Saturday 6th October 2018


Smart Home Technology Property, Homes & Interiors 29


Only connect: Smart homes are thriving PHOTOGRAPH: DAVID HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHY LTD


Separate research from Barclays


Mortgages found that home owners really want technologies that’ll save time and money with cutting the cost of utility bills one of the biggest incentives, giving support to energy management systems. Until recently, many of the smart


systems have only been available to put in an existing home or in very expensive properties that most people can’t afford, but now the technology is becoming more mainstream and developers are embracing the opportunities. Developer Lendlease has


A taste of tech A number of developers are


High-tech homes are no longer the stuff of dreams, but a current reality for savvy buyers, as Ray Clancy discovers


I


magine ordering a coffee when you’re on your way home and it’s ready when you arrive, or having a


meal waiting in the oven and as you walk into the kitchen your favourite music plays and mood lighting helps create a relaxing atmosphere. It’s not the stuff of


dreams, but attainable as more and more developers and designers incorporate the latest smart technology into new homes. Most homes already have a smart


TV and many have sound systems and even controlled lighting, but the future is a home that’s smart on the outside and the inside.


leading the way in central London and experts believe that a fully automated smart home will become the norm for new builds, not just because the technology exists but because it’s what people want. Recent research by Coldwell


Banker found that home buyers are most attracted by smart security and temperature control, with 58% saying they would buy a home with the latest high-tech security and 56% are keen to have controlled heating and cooling.


announced what it describes as ‘world-class efficiency’ for its Futurehome at Elephant Park project in Elephant & Castle, central London. The 15 Victorian-inspired townhouses will use a low-energy construction standard developed in Germany; the Passive House Institute certification scheme. The homes will maintain


a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout, all year round, using an advanced air tightness and heat recovery system. This technology also eliminates problems of draughts, colds spots, condensation and damp. They’ll also have a constant


supply of clean, fresh air with an advanced filtration system removing pollen, dust and smoke for improved air quality, while integrated Siemens IQ appliances in the kitchens combine style with low energy requirements, enabling residents to reduce energy usage. Furthermore, high-quality insulation and triple- glazed windows significantly limit


noise from outside, with prices starting from £1.495m. But there are also smart home


options for those with a smaller budget or looking for a buy-to-let opportunity. Micro-apartments being built in Clapham will incorporate smart technology as part of a redevelopment of a 1930s office building; prices starting at £425k and are aimed at first-time buyers. The 30 one-bedroom homes range from 323sq ft to 484sq ft while the 11 two-bedrooms range from 484sq ft to 646sq ft. “Our micro-apartments at


Abbeville Road will be high spec, high tech homes that are considerably more affordable because they’re smaller,” said Martin Skinner, chief executive of Inspired Homes, which has just announced the development. “Technology optimises the use


of space while giving our young, professional buyers modern conveniences to support their lifestyle. We’re not into expensive gimmicks, just tech that people use and don’t have to pay through the nose for,” added Skinner. Heating and lighting control


will be fully automated using a communal heating system, which heats water quickly even if it’s been switched off all day. The controls will allow residents to adapt thermostats to their needs. The apartments will also have


Hyperoptic, currently the UK’s fastest fibre connection, as well as a Sonos home sound system with ceiling speakers installed. Smart phones can connect to the system, allowing streaming directly from Spotify or SoundCloud. So the future looks bright, it looks smart.


Do You Know What Happens At Home When You’re Away?


A Home is Burgled in England and Wales


Every Two Minutes Source: Office of National Statistics. Sep. 2017


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