HEALTHY DESIGN
Many research studies have shown that the mind plays a vital role in an individual’s overall health and well-being, and living in an atmosphere that supports a healthy mental state can have significant psychological and physical benefits. The reNEWable Living Home demonstrates how integrating scientific research with architecture can promote mental and physical wellness for its inhabitants. Here are some ways the home shines a spotlight on healthy, energy-efficient solutions using products and systems that can be implemented into any existing floor plan to improve nourishment, performance, and air quality.
Kip Dawkins
Rest Easy In the owner’s suite, two entrances allow the earlier riser to make his or her exit without waking their partner, encouraging healthier and more restful sleep cycles.
Air Control The Aprilaire Ventilating Dehumidifier and HVAC control system monitor and respond to changes in temperature and humidity to keep the house clean, dry, and comfortable. Homeowners can either adjust according to real-time conditions, or allow the system to work with
cloud-based data to automatically optimize the home. The digital control panel, which is displayed on tablets throughout the house, lets residents zone and control their space’s temperature based on their individual preferences.
Clean Eating Whirlpool’s Scan to Cook smart appliances support healthy eating habits on even the busiest days. Built-in technology enables access to recipes and cooking instructions, then generates a shopping list and instructions that simplify meal prep. The intuitive appliances remember favorite recipes, and adjust to those settings automatically over time.
Kip Dawkins
Pivot Points A home that provides soothing features is a welcome respite for families with hectic lives. Transitional spaces that allow for a slight visual “pause” before moving to the next room or activity give family members an extra moment to process. With this notion in mind, BSB Design’s Dan Swift added thoughtful spaces, such as a small room for decompressing between the garage and the main entry. Nearby, a streamlined morning kitchen eliminates smaller, everyday appliances and the clutter they bring.
Kip Dawkins
Pollution Patrol CertainTeed’s AirRenew Drywall contains an ingredient that not only attracts formaldehyde—which can enter the home through cleaning products, dry cleaning, or even some furniture—but captures and eliminates it to reduce pollution sources and improve indoor air quality.
SMART SOLUTIONS
Technology helps make the reNEWable Living Home a comfortable place for three generations with very different preferences. The home’s innovations work together to bring security, convenience, and communication to every member of the family. Ten products and their applications are compatible with central control systems, and open-source, plug-and-play connectivity means that devices can be easily replaced and updated as new technology is released. Here are some other ways the home makes the best use of its high-tech products and systems.
Kip Dawkins
Cool & Connected The home’s teen residents live upstairs adjacent to the Fonzie flat, where a wireless charging countertop from Corian in the shared space quickly re-juices batteries in drained devices.
Lights On Industrial-style luminaires by Progress Lighting are controlled through the company’s iDevices application with a single tap or voice command from a smartphone, adding convenience (and helping keep the utility bill in check) for on-the-go family members. In the in-law suite, fixtures may appear more traditional, but they’re just as easily controlled. With time, the home learns to adjust lighting according to predicted behavior using motion sensors and repeated voice commands.
Kip Dawkins
Spa Style In the bathrooms, U by Moen showerheads sync with a dedicated app to activate the showerhead, rainhead, and six wall-mounted sprayheads; and control selection, cycling, pressure, and temperature. Smartphone-linked settings make it possible to heat up the shower before leaving the bed, and the system uses a pressurized flow to enable a spa-like experience with only half the water and energy of a conventional fixture. Above the wash basins, LED-framed mirrors from Kohler keep the personal spaces selfie-friendly and modern.
Kip Dawkins
Safe and Sound Digital surveillance keeps the family updated on each member’s whereabouts. The Kevo Smart Lock from Kwikset provides the ability to manage multiple entry codes so that family members, guests, housekeepers, and maintenance workers can access the home. Codes can be deleted or limited to maximize security, and the primary homeowners can receive a text when their child, spouse, or parent makes it home safely. A Ring Pro doorbell allows the homeowner to see who’s at the front door, and the home’s Liftmaster 8360Q garage door with MyQ Smart Technology comes with a virtual garage door clicker for smart devices.
Turn It Up While entertaining is enjoyed across all age groups in this home, music and volume level preferences differ. Origin Acoustics, an integrated audio system, includes embedded wireless speakers in every room and the garage to deliver crisp sound to each member of the family as they move throughout the home. Tunes can be switched, set, and controlled via voice command.
Kip Dawkins
Click here for even more about the reNEWable Living Home.
