The term 'smart home' is familiar to everyone, and we all understand what it means. However, not everyone knows how to apply it to new construction. 'Smart buildings' in Cyprus are no longer a rarity but a practical realization of bold ideas. However, they are mostly found in elite complexes, but soon these technologies will reach lower-class housing as well.
In this article, we will introduce you to new technologies successfully implemented by Cyprus developers in new buildings. It is also worth discussing what awaits us in the near future.
High Energy Efficiency and Environmental Friendliness
One of the main requirements for modern construction in the EU is environmental friendliness and harmonious integration with the surrounding environment. Developers are obligated to provide a detailed plan of how the building will impact urban infrastructure, the local landscape, and demonstrate a high level of safety.
The energy efficiency class of a building is an important parameter, necessary for both environmental preservation and the future residents of the house. The class indicates how self-sufficient the new building is. Class A++ (currently rare in Cyprus) is the highest, A+ and A are more common. Class B is currently assigned to almost all new buildings in Cyprus, while Class C and below can be found in secondary housing.
Modern technologies enable the construction of entire complexes with energy efficiency class A. To understand what this means, one must familiarize oneself with the concepts of passive and active energy-saving methods.
The passive method implies that the building uses minimal external resources. For example, walls are constructed using materials that retain heat well, reducing the need for heating energy.
The active method is based on the building generating its resources. In Cyprus, the most sensible and convenient way to achieve this is by installing solar panels with batteries. The island enjoys 300 sunny days a year, making such technologies fully justified.
If a building consumes as much energy as it generates (combining active and passive methods), it is called "net-zero." If it generates more energy (although currently rare, there are isolated projects), it can be considered super-environmentally friendly and ultra-technological.
Important note! Residents of Class A buildings receive direct benefits, paying significantly less for electricity, water, and other resources.
Another trend seen in Cyprus new constructions is the incorporation of greenery into the building. