The Homes of Tomorrow, Today

We can get an idea by exploring some of the most advanced and futuristic homes currently on offer around the world. Here are four of the world’s smartest homes – and a glimpse of what tomorrow could hold.

The Ultimate Green Home

In Freiburg, Germany there is a home that takes energy efficiency to levels worthy of Utopian science fiction.

This house – called the Heliotrope – actually generates more energy than it uses!

Designed by architect Rolf Disch, the Heliotrope’s energy usage is entirely renewable, emission-free, and CO2 neutral. The entire structure rotates to follow the sun and make the most of natural light and heat, and of course solar energy. The Heliotrope has a 6.6kw dual-axis solar PV tracking panel, a geothermal heat exchanger, a combined heat and power unit, and solar-thermal balcony railings for both heat and hot water. There's also a grey-water cleansing system and a natural compost system for food waste.

The house has won a raft of innovation and environmental awards and is slated to be turned into a hotel sometime in the future.

Image: Inhabitat.com

A Log Cabin for Spies

In Evergreen, Colorado in the USA, there is a log cabin affectionately known as the ‘maximum security mansion’. Looking at the home, you would think it is simply a rather exquisite, warm, inviting log cabin. But, in fact, you could securely run a small military base out of the house.

The house is 111 square metres, situated on a 32-acre estate, and is equipped with $6 million worth of surveillance and security systems. Among other measures, the home is protected by thermal imaging and night vision cameras that can be viewed from a Smartphone, tablet, or laptop anywhere on the planet.

Image: Liv Sotherby's Realty

The Ecocapsule

Ever wanted to go off the grid for a while in the highest tech, most space age way imaginable? If so, the Ecocapsule is for you! It's a compact mobile home designed for extended off-grid living for up to a year for one to two people. Its shape is designed to collect rainwater and minimise thermal losses. It is capable of generating 1.35 kW of power and storing a further 10 kW via battery. It can also connect to the grid if needed.

The Ecocapsule has up to 4GB data connection, full smart home features and sensors. It is tablet app-controlled and currently costs $122,000 plus another $3,000 in shipping costs.

Image: ECOCAPSULE

Beach House for Millionaires

The Harbour Hide, a beach house in Dorset, England, is the kind of place James Bond would take his new bride for a honeymoon. Android tablets in every room let you set the desired ambience, mood, lighting, and temperature for each part of the home. The system also runs an extensive audio-visual entertainment setup, curtains and blinds, and, most impressively, it controls the electronic photochromic glass which can darken or lighten as the sunlight warrants. There is also a hidden, heated swimming pool – the temperature of which can be controlled via a waterproof tablet.

Image: Russel Sach

Take a Step Into the Future

The home of the distant future is probably a little bit pricey for you, but the home of the near future is easily within reach. Home automation is becoming the norm and you can make your home quite clever with Somfy motorisation. To find out more call us on 1800 0 SOMFY or speak to your local retailer.