A living lab at Curtin University in Fremantle will trial technology which can transform traditional houses into smart homes.
To be officially commissioned on April 18, the living lab is a partnership between Quantify Technology Holdings Limited and the Curtin University of Technology.
Quantify Technology has developed adaptable products which can transform traditionally wired houses into smart homes using a flexible wall switch connected to the WiFi network.
The addition of Quantify’s technology to the living lab trial will enable building automation and energy consumption monitoring within the building.
The space will be an interactive research, prototyping and test facility and will be used for people to collaborate and engage directly with the building, to explore performance and data, while serving as a case study for a PhD fellowship with Quantify Technology.
Quantify Technology CEO, Brett Savill, said the “venture will explore how the company's Internet of Things technology can add value by reducing the energy used by the home, saving emissions and energy.”
“This trial will showcase the potential of what Quantify can do on a large scale, while demonstrating the adaptability of our technology and how it can transform the building industry.” he said
Known as the Legacy Living Lab (L3), the building will have the ability to undergo transformations throughout its lifetime without the need for demolition, catering for further research.
Quantify will work alongside other West Australian organisations who employ sustainable construction techniques to increase building efficiency and reduce material consumption and waste.
"Aside from Curtin, we are looking forward to collaborating with Fleetwood Australia and LandCorp in the construction of the living lab, who both compliment what Quantify is working towards,” he said.
Fleetwood Australia specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of modular buildings and are committed to reducing waste and improving the sustainability of the built environment.
LandCorp are the WA Government’s land and development agency who work to realise the potential of land and infrastructure developments in a planned and sustainable way.
The PhD project will be completed through the Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute.
CUSP director, professor Greg Morrison said the PhD project will address the need for home automation technology.