10 minute read
Industry Matters04
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.
Comfortable climate control
The ability to control the temperature in a room has been around for years, but being comfortable encompasses more than adjusting the temperature. Automating humidity levels as well as opening and closing of curtains at peak times during the day can also assist in maximum energy efficiency.
Say hello to smart toilets
Japan has been selling high tech toilets for more than 30 years, with features such as heated seats and calming music. Toilets in the next 20 years will do more than function as a place to look at your phone, study the form guide or read a book. Toilets of the future will be able to weigh you, measure your health vitals, such as blood sugar and blood pressure and use data to detect potential health problems.
Dedicated home office space and integrated technology
We are experiencing a need for it now, and life after COVID-19 restrictions may see an increase in consumers including an “adaptable space for work or study” in their design briefs, to allow the flexibility to work from home.
Moving rooms
Motorised panels, hidden technology, in-wall audio-visual equipment and biodynamic lighting could all help transform single-purpose rooms into areas useful for multiple activities. Retractable roofs, windows and walls could go one step further, bridging indoor and outdoor areas in order to maximise the amount of space available to occupants.
Sunscreen for windows
Smart adaptive glass, which adjusts window tint to manage glare, heat intake and sunlight, would help to make our dwellings more comfortable and energy efficient. This technology has already been adopted in commercial applications and could potentially be adapted for residential buildings.
Security
Security cameras and alarm systems are one of the most popular smart systems being installed today by smart home specialists. You can check who is at the front door or by the side gate (regardless of if you are home or not) or video intercom from room to room. Great when you want to bring everyone together. Have you ever asked yourself, did I lock the back door ? Smart technology allows you to be notified if a door is left open, when someone enters the house or if motion is detected. With a significant number of devices emerging in our homes requiring internet access to operate, the potential for people to hack into our homes and gain sensitive information also grows. Securing homes from digital intrusion will be critical for homeowners peace of mind and safety.
Support for TPA Members
While we are currently integrating smart technology into our homes, with the pace at which new tech is advancing, 2020 could feel like "the old days" before we know it. Technology-focused new builds will create homes that will require innovative thinking at the building design stage to seamlessly embrace the potential towards achieving comfort, security, independent lifestyle and enhanced quality of life for clients. A solution good building design can provide.
Design Matters National engages with professionals and experts in the industry on a range of relevant issues affecting or impacting Thermal Performance Assessors. Our Environment and Sustainability Hub Advisory Board and Technical Advisory Committee provide practical and technical knowledge to anything from software issues to policy and regulation implications. They meet regularly to discuss a range of topics and how they might affect energy raters in practice and more broadly within the industry while also using their experience and knowledge to advocate for our members. Our Quality Assurance auditors have extensive experience in producing energy assessments and understanding the requirements of particular software or regulation and aim to provide comprehensive, constructive feedback as part of this process. We understand many of our members often work in isolation and the audit process provides a thorough examination of assessments while identifying opportunities for improvement to practice and may even increase efficiency!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have you checked out the TPA FAQ section on the new Design Matters National website? Search a range of topics to help troubleshoot common issues encountered by Thermal Performance Assessors.
TPA Support Desk
Design Matters National members cab draw upon very knowledgeable and efficient Help Desk expertise to get the answers you need to keep you going in your energy assessments. Simply email info@designmatters.org.au stating your issue and software version and know that help is at hand.
The finishes have begun and the 10 Star is coming together
By Ruth Nordstrom, SUHO Studio Manager
Construction has steamed ahead on Adelaide’s 10 Star Home by SUHO since our review of airtight testing in the March issue of Intersect. The 1st BDT test was run by airtightness specialist Jessica Allen and was really conclusive: 0.6 ACH.
At the end of 2019, the careful work of the bricky gave a new dimension to the house. East Hampton bricks, glazed bricks (blue Lagune and Wasabi) in the kitchen and the bathrooms delivered by PGH, not only beneficial in terms of passive design give a real character to the house and the colorful glazed bricks (blue Lagune and Wasabi) in the kitchen and the bathrooms add a contemporary funky touch. After electrical work and plumbing have been fitted in the service layers in the wall and ceiling, Geoexchange, has set up the distribution boxes and most of its HRV piping in the ceiling. The HRV unit has been supplied by Stiebel Eltron. In the meantime, the work outside started. Maxline profile delivered by Revolution roofing and Bluescope, cover it’s monumental first wing. The Matrix cladding delivered by our partner James Hardie has been set up, setting forth the willowy profile of the house. And the finishes have begun on the inside. The plasterboard delivered from Knauf Gyps, an exemplary green tagged product, has been installed and prepared for painting, giving a good idea about what a big ‘small house’ is. At this stage, the 10 star is dressing up. The matrix cladding have been painted outside. The wooden cladding it showing it’s best - inside and outside - and the tiler just finished their work, revealing the selection of tile that match with the glazed brick and the brass angle ready to enter resonate with the Consolidate Brass Tapware to be set up soon. The house is opening its second wing ready to take off with the pergola construction. It is a great time for designer and builder to see the hard work that has been done in the design stage and on site to complete high quality detail is now giving back. The combination of the Maxline monument profile, matches with the color of the window, the flashing and the venetian recessed in the cladding. The visual continuity between the ceiling and the soffit through the top awnings made of sustainably sourced wood as well as the nook area and the internal reveal create a real dialogue between inside and outside.
Designing the Home of the Future - Part 3
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MAY
Join us and the SUHO team at the Home of the Future 3 part webinar series where we look at taking a 10 Star design concept to reality – the challenges, the tricks and the keys to success. For more information visit
www.designmatters.org.au/Events
Dedicated service riser - installation and cabling has been coordinated with the assistance of MCS and Smart Automation Design for ABB automation and Stiebel Eltron HRV system.
Hall leading into the main living area where the service riser cupboard is concealed within the European Style Laundry. ABB Solutions Manager Damian and MCS Lucas and Jason discussing the specifics of the integration and coordinated effort to ensure that air-tightness is maintained.
Richard from KESAB Clean Site was also in attendance this month undertaking the next Toolbox meeting which trains trades to adhere to environmental controls to ensure waste is minimised and the Kartaway report came back saying that 95% of the waste from the pickup was recycled.
The bedroom is already showing the example of utilising daylighting analysis undertaken during the Design Matters National 10 Star Challenge to ensure that we can efficiently target artificial lighting. This room requires very little artificial light during the day, a common feature of most of the home.
HRV being installed in bedroom 1.
Before Timber eaves were about to be installed in January you could see the ceiling service channel being utilized to ensure that the insulation wasn’t compromised by wiring etc.
Brickwork was pointed in the kitchen and remainder of the rooms where thermal mass is utilised to enhance the performance of the home.
The open fixed structure will house a deciduous vine, utilising nature for the performance of the home.
