eHome2 for the Future Homes

Challenge

eHome2 is a collaboration between Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland and Barratt Developments to test the building solutions for future housing and accelerate those involved towards producing low-carbon and net-zero housing. So Saint-Gobain looked for a building automation system to implement in the research and went for Loxone. Loxone is being tested in the research and plays a key role as the home automation system, automating all of the Loxone devices as well as third-party ones. Plus, the Loxone system is even being used by the University of Salfords research team to conduct the actual research.

It was key that Loxone provided energy saving, shown through a clear, intuitive visualisation and that it was very open to being integrated with third party systems that were being studied in the home. With the Loxone system providing added bonuses such as being able to support the University researchers.

Solution

Zmart Hohm's excellent install in eHome2, that fulfilled all of the stakeholders needs, includes the likes of:

- the heart of the system Miniserver and an Audioserver
- Modbus RTU (used in monitoring)
- Modbus TCP for the solar PV inverter (Fox ESS hybrid with battery storage)
- Communicates with the Vaillant VR921 gateway using EEBUS, allowing control of operating modes, target temperatures, and monitoring of the outside and of hot water temperatures.
- Controls power to the immersion heater using a Solid State Relay (SSR) with variable power control.
- Manages zoned heating using Valve Actuators and the intelligent room controller (IRC) for wet heating (excluding radiators, except for one radiator in the hallway as they are utilizing a new technology called ThermaSkirt).
- Controls infrared heating panels through smart sockets, providing energy monitoring capabilities.
- Controls infrared coving in the edges of the top of the room, which is controlled by a smart socket.
- Controls ThermaSkirt and the kickboard wet heating in the kitchen using Valve Actuators.
- Monitors energy usage for various appliances, including heaters, electric shower, Curv hot water tank, cooker extractor hood, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge/freezer, and network rack/cabinet – all through smart sockets.
- Utilises water sensors for leak detection and employs a relay to control the solenoid, enabling automatic water supply shut-off in the case of a leak being detected.
- Monitors and controls the usage and charging of the electric vehicle (EV) charger.
- Controls the Silent Gliss blinds and curtains using the Shading Actuator Air.
- Manages ventilation based on humidity, presence, and cooking activities.
- Uses a combination of Smart Sockets and Nano 2 Relay Trees to control the two ventilation systems (MEV and MVHR) and Belimo damper actuators.
- Utilises Door & Window Contacts throughout the house as part of the smart burglar alarm features and to turn off heating if a window is left open in that room
- The Weather Station outside monitors the temperature as part of the control for the Vaillant heat pump.
- Includes a Loxone intercom and a keypad with NFC functionality for access control.
- Monitors energy consumption of every circuit coming out of the distribution board using Modbus metering, providing insights through statistical analysis and graphs.

Loxone’s involvement in eHome2 goes beyond just a present-day research collaboration, it has great significance for the future of new build housing with Loxone significantly contributing to Barratt Developments’ exploration of their future housing offerings. By incorporating Loxone’s cutting-edge technology, with it’s powerful energy management qualities, eHome2 sets a new standard for what Barratt Developments can offer customers in terms of smart home features and the energy efficiency these provide their home.

Through the research conducted in eHome2, Barratt Developments gains valuable insights into the benefits home automation can play in new build homes. This collaboration allows Barratt to identify a solution that will reduce a home’s running costs, enhance the energy efficiency, and redefine the technology they can provide to homebuyers without making life at home more complicated.

Loxone’s contribution to eHome2 empowers Barratt Developments to deliver homes that meet high technological standards while addressing sustainability and energy efficiency concerns. Together, they are pioneering a new era of widespread housing, providing customers with enhanced living experiences and reduced environmental impact.

Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland partnered with Barratt Developments on this project and it has a long-standing relationship with the University of Salford. This makes for synergy in sharing insights between the various brands and companies which are working to identify how various aspects of the build and the technologies within can all contribute to meeting the Future Homes Standard. We’re proud to be a part of controlling the system in a house like this because the brands and solutions that Saint-Gobain bring to this project for the physical construction of the project make for a house that can truly benefit from the likes of zoned temperature control, and passive heating and cooling automated by Loxone.

Energy Management is baked into the core foundation of Loxone so it was a perfect match for us when designing the house of the future alongside Saint-Gobain & Barratt Developments, I strongly believe there is no other solution available on the market today that could of achieved what has been done with Loxone technology on the eHome2 project.

Loxone has allowed us to create the perfect eco-system of technology within eHome2, not only has Loxone provided the ability to integrate all of this innovative technology but also optimise, automate and monitor absolutely everything from the heat pump to the shower head!

Zach MeekDirector, Zmart Hohm