5 minute read
In conversation with Ar. Anurag and Ar. Pallavi, S
Smart homes are gaining immense popularity as they not only save power but also reduce utility costs and make the home interiors more comfortable & user-friendly. It tends to be more convenient to the residents due to the ease of functionality offered by motion sensors or sound sensors that makes the usage of home appliances effortless. “The flexibility and effortless management offered by automated appliances enhance the convenience of the user. With remote-controlled home functions, there is an added advantage of being energy efficient and releasing less carbon footprint. Smart home automation presents one with the refined ability to tap into management insights and help understand how the home operates. It incorporates security features that maximize tangible security measures taken while monitoring various activities. It is also easy to analyze one’s daily behaviour and make adjustments to their schedules by studying one’s energy consumption habits”, says Ar. Anurag and Ar. Pallavi, Salankar Pashine and Associates, Nagpur.
Who(consumer groups) are opting for smart homes the most?
The millennials and the affluent section of society are leaning more towards the inclusion of smart home automation. With the advent of technology and going digital on all platforms, they are more welcoming to trying out new tech available in the market. The ultimate goal is to make lifestyle more comfortable. Many families too with kids under the age of 18 are seen adopting smart home technology starting with minor additions like Amazon Echo. is a rising need for high-end security systems and digital locks in homes today. The introduction of work from-home has kept people busy with their daily schedules, making it more convenient for them to control and see who’s at the front gate to collect deliveries or attend to guests accordingly. Other products in homes that are gaining popularity are devices like Amazon Echo or smart bulbs. Motion sensor lighting and smart lighting also present an advantage of comfort while being energy efficient.
What according to you are the must-have smart home products in today’s contemporary homes?
Contemporary homes are now well integrated with wi-fi that offers convenient smart technology. There What role do system integrators play when it comes to designing a smart home? How important is their role? A system integrator brings in detailed knowledge of standard construction protocols when it comes to wiring and networking. It helps to better design and implement a smart home system. They aid in performing various comprehensive assessments before taking a final decision on the ideal system for the required space. Such decisions are also based on the needs and the budget limitations of the client along with the desired functionality, property design, and location of the project.
Products of which category (lighting, security, entertainment, etc.) witness maximum demand when it comes to integrating smart home devices while doing the interiors? Why?
Smart Lighting and comfortable entertainment are the highest in demand when it comes to integrating smart home devices. The advantages offered with smart lighting and entertainment on connecting with just Alexa or Google deems convenient for the user. With automated lighting, one can alter the mood of the room and develop an unexampled entertainment atmosphere. Upgraded security is another userfriendly tech people are opting for as it aids in 360-degree surveillance. This presents the user with an added sense of safety, especially in the age of the pandemic when everyone is locked inside their homes.
How would you define the current demand for smart home integrations?
The demand will keep increasing in the coming years because the conveniences offered through home automation are vast. Smart home tech is evolving every day and innovations are being introduced in the market with each passing year. With the ongoing lockdown, the need for smart home integration has increased drastically in the residential sector.
Which sector(hospitality, commercial, residential) should be inclining more towards Smart Technologies? And why?
There is a visible wider application of the tech used in various industries as professionals continue to innovate creative smart building solutions. The healthcare, real estate, and retail industries have already been enabled by smart building integration. But there is a visible increase in its use in the hospitality industry. The benefits impacting the guests and hotel operators with smart hotels are numerous. IoTconnected devices create a better experience and streamlined hotel management while enabling the guests with improved comfort. Although the impending pandemic has made everyone aware of the need for smart tech in the residential and healthcare sectors. With workfrom-home gaining more traction with each passing day, it has become a user convenience to add smart home technology into their personal living spaces. Healthcare sectors are starting to be better equipped with technology with increasing need in the last few years. It enables one the security of sanitized spaces as doors can open automatically or keep spaces locked out which are to be quarantined.
In what ways do you think the concept of smart homes has contributed to the lifestyles of working professionals?
The inclusion of mesh networking and smart buildings has made working a more streamlined experience with all data uploaded and computerized. It is now more convenient for large MNCs to keep track of verified data churned from all bases placed worldwide. The current work-from-home scenario has also been further aided with smart technology in smooth work functioning. It has helped greatly in keeping up with scheduled calendars by using a single cloud database. This has made it easier for working professionals to stay connected & operate seamlessly without a glitch in the process.
How do you foresee the Smart home industry 5 years down the line?
The demands are increasing day by day. Covid-19 has changed everyone’s lifestyle and functioning. Even if the real estate industry has taken a backseat in the last two years, the market demand for smart home automation has only increased.
Technology is an ever-growing field and I am sure there will be no dearth in advancing technology.
Would you like to share with us any of your interesting projects where you have integrated smart home products/ solutions?
Luxe Residence, a recent project completed by us, has smart technology incorporated in its interiors. The client wanted a centralized air conditioning system which has been included throughout the home. The curtains and blinds are also automated and offer the residents convenience to open and close the shades. Automated curtains are useful when the user wants the blinds to close early in the morning or open them from the comfort of their bed on a gleefully rainy day.
