56 smart home technology; smoke & fire protection; timber & joinery The future of home automation
Full home automation systems are easiest to install during the building of new houses or during major refurbishments of existing houses that require re-wiring. However, as technology develops, retrofitting the systems will become much easier. How smart home technology can be
controlled by users has seen much research and development. System users can now control the sensors and actuators using their voice and will soon be able to use gesture commands. For exam- ple, lights can be switched on and off by opening and closing your hand.
“Early adopters of systems like these get bragging rights with their friends, in addition to the other benefits attached to the technology”
To improve energy efficiency in homes
in future, home automation technology will be able track people inside the building and adapt the environment accordingly. The next step will be to sense the number of people in a room and adjust the climate to keep a comfort- able temperature. Another key future development will be
making the most efficient use of solar energy. Solar panels can be combined with an energy storage system and a controller to make best use of solar energy. For example, batteries can store solar energy until enough is generated to run a complete cycle of the dishwasher without using mains power. This has potential to save on
EVO-STIK expands its foam range
EVO-STIKhas added to its range of foams with the launch of a Fire Retardant Gun Applied Expanding Foam Filler. Offering a more accurate and efficient application through the use of a gun, the foam can be used for gap filling and insulating to prevent the transmission of smoke and is fire rated to the latest European standard DIN EN 1366-4. It is
suitable for use on a wide variety of building substrates and offers excellent adhesion to wood, brick, stone, concrete, plaster, wallboard, hardboard and metal surfaces.
01785 272625
www.bostik.co.uk Enq. 196
Silva branches out with yellow cedar
Silva Timber Products has expanded its product range by becoming one of the UK’s first supplier of yellow cedar shingles and shakes. Yellow cedar is one of the world’s most durable woods and its consistent grain structure means it is a good species for carving, joinery and carpentry. Silva already supplies western red cedar to the UK market. Yellow cedar
is its 15th new product line in the past year aimed at consumer and commercial markets. It has advantages over western red cedar, as it is superior in stability, strength and weather resistance.
01514 953111
www.silvatimber.co.uk FDS secures £250 million Brighton Marina development
Award-winning smoke ventilation contractor Fire Design Solutions (FDS), has been appointed to provide a number of its tailored systems for the first phase of a new £250 million mixed-use development in Brighton Marina. The project, developed by The West Quay Development Company Partnership LLP, will include 853 residential apartments, a three level car park, and over 2,000m² of retail and leisure space. Main Contractors, Midgard Ltd, appointed FDS’ sister company FDS Consult to create a full fire strategy and CFD modelling for the residential area and car park. Predicting the movement of smoke and heat in the event of a fire, FDS will utilise CFD modelling to justify the detailed design of mechanical smoke ventilation systems. FDS has now received a further appointment from ARK M&E Ltd to supply and install the smoke ventilation and environmental systems to ensure the development meets all Building Regulations. Over the coming months, FDS will design, install and commission a number of systems, including a corridor environmental system that will mitigate heat in the building’s common areas during day-to-day use to maximise comfort for residents, and a mechanical smoke ventilation system to provide safe escape route and clear access for fire fighting. 01322 387411
www.firedesignsolutions.com
respond online at
www.hbdonline.co.uk Enq. 197
bills and give the occupier control over their energy usage. There are many future developments to look
forward to, but the important thing to take away is that much like the rapid spread of smart phones, home automation is set to see a huge surge in popularity in the coming years.
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