The Smart House project is part of a larger collaboration between The University of Suffolk, BT and Suffolk County council, through which a digital skills and innovation hub is currently being constructed. It acts as a live building demonstrator that can be used to implement and test the methods applied elsewhere.
The two-bedroom house uses advanced sustainable design and construction technology to test the latest low-energy and building monitoring technologies. It has been designed to comply with spatial and building regulations and sits on a site within Adastral Park, a piece of unoccupied green space.
Research into the integration of smart technology is one of the primary long-term aims for the Smart House. As the environmental crisis progresses, the project will help to inform policy, planning and design to further encourage homeowners and private landlords to consider making the necessary changes to new and existing homes.
The house exemplifies contemporary housing design in terms of sustainability, design and affordability, but will also play a significant role in helping to improve the way we live now and in the future.