Developers and architects are constantly looking for new innovative ways to improve homes across the globe. As well as this, the growth of the private rented sector means that landlords and letting agents are also looking for new ways to attract tenants and to better the industry for everyone going forward.
One way in which this is being done is through the introduction of new smart homes. These homes of the future aim to exceed government regulations on efficiency and sustainability, whilst also creating a new age of neighbourhoods which make the most of cutting edge technology to improve the lives of those living there.
The first smart homes in the UK were officially opened in Milton Keynes last month, developed by award winning Swedish housebuilders Trivselhus, in a joint venture with Places for People.
Sommar Place, according to its website, uses ‘sustainably sourced raw materials from the Swedish forests to create eco-friendly, super energy-efficient new homes.’ These homes are kitted out with technology including Apple Home, Siri and Apple Homekit as a standard.
The technology allows residents to control a wide array of settings remotely including altering the temperature, using camera technology to check their home when out, open and close blinds, put the kettle on and even be alerted to their child moving in his or her cot by way of a motion sensor.
Ken Forster, managing director of Trivselhus, said: “Technology is essential in easing people’s lives, so it is important that moving forward family homes are designed with smart home technology at their fore. We’re proud that Sommar Place is leading the way in tech-enabled housing developments that are affordable, efficient and future-proof at a time when technology is developing at pace.”
“In doing so, privacy and security of homeowners is paramount, which is why it was especially important for us to offer the highly secure, end-to-end encrypted Apple HomeKit accessories within Sommar Place, which we believe to be a first in the UK.”
As part of the precision building of Trivselhus Climate Shield® the homes also comes with triple glazing which promises to trap natural heat gain, a bespoke ventilation and heat recovery system which recycles warmth and fresh air for a ‘healthy’ indoors and airtight joints.
Whilst these homes join just a handful of other similar smart developments including Dupli Casa in Germany and Safe House in Poland, we hope that developers in the future will take note of the innovative design – adding a new dimension to house hunting for investors and tenants alike.
