What You Can Learn from The Jetsons About Home Automation

Link to Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Magazine

What You Can Learn from The Jetsons About Home Automation
Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure
Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design
Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon
Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris

Posted: 22 Mar 2013 06:41 AM PDT

Home automation is becoming an ever-increasing part of our daily lives with each passing year. In order to predict the future trends in home automation we can look to the past for some clues on where we’re going. The Jetsons was an animated sitcom created by Hanna-Barbera 50 years ago. It’s depiction of home automation technology probably sparked lots of today’s innovators to create what they saw on TV as children. Let’s look at with the Jetsons used in their home and then compare it to what’s on the home automation market today. Please keep in mind that this is just a snippet of what’s available.

Automated home cleaning robots

The Jetsons were blessed with Rosie, a robot who basically did everything. She cooked, she cleaned, and she took care of the children. While we may not have anything on the scale of a Rosie, there are some interesting robotic cleaning options available today.

iRobot Roomba is an automated vacuum cleaner that has been on the market for a few years. You can expect to pay around $700 for a top of the line iRobot Roomba, but it will clean any surface in the home, including under furniture, as well as spot cleaning extra dirty areas to ensure cleanliness. This little robotic vacuum cleaner is on a mission to cover every surface of a room before moving on.

Don’t worry about charging the batteries because this robot will find its way back to the charger on its own. It will thoroughly clean every room before moving onto the next. Eliminate allergy causing dust and dirt without lifting a finger. You simply turn it on and it does all the work for you, it even tells you when it’s full of dirt and ready to be emptied. This benefits those who splurge with this purchase because they never have to worry about vacuuming any surface of their home again.

Temperature control and lighting

If you’ve ever watched an episode of the Jetsons you’ve probably never noticed them turning off/on a light switch, or were caught messing with a clunky thermostat to get an optimal temperature. They either pushed a button to change sophisticated environmental features or everything was preset. The home environment in which the Jetsons lived was automatically controlled through systems, and today there are products on the market that are going in the same direction.

Nest is a smart thermostat that can sense when you’re awake or moving around in the home and adjust the temperature to your pre-desired settings automatically. This little device will run you about $250, but is able to make up that difference in saving you money on your monthly utilities after learning to optimally control your home environment. After about a week of learning your schedule Nest essentially becomes self controlling. Nest controls the thermostat the way it should be controlled, which actually require hundreds of adjustments everyday to be as effective and cost saving as possible. No matter how hard you try to keep your thermostat adjusted in such a way it’s too many changes to realistically do. Nest does the hard work for you.

When it comes to lighting there are smart products on the market nowadays too. Phillips sells smart bulbs under the label Hue. These connected lights are functional bulbs that can be programed and controlled to best suit any desired environment, like waking up, reading, or relaxing before bed. Hue has settings for all of these. Hue is sold exclusively through the Apple store and a starter pack of three bulbs will run you $200, which is a bit pricey for the luxury.

There are other controllable LED lighting products on the market which mimic Hue’s features and may be worth a closer look. LED technology uses approximately 1/6th of the energy of what traditional incandescent bulbs use, so like it or not the future of home lighting will be automated and non-incandescent. And as mentioned previously these bulbs have a full color spectrum so you don’t need to worry about spending money on florescence and not getting used to the colors produced. With these LED lights you can save money and have optimal lighting conditions.

Automatic meals

The Jetsons had it easy when it came to preparing, eating, and even cleaning up after meals. Whatever they wanted to eat was available on demand with the push of a button, and while they sat at the table an automatic fork or spoon actually shoveled everything into their mouths. When they cleaned up a hole in the table opened and the mess magically whizzed in. It was a truly automated process.

There’s nothing on the market that matches The Jetsons level of sophistication when it comes to meals, but there are products on the market today which are starting to mimic some of the food management concepts. LG has released the Smart Refrigerator at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2013. This refrigerator is designed to talk to your home Wi-Fi and other smart devices. It’s smart grid ready for the individuals who have that option in their area. A smart grid is simple, it is a way for an appliance to communicate with the “grid” and save money by not performing certain energy taxing functions at peak hours.

