Residential
Phrases such as 'sustainability,' 'future-proofing' and 'carbon reduction' are now becoming more common in the house building market and a number of new-build developers have for some time championed the use of intelligent building control technology to achieve these goals. However, there are still too many developers who do not recognise or advocate the use of intelligent controls within new builds.
'Smart' or 'intelligent' homes are no longer the reserve of luxury property developments and interest in custom install technology for ordinary family homes is growing. Therefore housebuilders wanting to stay ahead of the game must now consider integrating intelligent building technology into their products - alongside the expected high specification kitchen or bathroom. Today, the consumer is looking for more and developers are now reporting that many buyers view some form of intelligent functionality as a "must" standard feature when buying a property. The question is, however, what makes a building 'intelligent'? It is certainly a space where electrical elements, including lighting, air conditioning, security systems and heating can respond in real time to the occupants' needs and building occupancy patterns.
The potential benefits and return on investment from an 'intelligent' home are highly tangible -- lower energy costs (often 30-40 per cent), security and enhanced living experience for the inhabitants. To achieve this level of 'intelligence', systems are required to talk a common language on a common platform. Central to this is an open network, consisting of devices from many manufacturers that conform to uniform industry standards.
The 'intelligent' answer lies in KNX. It enables the integration and programming of a range of products from many different manufacturers using a single software tool. From a developer's point of view, there is much about a KNX enabled home to attract buyers. Once the basic controls are in place, KNX can carry out energy management and building control tasks. KNX will not become obsolete technology -- it is not exclusive to any single manufacturer -- so there are no concerns about upgrades or the technology's future. It is in effect "future proofed." Indeed, by including the KNX cabling structure at the out-set of a house build, the developer is future-proofing it.
A house is built to last many years, and without this kind of technology, it would be impossible for homeowners to deal with whatever life might throw at them later on. For example, there is an increasing move towards care in the home for the elderly and people with mobility problems. The KNX system gives this group of people (and their families) the peace of mind - and the necessary infrastructure to put the highest levels of assistive technologies in place. Broadband is also key: once you open the full bandwidth it will be necessary for homes to have a structured cabling system in order to benefit from its full functionality.
Clearly, developers need to understand that this kind of technology adds considerable cache and value to any home. In many respects, it can also be used as a marketing tool: it will always help to set their homes apart from similarly prices units that have not been 'enabled'. Any housebuilder who fails to recognize the significance of Intelligent Building Control, is underestimating the way people want to live today.