Pillar 3: Advanced Smart Home System

Pillar 3: Advanced Smart Home System

Intelligent technology that enhances resident comfort, saves resources, and improves management

Serenity Village incorporates a custom-built smart home system that goes beyond typical consumer technology. Our platform is designed specifically for affordable housing, balancing resident convenience with property management needs and resource efficiency goals.

Key Components

Custom Software Platform with OTA Updates

Our proprietary software platform serves as the brain of the entire system:

  • Modular Architecture: Each subsystem (utility monitoring, HVAC control, notifications) communicates via standardized APIs
  • OTA Updates: Secure, over-the-air updates ensure all devices run the latest software without disrupting residents
  • Advanced Security: SSL/TLS connections, multi-factor authentication, and intrusion detection protect resident data
  • Adaptable Interfaces: Accessible design ensures usability for all residents regardless of tech proficiency or disabilities

The platform is future-proofed to accommodate new features and technologies as they emerge, extending the system’s useful life.

Multi-User Dashboard Ecosystem

Our system features distinct dashboards tailored to different stakeholders:

  • Resident Dashboard: Shows personal resource usage, controls for apartment systems, and community announcements
  • Property Manager Dashboard: Provides building-wide usage data, maintenance alerts, and administrative controls
  • Housing Authority Dashboard: Offers oversight of compliance metrics, program effectiveness, and aggregate data

Each dashboard presents relevant information in an intuitive format, ensuring all stakeholders have the insights they need without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.

Utility Metering and Consumption Analytics

Detailed utility tracking helps residents manage their consumption while providing valuable data to property managers:

  • Real-Time Monitoring: Captures water, electric, and gas usage data at frequent intervals
  • Usage Visualization: Presents consumption patterns in easy-to-understand graphs and charts
  • Anomaly Detection: Identifies unusual patterns that might indicate leaks or equipment problems
  • Historical Comparisons: Shows trends over time and comparisons to similar units

This visibility helps residents understand their consumption habits and identify opportunities for conservation.

Behavioral Incentive Systems

Our system encourages resource conservation through timely feedback and rewards:

  • Real-Time Alerts: Notifies residents when usage exceeds normal thresholds
  • Conservation Tips: Provides actionable suggestions based on specific usage patterns
  • Reward Programs: Offers rent credits or other incentives for meeting conservation targets
  • Gamification Elements: Makes resource conservation engaging through challenges and achievements

These features transform abstract utility consumption into concrete actions residents can take, making conservation both meaningful and rewarding.

Elevator Call and Building Access Integration

Our system seamlessly integrates with building access systems for enhanced convenience and security:

  • Digital Access Control: Enables keyless entry to units and common areas through smartphone or key fob
  • Elevator Call Optimization: Allows residents to request elevators from their phones, reducing wait times
  • Visitor Management: Provides temporary access codes for guests that expire automatically
  • Access Logs: Maintains secure records of entries for security purposes

These integrations enhance resident convenience while improving building security and operational efficiency.

Remote System Management Capabilities

Property managers can monitor and control building systems from anywhere:

  • Remote Diagnostics: Troubleshoot issues without visiting units in person
  • System Overrides: Adjust settings during extreme weather or emergencies
  • Scheduled Operations: Program common area systems (lighting, HVAC) to follow optimal schedules
  • Occupancy-Based Controls: Automatically adjust systems based on whether spaces are being used

This remote capability reduces response times for issues while minimizing the need for staff to enter occupied units.

Predictive Maintenance Algorithms and Notifications

Advanced analytics help prevent equipment failures before they occur:

  • Performance Monitoring: Tracks equipment operation parameters (current draw, temperature, vibration)
  • Pattern Recognition: Identifies subtle changes that may indicate developing problems
  • Automated Alerts: Notifies maintenance staff of potential issues with specific troubleshooting guidance
  • Maintenance Scheduling: Recommends optimal timing for routine maintenance based on actual usage

This proactive approach extends equipment life, reduces emergency repairs, and minimizes disruption to residents.

Benefits to Multiple Stakeholders

For Residents

  • Greater control over their living environment
  • Reduced utility costs through better consumption awareness
  • Fewer disruptions from maintenance issues
  • Enhanced safety and security
  • More transparency about building operations

For Property Managers

  • Lower maintenance and operating costs
  • Better visibility into building performance
  • Reduced energy and water consumption
  • Simplified reporting and compliance
  • More efficient staff utilization

For Housing Authorities

  • Better oversight of program effectiveness
  • Data-driven decision making for future developments
  • Simplified compliance verification
  • Demonstrated innovation in affordable housing

Integration with Other Pillars

The Advanced Smart Home System connects with numerous other pillars in the Serenity Village approach:

  • Works with Smart Energy Systems (Pillar 4) to optimize power usage
  • Interfaces with LoRaWAN Emergency Systems (Pillar 5) for resident safety
  • Controls aspects of Human-Centric Environmental Design (Pillar 6) like lighting and HVAC
  • Leverages Digital Infrastructure (Pillar 7) for connectivity throughout the property
  • Forms the interface for Utility Management (Pillar 8) data and controls

This interconnection demonstrates how our integrated approach creates synergies between systems that would otherwise function in isolation.

The Advanced Smart Home System is a critical enabler for many of Serenity Village’s innovations. By creating an intelligent, integrated platform that serves residents, property managers, and housing authorities, we’ve transformed how affordable housing can be managed and experienced.