As food is purchased at the store and then placed inside, this refrigerator will inventory everything. It tracks expiration dates so you can keep up with making sure all your food gets eaten on time. It also syncs with your phone and can create mobile grocery lists on demand. No more guessing what’s in the fridge while you’re at the store, like trying to remember just how many eggs you still have. If you’re looking for some creative suggestions on what to eat for dinner based on your refrigerator contents, this will do just that. If you need ingredients for the recipes you want to make you will also get it on demand and have access to that information from anywhere.

Still a ways off

A truly automated home, where all of the systems and appliances communicate seamlessly with each other and work independently of human input, is still a dream on the horizon for ordinary citizens. The technology is definitely here, but consumers are slow to adopt new home automation processes. As the gadgets and gizmos get more airtime, and consumers understand how these products can benefit them, adoption rates will steadily increase over the coming years. Perhaps it begins with automating one part of your home, like a smart thermostat, and then the benefits are realized and expanded on. With all these new home automation toys, one can’t help but wonder how important good home insurance will be in the near future!

You're reading What You Can Learn from The Jetsons About Home Automation originally posted on Freshome.

The post What You Can Learn from The Jetsons About Home Automation appeared first on Freshome.com.

Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure

Posted: 22 Mar 2013 04:26 AM PDT

House Integrating Trees Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure

The Garden Tree House is a project restored by Hironaka Ogawa & Associates in Kagawa, Japan. Seen from the outside, the house looks perfectly normal (it has a modern design, a straight neat façade and a beautiful zen garden surrounding it). The “anomaly” consists in a pair of trees (an Azelkova and a Camphor tree), with sentimental value, that ended up being integrated in the house’s structure. A real challenge for the architects and a feeling of satisfaction for the owners that (still) wanted to enjoy the trees as a part of their lives. “These trees looked over the family for thirty-five years. They colored the gardenand grew up with the family. Therefore, utilizing these trees and creating a new place for the client became the main theme for the design.”

Garden Tree House Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure

The trees were cut with their branches intact, dried for a couple of weeks (to lose water) and then, integrated in the house’s structure as support columns, embellishing the living room, the dining area and the kitchen. The beautiful thing about this project is that now, the Garden Tree House has a story. The house is all white, neat and breezy, undoubtably an oasis for the clients that were looking for a glimpse of freshness and tranquility.

Trees Integrated Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure Trees in the Living Room Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure Tree Core of The Room Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure Table and Trees Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure Interesting Interior Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure Upper Floor View Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure Details2 Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure Ceiling Integration Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure Details Living Room5 Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure Swirly Floor Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure Detail House With Trees Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure Details Structure Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure Integration Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure By Night Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure House Plan7 Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure Plan2 Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure Sections1 Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure

You're reading Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure originally posted on Freshome.

The post Contemporary Home in Japan Integrating Real Trees in The Structure appeared first on Freshome.com.

Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design

Posted: 22 Mar 2013 01:41 AM PDT

architecture hotel design Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design

The new four-‐star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam has been given a unique, sustainable interior by KOLENIK eco chic design. The hotel opened to the public on 11 January, 2013. The eco-‐chic style stands for natural, unique and honest materials which simultaneously exude luxury and warmth.

4 eco chic Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design

The futuristic hotel boasts a roof terrace on the 19th floor for smokers. Below this is Sky Restaurant Pi, which offers a panoramic 360° view of the city of Amsterdam. "A completely round restaurant with an open kitchen at altitude is spectacular, and a boon for Amsterdam", says Chris Luken,Chairman of Fletcher Hotels . For the lounge of the restaurant, Kolenik integrated one of the largest chandeliers in the world, weighing in at around 1500 kg: 'the dream'. An amazing four metres high and nine metres wide, it is suspended above the bar in Sky Restaurant Pi.

