Intelligent Buildings
Self-powered wireless technology adds flexibility to internal building layouts Building automation — Professional tips for architects Architects must meet ever growing demands. Flexibility and automation are important requirements for all builders, whether the building is for commercial or residential purposes. Because construction requires looking ahead, it is important to consider the major future trends as early as the planning stage. Fortunately, we now have intelligent and flexible solutions that can be combined with current and future products of an entire ecosystem based on industry-wide standards.
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intelligent buildings
Flexibility When it comes to flexibility, wireless systems are far superior to wired solutions. If liberated from the confines of cables, smoke detectors, sensors for presence, temperature, air quality and lights or switches can be placed wherever they are really needed. This approach simultaneously provides the flexibility of adding new products and more sensors to the system without having to open up the walls. Ideally, it is sufficient to incorporate electrical and other cables into the ceilings or the floor. Most of the walls in the construction area can thus be removed or relocated when the use of space changes. The important thing is that the system components used should meet a common industry standard. Technologies such as the Internet of Things and the smart home continue to develop rapidly, which means that architects should look for ways to easily add the new solutions to the existing environments. The rooms are only as flexible as the particular solution allows. The
more inflexible the specifications, the less leeway there is for optimizing the modifications. However, this is the basis for measures aimed at improving room quality and thereby also increasing employee satisfaction.
Energy efficiency guidelines and automation Regardless of whether the project involves new construction or repairs to an existing structure, energy efficiency takes priority. Clear legal requirements exist, which were most recently made stricter in January 2016. However, builders have a greater interest of their own in minimizing running costs in an energy market with fluctuating prices. Although insulation certainly accounts for the lion’s share of energy efficiency, smart home electronics can also make a contribution. Controlling heat and ventilation with correctly positioned sensors, in particular, can noticeably lower running costs without sacrificing a comfortable living environment. Temperature sensors both indoors and outdoors, for example, can Building & Facilities Management – June 2016