Strategic developments in home systems: House_n and standards

There is a new laboratory at MIT exploring the combination of architecture and home systems. The MIT Home of the Future, known as House_n, is rethinking the design and construction process for new homes. The paper presents new building designs, materials, and an integrated home network infrastructure. The research at MIT will be validated by a prototype house, called the Cambridge House, with building components and technologies that adapt to the inhabitants. MIT has donated land in Cambridge. We are designing a house that meets the zoning regulations of Cambridge, while still incorporating unique concepts in building materials, structures, and home system technologies. The Cambridge house will be built on a sophisticated "chassis" that provides in one prefabricated assembly the support structure, ductwork, plumbing, power, a communication network, and built-in sensors. We demonstrate to the home systems industry how home networks will become essential ingredients in our daily activities. Networks to support home systems facilitate the interconnection of products from a diversity of suppliers. It is essential that the communications interfaces in these products conform to a common communications protocol. This presentation includes an overview of national and international home networking standards and the challenges of unifying communications in the home systems industry.