Issue 26
Smart homes have the potential to revolutionise our lives, leaving us happier, healthier and more comfortable. 04. Industry Matters
Intelligent living – smart technology in the home environment Our world is changing at a rapid pace. The last generation born before the internet became commonplace are already in their twenties, and devices once considered science-fiction fancy – such as smartphones, virtual reality, driverless cars and robotic vacuum cleaners – have all become realities within the last decade. Our world is changing at a rapid pace. The last generation born before the internet became commonplace are already in their twenties, and devices once considered science-fiction fancy – such as smartphones, virtual reality, driverless cars and robotic vacuum cleaners – have all become realities within the last decade. As our lives become more and more connected through technology, the ways in which we communicate, work and relax are undergoing an upheaval. A paradigm shift continues to take place within our homes, workplaces and cities, as we realign the way we live to make the most of the possibilities that emerging technologies offer. While smart home technology is an established concept, it is still some way from being established as a standard feature in every home. This is almost certain to change over the next decade and eventually be part of everyday living for everyone. By 2030, it is predicted that smart home technology will become a standard feature in houses, becoming as critical as plumbing, lighting, windows and doors in the building design considerations. Here is a look at some of the conveniences we enjoy from smart technology that will continue to evolve and become standard in our lives.
Say goodbye to light switches and remote controls Homes of the future will be driven by voice-activated technology, making your ordinary hand activated remote control obsolete. Cinema systems, music, heating and cooling and light switches can turn themselves on and off at the sound of your voice. Love them or hate them but Siri and her pal Alexa will only grow in use. And … the television unit The days of the family sitting around one television screen are disappearing. But that’s not because we’re giving up on our entertainment. Room streaming, tablets, iPhones and laptops will be how we view our shows, putting an end to communal watching – at least within the home. Which will have a knock-on effect on design. With the central TV disappearing, you’re going to see a trend toward more ‘breakout’ spaces for people, places, or nooks, where, if you want to watch the last episode of Game of Thrones, you can go away with your laptop in a room that isn’t necessarily your bedroom, but it’s not the lounge room either. Multi-room audio Stream music throughout the house... classical in the study, jazz in the kitchen, easy-listening in the alfresco and rock in the kids room. Allow our guests to stream their own music collection from their portable devices. Elegant and efficient lighting Smart lighting is a subtle and effective way to influence the ambience and efficiency of a home. Automation can allow lighting to turn on when you are in a room and turn off when the room is empty. lluminate a hallway for safe entry or configure ambience settings to create any mood lighting.
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