Future-Forward Homes

There has been an enormous amount of change to our homes over the past 30 years. Shereen Lurie explores their form and function in the decades to come

- Shereen Lurie

Want to know how the home of the future looks and functions? We spoke to a panel of expert home design and tech professionals who are on top of industry trends.

EXCITING TECHNOLOGIES TO LOOK FORWARD TO

We’re already enjoying numerous useful technologies, and can look forward to many more in the future. High-speed internet and the integration of household devices are two of the most prominent features facilitating these new technologies. According to Warren Husband, solutions architect and client liaison at Homemation, we are seeing more and more devices in the home having some form of internet or network connectivity. “This allows automation integrators the ability to include more devices to work together for the comfort and convenience of the family. Smart coffee machines can be switched on when your automation system wakes you up, or [smart systems can] ensure that kitchen appliances and gas fireplaces have been switched off when going to bed or leaving the home.”

Jacques Steyn, home automation sales and cinema design sales manager at Smart Spaces, adds that voice control is a big trend at the moment, and is evolving quite rapidly, becoming easier and integrated into more and more devices like TVs, wireless speakers and amps. Brett Farquharson, owner and director of Audio Motive Distributors, explains that now that we have access to endless quality music, via our mobile devices, listening to our favourite tracks doesn’t need to be restricted to living rooms and other internal living areas. “We have audio products that can be used outdoors on pool patios and sundecks and any general outdoor entertainment areas. These products are not only water-resistant but also made from marine-grade materials.”