, the user can open the door from the app interface.

The design project, which started in mid-2018 in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, faced two main challenges: keeping the profile of the device as slim as possible and maintaining a clean design. Despite these challenges, the team succeeded in creating a product that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The design was awarded the Golden A' Security, Safety and Surveillance Products Design Award in 2019, a testament to its outstanding and trendsetting creation.

In conclusion, the Niko 2-wire IP outdoor station is a perfect blend of design and technology. Its minimalistic design, inspired by architectural lighting, and advanced features make it a unique addition to any modern home. This award-winning design by Niko Design Team is a testament to their innovative approach and commitment to creating products that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.