Get Smart about Smart Homes

Stronger, better, smarter, especially smarter, construction processes and technologies have merged to reach dizzying new heights. Featuring IoT/AI technology, rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, fire systems, security systems and external building services that function intelligently, both independently and integrating systems, new homes are decidedly smart. Today’s home design must incorporate these systems using the expertise of specialists who create accurate, detailed plans and provide high-quality engineering design services.??

Smart homes can welcome people home after a long working day and a longer commute to a temperature-controlled room, with soft music and dimmed lights. And all of it can be achieved without any discernable human effort. Smart homeowners may even get a notification of rain and an open bedroom window. And that’s only the tip of the ‘home’-berg.??

To plan a smart home, it is crucial to consider how to incorporate smart home features into design drawings and workflows early in the design process. In addition, expertise is required to design smart home automation systems that enable different devices to work together.??

Data is collected using the Internet of Things, or IoT.? Then, artificial intelligence, or AI, uses this data to perform specific tasks around the home. By integrating IoT and AI, smart devices can respond remotely to voice commands or pre-programmed commands. High-quality IoT solutions such as these can be delivered by a reliable software development team.??

Smart Home Key Features??

Core elements in a smart home include lighting, temperature, security and entertainment systems.??

• Smart homes can control the colour and brightness of the lighting in each room by using motion sensors, automatically turning on and off when someone enters a room and when no one is in the room.?
• Smart heating systems with motion sensors and switches with temperature sensors can control temperatures and humidity. Smart thermostats and motion sensors can turn the heating off or on. Smart window blinds can help regulate inside temperatures, and smart thermostats respond to voice commands.??
• Entertainment systems can use multi-room audio with speakers in different rooms controlled by a smartphone or a tablet. A smart speaker linked to smart lighting can turn music and lighting on and off through voice activation.??
• A central communication hub controls smart lights to home security cameras displaying video feeds, which can help monitor children, the elderly and pets, while outdoor models can monitor prowlers. Some models integrate with the lights. Cameras in doorbells can help keep track of the front porch and visitors, without inhabitants going near the door or even while the resident is away from home.??
• Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors sound alarms or send alerts to a smartphone. In case of a fire, the smoke detector can direct the thermostat to shut down the HVAC system, avoiding the circulation of smoke to other rooms. Smart smoke alarms turn on emergency lights to guide people out of a smoke-filled space.???
• Smart irrigation systems supply sufficient water to lawns and gardens. They can connect with the rainwater harvesting system to improve sustainability goals.??

Internet Integration??

An Internet connection is crucial to control devices from outside the home, using a wired data network in addition to Wi-Fi. This wired data network uses new and upgraded cabling, which combines electrical and data cabling. Conventional data cabling had to be installed separately and connected to the electrical wiring by an electrician. Telecommunications and Internet connections will also need flawless external services.??

Entirely Smart??

• Complete smart home systems integrate seamlessly with each other. For example, the same motion sensors can control lighting, temperature and a burglar alarm.?
• Home access control and a smart intercom can also be integrated into the home.?
• Complete smart homes save expenses on fixtures and wiring.??

Smart Design Drawings??

Accurate, detailed and thorough design drawings are required to plan and communicate smart home design, such as:??

Electrical Drawings?

• An in-depth account of all electrical connections, outlets, fixtures, switches, lighting?
• Support wiring layout on the floor and electrical connections for many smart devices??
• Indicate the load capacity for use in energy efficiency??

Plumbing Drawings?

• Show the markings and locations of plumbing components, sanitary pipes, water pipes, water drainage systems and piping related to rainwater harvesting systems??

HVAC Drawings?

• Show the layouts and components of heating and ventilation systems, especially useful for maintaining preferred temperatures in certain rooms?
• Include the air conditioning patterns and layouts???

Fire Protection Drawings?

• Represent the placement of fire hoses and water outlets?
• Specify the fire protection plan and safety systems??

These detailed drawings require expert and experienced MEP BIM services partners who provide precise and trusted mechanical design services and other MEP services. Smart homes need smart design drawing solutions.??

XS CAD has valuable experience providing engineering design services and MEP BIM services for general contractors and design consultants. Our range of services for global firms across the world include mechanical design services, MEP 2D drafting, MEP 3D modelling services and other MEP services, and we offer retained teams when required. We create these models, drawings and BIM services by using Revit, AutoCAD and BIM Collaborate Pro for cloud collaboration. ?

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