The Grant Home is a showcase of the cutting-edge smart home solutions designed and implemented by Highlands Smart Homes. With over 250 connected devices, this project demonstrates how technology can enhance energy efficiency, security, convenience, and safety, all while providing a luxurious and intuitive living experience.
Our goal was to create a fully integrated, highly automated home system that solves real-world problems while adding value for the homeowners. The Grant house also featured in an Article in the Canberra times for the NBN.
Key Features of the System
Connected Devices
The Grant Home boasts over 300 connected devices, including:
- Smart lighting throughout the house.
- Power monitoring plugs.
- Motion and presence sensors.
- Temperature and humidity sensors.
- Robotic vacuum cleaners and a robot mower.
- Smart air-conditioner controller.
- Motorised curtains and blinds.
- Window and door sensors.
- Garage door controller.
- Smart washing machine and dryer.
- Smart speakers, Chromecasts, and smart TVs.
- Solar power integration and whole-house power monitoring.
- Security cameras with advanced person detection.
Networking and Device Integration
A commercial-grade UniFi Wi-Fi system with multiple access points ensures seamless whole-house coverage.
Z-Wave smart switches provide reliable control of lighting and appliances.
Zigbee sensors and light strips enhance the network’s mesh connectivity and reliability.
Control and Accessibility
A wall-mounted tablet in the kitchen acts as a centralized dashboard for controlling the entire home.
A single mobile app enables remote control and monitoring of all systems.
Local device control minimizes reliance on the cloud, ensuring faster response times and greater reliability.
Challenges and Solutions
1. Increasing Energy Efficiency
To address the rising costs of energy and improve the home’s efficiency, we implemented advanced automation, including:
Solar Production Optimization, Heating and cooling systems are boosted during peak solar production hours to store thermal energy, reducing evening power consumption.
Appliance Scheduling, The washing machine and dryer are scheduled to operate during solar production hours, with notifications to ensure seamless usage.
Air-Conditioner Optimization, Open doors and windows are detected and reported via notifications.
The air-conditioner automatically turns off when no one is home and restarts upon re-entry into the geofence.
Lighting Automation, Motion and presence sensors adjust lighting levels based on room usage and external conditions, ensuring energy-efficient illumination.
2. Enhancing Home Security
The Grant Home is equipped with an array of security measures, including:
Smart Cameras, Person detection triggers snapshot notifications when the house is unoccupied.
At night, cameras detect street activity and trigger strategic lighting to create the illusion of occupancy.
Garage Door Automation, The garage door automatically closes if left open when no one is home.
Location-Based Security, Phone location tracking ensures systems respond appropriately when occupants leave or return.
3. Time-Saving Solutions
By automating mundane household tasks, we helped the homeowners save valuable time:
Robotic Mowing and Cleaning, Robotic vacuum cleaners and a robot mower ensure floors and lawns remain pristine without manual effort.
Smart Notifications, Appliances like the washing machine and dryer send notifications to prompt timely action.
4. Addressing Lighting Needs
Automated lighting provided convenience, luxury, and safety:
Motion-Activated Lighting, Lights automatically adjust for nighttime navigation, offering lower brightness to avoid disruption.
Custom Lighting Scenarios, Lighting conditions adapt based on activities such as TV viewing or the presence of guests.
5. Improving Safety
Safety features were a key focus:
Smart Power Monitoring:
Plugs monitor and control devices like ovens and hair straighteners, turning them off when the house is unoccupied.
Smart Smoke Detectors:
Integrated smoke detectors send remote notifications in case of emergencies.
Outcome
The Grant Home is a prime example of how Highlands Smart Homes delivers tailored smart home solutions that combine energy efficiency, security, and convenience. The homeowners now enjoy a highly automated lifestyle with significant energy savings, enhanced security, and more free time.
Why Work With Highlands Smart Homes?
Whether you’re a builder looking to offer premium smart home services or a homeowner dreaming of an intelligent, luxurious home, Highlands Smart Homes is your partner in creating the ultimate smart living experience.
Contact us today to learn how we can transform your home into a fully integrated smart home system.