The Smart House

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Divided into three sections, The Smart House illustrates how technology is changing our homes. Each aspect of this technology whether it is digital or real, illustrates actual projects by top architects. Plans and drawings are used to further show the possibilities. The book looks at three areas: Smart Technology which examines five aspects of technology and how it's being integrated throughout the house: lighting design and window treatments ("electronic" glass, window covering that automatically respond to changes in weather, etc.) audio and video entertainment, voice and data management, security and access, and environmental controls and energy management. Smart Materials shows new building materials such as titanium, electronic glass that can become transparent or opaque at the flick of a switch, polycarbonate materials, laser perforated metals-all are changing the way homes are built and the ways in which we use and perceive spaces within these structures. Smart Design looks at swimming pools cantilevered in mid-air, windows that recreate digital views at night, interior spaces whose functions are transformed through architectural slight of hand and by computer aided design, all point to new ways of thinking about how we live and how we use space in this increasingly space-challenged world.