7 eco design Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design

The sky lounge accommodates a unique showpiece, the Whaletone, fashioned in the form of a whale. The piano is made entirely of sustainable materials (no ivory keys) and part of the proceeds from every instrument sold goes to whale protection initiatives. The building satisfies all modern requirements in terms of sustainability and the environment. This is why the hotel has been certified with the highest hallmark for sustainability for companies in the leisure sector: Green Key Gold. [Photos and information provided via e-mail by KOLENIK eco chic design]

8 kolenik designer Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design 9 restaurant design Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design 10 restaurant designer Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design 11 design bar Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design 12 skylounge design Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design fletcher design Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design interior design Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design

5 architecture Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design 6 sustainable design Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design

You're reading Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design originally posted on Freshome.

The post Modern 4 Star Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam by KOLENIK Eco Chic Design appeared first on Freshome.com.

Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon

Posted: 21 Mar 2013 01:31 PM PDT

View Swimming Pool Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon

Located in the cosmopolite Lisbon, the C+P House, designed by Gonçalo das Neves Nunes is an imposing contemporary house, made of concrete, glass and a touch of walnut. Due to the site’s topography, the house allows two entries, on two different levels. Its raw monolithic aspect is softened by the large range of terraces and balconies, which create a flawless balance and a smooth transition between environments. The interior looks a little bit cold (thanks to the abundance of concrete), but the floor-to-ceiling windows allow a good light penetration and the walnut furniture and flooring create a more lively atmosphere.

Concrete Lisbon Residence Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon

All the social zones are organized at the main floor while the private areas can be found at the upper floor. A large courtyard surrounds the house. From the lower level terrace you have direct access to the swimming pool. The C+P House is sumptuous (it spreads over 3,466 square feet). Despite its massive aspect, it can be also defined a space characterized by a significant amount of privacy, calm and tranquility. You can check a whole range of photos made by Fernando Guerra, below.

Concrete Details Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon Concrete Side Detail Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon Concrete and Wood Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon Swimming Pool1 Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon Interior3 Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon Wood And Concrete Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon Terrace3 Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon By Night Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon House Plan5 Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon

You're reading Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon originally posted on Freshome.

The post Modern Concrete House Softened By The Walnut Notes in Lisbon appeared first on Freshome.com.

Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris

Posted: 21 Mar 2013 06:10 AM PDT

Hypernuit modern office Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris

Hypernuit Offices is a project located on the ground floor of a building of flats, behind a large window looking out onto the Clignancourt street in Paris, France. The 65 square meter space designed by h2o architectes is well-lit with a simple geometry. The commission consisted in fitting-out a working area including five identical desks, a common meeting room and shared facilities. Hypernuit is an agency employing different people as artistic directors, graphic designers and workers in public relations.

h2o architectes Hypernuit 5 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris
The refurbishment project had to reflect the dynamic and innovative spirit of the agency in a serene and contemporary space. It also had to include a maximum of shelving for storage, the creation of exhibition walls for the display of photography shows. The schedule for the building works was very tight. h2o architects created for these offices a sort of indoor landscape thanks to a play with blocks. These volumes of varied form and size constitute the living space for each person working there. Their combination help compose the furniture, the desks, the separation and exhibition walls, the coffers etc.
architecture h2o architectes Hypernuit Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris

The different parts were made in a workshop to save time on the building-site. The unitary treatment of the floor and of the furniture responds to the demand of a serene atmosphere. The space is enlivened by the white color of the thickness of the different blocks and of course by the books and objects brought by each user. Each desk benefits from both openness towards the shared space and a more private area which can be modeled by a play with void and volume. [ Information provided via e-mail by h2o architectes; Photo credits: Julien Attard]

h2o architectes Hypernuit design Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris

dsign h2o architectes Hypernuit Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 4 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 6 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 7 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 8 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 9 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 10 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 11 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 12 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 13 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 14 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 15 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 16 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 18 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 19 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 20 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 21 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris h2o architectes Hypernuit 22 Creative and Highly Functional 65 Sqm Office Space in Paris