HDB inks deals to develop cooler and smarter homes

The trials for cooling innovations in HDB flats will start in Q1 2020.

The Housing & Development Board (HDB) signed deals with industrial firm Evonik (SEA) and digital security solutions provider V-Key in developing new housing solutions, an announcement revealed.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Evonik aims to explore solutions in mitigating the effects of climate change and enhance concrete manufacturing processes for productivity and sustainability.

Specifically, the deal is keen on studying the application of additives or compounds in advanced construction materials for better heat insulation, as well as ways to enhance the performance of concrete for 3D printing. The study is expected to commence in Q1 2020.

Meanwhile, the research collaboration agreement (RCA) with V-Key under HDB’s Cool Ideas Enterprise programme looks to develop an open and secure ecosystem in HDB’s smart-enabled flats, enabling the use of a variety of smart appliances across brands.

With smart lighting, smart curtains and motion sensors installed in a smart-enabled flat, residents can have the lights switched on and curtains drawn automatically when they step into a room.

Households with elderly members can also choose to conveniently install an elderly-monitoring system, where a system of motion sensors in the home can detect and “learn” the movements of the elderly, such as the time they usually get out of bed or leave their homes for their activities. If the sensors fail to detect the regular movements, an alert can be sent to their next-of-kin or caregiver.