Gutted house, all roads are open. Linux preferred.

[bcnx]

Hi all,

recently purchased a small house which has been completely gutted by the previous owner.
This means I can go any way I want, both with choice of system and choice of wiring.
I'm an electronics guy by training, and Arduino and stuff really interests me. Besides that I'm a Linux expert now by trade, so I'm looking at LinxMCE now.
Any solution that would involve some DIY to safe bucks is more than all right with me.
I'm looking to control security, climat, lighting and multimedia.

Do you guys could give me some pointers what direction to take, taking all this into account? Up next is the electrical wiring, so I need to take decision on what to put in the walls. Should I do a star topoligy, should I put CAT 5 everywhere, etc etc etc
I'm in Belgium by the way, should that be important.

Thx a mille,

BC