24 Expert Opinion Jim Martin More Homes Through Manufacture A Housing Forum Working Group Report EXPERT OPINION: FROM FEEDING THE CAT TO ORDERING FOOD JIM MARTIN EXPLAINS WHY HOMES ARE SET TO GET SMARTER e are at the beginning of a revolution in the way we live in our homes. The internet, mobile devices and greater connectivity will give us the ability to live and manage our homes in an entirely different fashion. In 1975, only a tiny percentage of homes in the UK had gas central heating; 40 years later almost all UK homes are centrally heated, mainly by gas. Notably, central heating has changed the way we live and manage our homes. In the same way, smart home technologies provide the opportunity for a similar revolution. Within the next 40 years, a large proportion of homes in the UK will have ‘smart’ home elements. The defi nition of a smart home is generally agreed to be: “A dwelling incorporating a communications network that connects the key electrical appliances and services, and allows them to be remotely controlled, monitored or accessed.” Remotely in this context can mean both within the dwelling and from outside the dwelling. There are three things a home needs to make it smart: Internal network – wire, cable, wireless Intelligent control – gateway to manage the systems Home automation – links between products, services and external systems A key advantage of using smart home technology is that homeowners are given more control over their appliances and devices. For example, a smart home boiler can tell you when it needs servicing or is running ineffi ciently. The refrigerator may also be able to list its contents and order food. Using smart home technologies, devices can be connected to each other, which allows the passing of information to and from devices. A quick glance at their smartphones or tablets will provide the following information, when smart home homeowners are away: Did I turn the cooker off? Did I set the home alarm system? Are the kids doing their homework or watching television? Smart home technology is also known for home security features. The lights can be turned on and off to prevent burglaries and home intrusions – and in future the home will be programmed to water the garden or feed the cat. While it is exciting to think about this technical revolution, which is changing the way we live through greater connectivity, there are various practical applications of smart home technologies, not only home entertainment, clever security and energy management. As the population grows older, more home care will be required for many people. Remote monitoring and control are huge advantages in allowing elderly people to stay in their homes whilst using occupant monitoring, movement monitoring to detect falls and medication reminders to name but a few. A similar list could apply to infant monitoring or people with disabilities. Smart Homes technologies can be retrofi tted, they can be incorporated into a traditional build process but it is as a component in an OSM process that smart home technologies come into their own. In the same way a purchaser will select from a list of options when buying a car, a home purchaser will select from a range of smart options to be incorporated within the factory process. In fact, the application of smart home technology is limitless. Jim Martin is Senior Partner, Martin Arnold and Chair of The Housing Forum’s Working Group, Smarter Supply: Smarter Resources
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