High-tech Chigwell house 'on the edge of what is possible', claim developers

The house in Manor Road, Chigwell, has been future-proofed by Hertfordshire based “home automation” company Limelight Automation, which has installed audio, video and security systems throughout the house.

High-tech additions to the home, which is privately owned, include CCTV that can be viewed from anywhere in the world and a 4k “ultra HD” home cinema – technology that is not yet readily available.

Samuel Howarth, joint director of Limelight, said: “We are getting it ready for technology that is coming out.

“It is right on the edge of what is possible at the moment.

“When new technology comes out, the back bones are there - it should last ten to 15 years.”

Other features include LED lights which last for 25 years and use 75 per cent less energy than normal bulbs, audio streaming transferable between 16 different rooms in the building, and touch screen panels dotted around the house providing complete control.

All aspects of the house are connected by the gigabit internet connection, including heating, lighting, and some more unusual items.

Mr Howarth said: “They have a fridge that is integrated into the system as well.

“It will notify you if the fridge goes off or if the door is left open.

“It is just a quirky little add-on.”

Lighting throughout the home is controlled by numerous touch pads

Despite the novelty aspect of some of the house’s features, Mr Howarth believes it shows how more homes will be connected in the near future.

He said: “It is going that way.

“A lot of people take the approach that it is slightly unnecessary which in some cases is true, it is a luxury.

8km of cables have been installed in the house

“People used to say that about under-floor heating but you are now seeing as standard.

“They even used to say that about washing machines - when they were not there people made do, but when they were, people used them.”

All the lights are LED bulbs and can last for 25 years