FEATURE HOME AUTOMATION
MAKING A HOUSE A HOME
Understanding the wants and needs of a growing population is imperative if we are to build a sustainable portfolio of homes. Of course, the expectations of a first-time buyer will be incredibly different to the desires of the 65-plus age bracket. Richard Hayward, Legrand, asks how developers can hope to be able to meet these diverse requirements
T
he UK’s population is transforming before our eyes and this will have a
impact upon on our homes, building stock and infrastructure. Future homes and buildings must be reflective of the changing needs of society. In 2014, the UK population stood at
64.6 million - the third largest population in the EU - according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The UK death rate has continued to fall over the last two decades and so has the birth rate. This has led to an increasingly ageing population. Where the stats get interesting is the rise of the over 65 age bracket, representing 17.7 per cent of our total population in 2014, according to ONS. It is estimated that by 2039 almost 25 per cent (24.3) of our total population will be over 65. Understanding the core demographics of the country is important in order to understand the needs of the population and therefore the design of our homes. Technology is also an important factor,
particularly when we consider the volume of internet-enabled devices in our homes and how this is impacting upon family life. In fact, according to Ofcom, with most 16-24 year olds watching programmes on-demand rather than at the scheduled times, TV viewing is in decline. For future home designs this figure is interesting as it highlights a potential decline in families getting together to watch television, and an increasing focus on moveable devices that can be used throughout the home. This doesn’t necessarily herald the end of the living room, but it does highlight the need for flexibility. The mass adoption of internet-enabled
devices is fascinating and underlines the increasing relevance of technology in our
33 MARCH 2017 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
homes, particularly when we consider the differing ways in which the population uses it. One example is the rise of home working. According to Trade Union Congress (TUC), there are a quarter of a million more people working from home than there was a decade ago. Therefore, there is an increasing need for working zones away from the main social space, and more people are using technology in a ways to meet their individual needs. In the future, homes must be diverse in nature and respond to the changing needs of family life - from birth to old age. This is where some elements of the ‘lifetime home’ come into being. This focuses on the idea of inclusivity of design, meaning that a home can adapt to a family’s needs as they grow. Another idea is to build a greater proportion of new homes to meet the individual needs of certain demographics, namely the over 65s. This could free-up more existing family homes, ripe for renovation. The All Parliamentary Group on Housing and Care for Older People, has researched and documented a series of ten design features that ‘underpin age- ready housing’. From the requirement for outdoor space, to natural light, shared community spaces and high levels of efficiency, the Happi report provides a guiding note for future development. The report also highlights the benefits that technology can bring to the home, enabling greater communication, assisted living and a number of other benefits such as energy efficiency. Wiring integrated into the home’s design from the beginning, can be linked to a wide range of home automation functions, such as security and door entry, heating, fire detection and lighting control. For the young, the most important
function in an automated home may be entertainment, for example the ability to stream music throughout the home via a single control panel or internet-enabled device, such as a smart phone or tablet. For families, comfort and security may be top of the wish-list, enabling the end user to answer the door remotely via video link, tablet or smart phone, or to activate pre-set heating and lighting levels via a single switch. An older resident, however, may be more interested in energy efficiency, security, home safety alarms or activity monitoring, allowing them to live independently for longer. While our base needs may seem the
same on the surface, in terms of keeping ourselves, family and friends safe, warm and happy, there are some fundamental differences and it’s important that we consider this. Building in a core electrical infrastructure should be key in all properties. With this in place, individuals can choose the elements that best meet their needs. Property design should of course be influenced by the needs of our population, but shouldn’t be limited by it. How we use our homes and technology is quite individual, so why should our homes all be the same? Through careful and considered
planning, and an understanding of the market, it is possible to design homes of the future or adapt existing housing stock in-line with what consumers want. We have a long way to go before our housing stock is fit for purpose, but with a greater understanding of how consumers actually use their homes, we are one step closer.
Legrand
www.legrand.co.uk
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