Application of Smart Systems and Innovative Solutions for Harmony Home “A Sustainable Net Zero Energy House”

Sustainable development in the building industry is moving at a high rate keeping up with the research in Sustainable Design and Intelligent Buildings. The Solar Decathlon competition aims to bridge between academic research, cutting edge technologies and the innovation of the young generations by designing, building, and operating a net zero energy home and applying new innovative solutions. The British University in Dubai, a research-based University with a post graduate major for sustainable design of built environment participated in the Solar Decathlon Middle East 2021 hosted by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park under the name Harmony Home. This paper focuses on the Active systems implemented in the house and the innovative solutions that helped achieving the team goals and objectives. Mainly the Building Management System, HVAC, Lighting, Smart Farm, and Photovoltaics. The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight for the future of smart homes and bridge the gap for further development in the sector of intelligent dwellings.