Researching the House of the Future
At least one house builder has invested significantly in research towards what will influence future housing designs. Project:LIFE was a major project undertaken by house builder, David Wilson Homes, in conjunction with the University of Nottingham and the University of Leicester. One family was chosen from a field of 70 to spend six months living in the research house.
Commenting on the project, David Wilson Homes’ development director, James Wilson, said: “… In Project:LIFE our objective has been to update, in the most real life way possible, our understanding of how house design impacts upon people’s lives.”
Among the features and innovations tested under real life conditions were:
- a laundry chute
- a boot room entrance to prevent mud from being tracked into the home
- self-cleaning windows
- an automatic shirt ironer
- energy-saving ventilation
- a glass floor which allowed light to cascade through all floors
- remote control windows which automatically close when it rains
- underfloor heating
- mood lighting in the rooms
- multi-room sound and TV system
- CCTV used for checking the front door
- portable air filters
- a spa steam shower, with built-in massage jets and radio
- a first-floor bedroom/study with a drop-down bed
Want a house like this? Don’t worry, you might get your chance. The research house will go on sale this year through real estate agents, Saxton Mee. Furthermore, elements that proved to be successful will be incorporated into future designs by David Wilson Homes.
Make sure to read about the behavioural findings of the research project, ie., how the volunteer family used the various spaces in the home.
To view photos of the house and take a virtual tour, go to the Project:LIFE website.
[Source: Easier Property News]
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