Designing Hoyo Tech’s Smart Office

It's been a while since my last blog post, and I think now is the perfect time for an update. Over the past few months, we have been developing and setting up our new office in Skopje, located in the East Gate Living Complex. This office will serve as the main headquarters for Hoyo Tech, alongside our offices in Struga, Pristina, and New York.

The office is designed to accommodate up to 35 people, with two development sections (each hosting up to 12 developers), a main conference room for eight people, two smaller conference rooms for up to five, a waiting area for clients and guests, a fully equipped kitchen with a lounge/recreational area, a support office for Finance, HR, and Technical Support (hosting up to six people), two restrooms, and a management office.

Now, let’s break down the smart technology that will power our workspace, enhancing productivity and comfort for our team.

Power Management

For power management, we partnered with Shelly, a leader in IoT devices. With their Pro series and our new Hoyo Smart Office software, we can fully monitor and control power usage within the office.

We installed floor power boxes in key sections of the office, ensuring power and Ethernet access where needed. Each breaker is assigned to a single floor box or lighting region, enhancing efficiency and safety. These smart devices support loads from 10A to 40A and come equipped with overcurrent, overheating, and overvoltage protection. Additionally, we installed three-phase power meters to track power consumption both per section and for the entire office.

For lighting, we utilized Shelly Plus devices for non-dimmable lights and Shelly dimmers for dimmable ones. Instead of traditional light switches, everything is controlled through multiple screens installed throughout the office. We’ve also integrated voice commands—more on that later!

All data from these devices is analyzed by our AI-powered system, generating custom reports for better energy management.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

The building provides floor heating, which we opted to use, while cooling is managed through AC units in each room. We installed multiple thermostats, including models from Shelly, Google Nest, and Amazon, and integrated them all into our Hoyo Smart Office system. This multi-sensor setup allows for more precise temperature readings and adjustments.

Temperature control is handled via the main dashboard or small touch displays installed in each section. Additionally, we incorporated humidity and air pollution sensors, which play a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable working environment.

Door and window sensors further enhance the system’s efficiency. When a window or door is opened or tilted, our system adapts to prevent energy waste and maintain consistent temperatures.

Lighting Automation

As mentioned earlier, every individual light in the office is connected to our smart system via Shelly devices. Depending on the type of lighting—whether dimmable, standard, or RGB LED strips—we selected the appropriate smart controller.

The system automates lighting based on real-time conditions using motion and lux (light intensity) sensors. If a section is unoccupied for a certain period, the lights automatically turn off. When motion is detected, they adjust according to predefined settings.

We also integrated Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit throughout the office, allowing for voice control of lighting, thermostats, and other smart features. From simple voice commands to complex automation sequences, everything can be managed seamlessly.

Networking Infrastructure

For networking, we implemented a robust wired and wireless system with top-tier security measures. Our optical internet connection feeds into a Fortinet firewall, chosen for its enterprise-grade security features. The network is then split into different subnets:

IoT Network: Dedicated to smart devices, supporting Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, and Matter communication. This network is isolated for security and reliability.

Employee Network: A high-speed network with wired (Cat 7 Ethernet) and wireless (Ubiquiti Wi-Fi 7) connectivity. Each workstation is equipped with a wired connection for optimal performance, while wireless access is available as needed.

Guest Network: Isolated from other networks to provide secure internet access for visitors and interns.

Conference room TVs are wirelessly accessible, supporting Apple TV for Mac users and Android TV streaming for Windows users.

Access Control & Security

A smart office needs smart security. Access to the office is managed through our internal HR system. Employees receive access cards with specific permissions, ensuring restricted areas—such as the Financial section and Management Office—remain secure.

For visitor management, we installed a Doorbird video doorbell at the main building entrance and a Google Nest Doorbell at the office door. Both can be controlled from our internal dashboard, with remote access granted to a select few.

Security is further reinforced with an AJAX alarm system and high-resolution internal and external cameras. All security devices are connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to ensure continuous operation during power outages. Additionally, the office features automated door and window roller shutters that automatically close when the alarm is activated, providing an extra layer of physical security against unauthorized access.

Additionally, fire, gas, and water leakage sensors are installed throughout the office. In case of an emergency, the system immediately triggers alerts, enabling a swift response.

This smart office setup is not just a workplace—it’s a showcase of what’s possible with industrial IoT solutions. Our new system will soon be available for offices, hotels, factories, schools, and residential properties, expanding on the capabilities of Hoyo Home.

We’re excited to officially open our new headquarters and invite you all to experience the future of smart offices and homes firsthand. Stay tuned for more updates on our new office we are building in Struga that will also incorporate Hoyo Solar, but more on that soon :) !