The Challenge
Diffusair faced the task of upgrading a large, active office and warehouse facility in Laval, Quebec. The building’s aging, obsolete controls hindered comfort and efficiency, while traditional wired solutions would have increased installation complexity, labor hours, and safety risks due to extensive work at height. The objective was to deliver a cost-effective modernization of both mechanical and automation systems, optimize occupant comfort, and streamline installation without major disruptions or excessive cabling.
The Solution
After evaluating the requirements, Diffusair selected Strato Automation’s wireless-ready, open BACnet platform for its flexibility and scalability. Competing solutions were considered, but Strato’s Wi-Fi-enabled architecture offered a clear advantage by eliminating the need for network cabling and reducing installation workload. The deployment included an OCN+ Server for centralized control, 42 BZ122 VAV controllers, 7 OPENSTAT Wi-Fi thermostats, and 7 BP848 controllers, all integrated seamlessly over Wi-Fi connectivity. As Éric Dussault, Project Manager at Diffusair, shared: “Strato’s Wi-Fi platform allowed us to modernize the building quickly and cost-effectively, while significantly reducing installation time, material and labour.”
The Results
The modernization delivered measurable results: improved occupant comfort across the 140,000 sq. ft. facility, a reduction of approximately 40 labor hours, and a total of 56 devices—including 7 Wi-Fi thermostats—installed with minimal disruption. By eliminating the need for network cabling and reducing work at height, Diffusair accelerated deployment, reduced costs, and created a scalable, future-ready automation platform. The outcome is a smarter, more efficient building that meets today’s demands and is prepared for tomorrow’s advancements.
