How homes can respond to your needs

Sustainable living is a priority today with buyers wanting their homes to be more than just a comfortable sanctuary. Taking South Africa’s load-shedding schedule into account, three experts share their views on sustainable power solutions, home automation and, in this context, priorities of retirement-estate residents.

Integrate for Intelligence

Home automation is no longer a concept of the future or a novelty for the rich and famous; smart-home technology is now an expected feature in any new home. Homemation Solutions architect Warren Husband believes houses can be intelligent and secure when integrated.

‘With energy-efficient and future-oriented technology, we want to ensure that people don’t only feel at home but have a maximum sense of security and can work, live and play in a sustainable, productive way,’ says Husband.

‘It’s key for an intelligent home to have integrated services, and automation platforms such as Control4, which specialises in integrating devices. Single-device control is being replaced by homes responding proactively to all connected devices.’

Husband says a good example is smart-alarm systems. ‘When app control is not integrated, it will only tell you that an alarm is going off by notification to your phone. If an alarm is triggered with only smart devices but no integration, you have to open a separate app to activate your camera… just in time to see burglars making off with your stuff.’

Husband says the point of an integrated automated system is more than the supply of info to users: ‘Now, your home actually responds.’

Network must work

Apart from security measures such as flashing lights and audio-visual systems imitating the barking of dogs, Husband highlights the benefits of a smart-home automation system, from temperature and lighting control to measured responses to power outages.

‘Your network is critical. When building a home, install a Rolls Royce infrastructure solution. Even if you don’t need a TV in every room, ensure that the cable infrastructure is in place for further enhancements. Having a conduit in place allows for future additional services as tech marches on.

‘Relying on the modem or router that’s part of your fibre package is just not good enough for today’s modern smart home, or the requirements of tomorrow. It’s crucial to invest in enterprise-grade networking equipment that can handle modern demands.

‘Residentially, we’re more reliant on strong networks than those operating from online office parks. So overdo your network from the outset. Importantly, if it doesn’t need to move, ensure it’s plugged in. Having TV cables or amps plugged in frees up your WiFi for devices that are essentially mobile.’

Age in place

Andrea Desfarges represents Circle Senior Living – experts on integrating tech and sustainability in senior living estates.

‘We deal in new-builds, so tech and sustainability form part of the plan from day one. Developers need to partner with reputable operators who understand the infrastructure required to enhance your day-to-day running. It’s more difficult to upscale existing developments, due to the large capital outlay.’

Examples in this context include AI camera systems triggered when a resident falls, or when something unusual is happening in common areas, and GPS wearable tracking devices to help when a resident gets lost (with permission). Even gym equipment has a technology framework that monitors the user’s vital statistics.

‘One major factor missing from most estates is the care component. You need a space where care staff can function and medical personnel can operate from. Such a purpose-built facility ensures optimum care services are provided by experts in the field.

‘Lifestyle, golf and eco-estates might want to consider that the Age in Place model is becoming a trend. It is advisable for estates to consult with homeowners to build their properties with this in mind. Examples include wheelchair-friendly access and plug points,’ says Desfarges.

In light of load shed

With South Africa’s energy crisis showing no sign of abating, and property owners facing electricity price hikes, the need for sustainable solutions is more pressing than ever.

Broll Property Group’s COO for Integrated Facilities Management, Batabile Sibaca says price increases will affect everyone directly or indirectly.

‘It needs to be understood how renewable energy solutions can best meet a property’s consumption needs. Renewables cannot provide energy 24/7 and need constant maintenance, adding costs such as back-up power in the form of batteries.’

Sibaca says the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ adage is why so much energy and water gets wasted. ‘It’s not an impossible task to reduce consumption and become sustainable. We need education, analysis, and good energy-management systems, then understanding how to utilise the system as effectively as possible to solve problems.’

‘Well-managed sustainable buildings offer their owners greater savings and align them with the global drive towards greener buildings and reduced carbon footprints,’ Sibaca concludes.