Smartphones, Smart homes?

Courtesy of HGTV

Most people own or at least have access to a smart phone. These phones can do more now than most computers could back in the early 80's and 90's. Smart phones are more than just phones. They are our cameras, video recorders, navigation systems, and personal computers. The rise in technologies has also lead architects and developers to create 'smart homes.' When I first heard the term 'smart home' I thought of the Disney movie, "Smart House" which is a movie about a house which can do all the cooking and cleaning that the house occupants need. However, modern smart homes are more about saving energy and taking advantage of all that technology has to offer.

Energy Monitoring System (Courtesy of HGTV)

Each year HGTV gives away a dream home and in recent years they have been giving away smart homes. This year's Smart Home is located in Jacksonville Beach, Florida and has some of the most-up-to-date high-tech features. So what exactly makes this home a smart home? The house features 17 high-tech features to maximize energy and technological fun. Some of the key features of the home include: wall-mounted tablet monitoring systems, scheduled lighting so the owner can preset when shades or lights turn on or off, door locks that can be remotely locked/unlocked, security cameras, thermostats that can be programmed to operate on a predetermined schedule that reduces energy consumption when no one is at home or during peak demand hours when energy costs are higher, real-time energy consumption monitoring, awning that can automatically retract to block sun and solar heat gain, induction cook tops that heat 50% faster than gas, and toilets with programmable built-in seat warmers, automatic open/close lids, hands-free automatic flush, energy-saver timers, air purification and self-cleaning, programmable bidet spouts. All features can be monitored and controlled by either a smart phone or web-enabled device, except the toilets which are controlled by LCD wall panels.

Smart Toilet (Courtesy of HGTV)

Additionally, this HGTV smart home is part of a low-impact development neighborhood, Paradise Key, that is soon to be designated as a Florida Water Star Community for its water-efficiency practices. Yards for homes in this neighborhood feature drought-tolerant plants, small common area and pocket parks for all 62 homes in the neighborhood to share and enjoy, as well as, 1800 foot walking path. The neighborhood's main goals are land preservation and water conservation. During every step of the construction process, the utmost care is taken to preserve natural features.

This home also features fiber cement siding and trim and a metal roof, wind-load rated and heat reflective, replace cedar and cypress building materials. And double-paned, insulated low-E glass windows and 12-foot telescoping French door panels replace large single-paned windows.

I've been entering to win this house everyday. I didn't win HGTV's dream home giveaway but maybe I'll be lucky enough to call their smart home mine one day!