The Ideal Home exhibition celebrates its 110th birthday this year with the usual selection of weird and wonderful home technology.
Home staples such as the electric kettle, vacuum cleaner and toaster have been introduced to the British public at the show. So what tech innovations did this year’s event reveal?
We dropped in to see for ourselves what was creating a buzz with visitors. Here are a few that we think could become standard appliances in the smart house of the future.
Smart Home
Both British Gas and Bosch were showcasing their integrated Smart Home devices at the event. BG’s partnership with Hive now integrates Amazon Alexa voice controls with heating, lights and plugged-in devices, giving a fully voice-activated home. The Bosch system lacks voice control but is more security-focused, with smart smoke detectors, cameras and door/window contacts.
Renewable energy
Okay, so renewable energy isn't a new idea. However, the tech on display at the show from companies like Use The Sun showed how much more efficient it's becoming:
TESLA Powerwall
When a company that can launch cars into space turns its attention to home appliances, things ought to get interesting. The resulting Tesla Powerwall 2 is the battery that PV solar panel systems have been waiting for!
This sleek design can store enough energy to run an average household for 24 hours. The TESLA Powerwall breaks new ground by being able to discharge 100% of its available power. The Powerwall is automated, easy to install and can even be hooked up to Tesla’s app to show you power levels.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) don’t sound too glamorous but the headline feature is a show-stopper: over 3x more energy for the price than even the best gas or electric boilers. That means money saved on heating and hot water bills, plus lower maintenance costs and emissions.
ASHP systems don’t suit all homes, but well-insulated, airtight properties are ideal and the government is currently giving away up to £12,000 towards installations of heating systems like these. Cost savings will normally pay for the system within 4-5 years of installation. Could be a good time to invest!
Smart toilet
Another innovation to originate in Japan, the smart toilet is now aiming to secure its corner in the British bathroom. Its main feature is the integrated personal spay washer and dryer for a very compact toilet/bidet combination. Other remote-controlled features include heated seat and auto-cleaning functions.
Boiling tap
These have been around for some time now and are slowly becoming a standard feature in our kitchens. Dutch firm Quooker is working hard to achieve that, bringing its energy-efficient, elegant and ultra-convenient COMBI taps to the market. Hot, cold or boiling water quite literally on tap.
HD CCTV
A major feature at the show, HD CCTV cameras were everywhere! Meeting the growing demand for better security solutions, A.C.T. Excel demonstrated a range of cameras, including motion-detecting day- and night-vision cameras that send you an email if an intruder is detected.
Mineral shower
These shower heads from Supersoft Shower were a hit in Japan before creating a storm in the UK. Not very high-tech you might think, but the filtering beads in these attachments soften the water while the laser-cut head naturally increase water pressure. A simple and low-cost way to improve your shower experience!
Smart anti-snoring pillow
You have a smartphone and possibly a Smart Home, so why not a smart pillow? The ZEEQ was drawing a lot of attention at the show, promising Amazon Alexa integration, sleep analysis, wireless music and more. Partners of snorers in particular will love the subtle vibrate function that gently encourages snorers to move if they start making noise.
Why not check out our Discover section for hundreds of high-tech London homes and up-to-date design inspiration.
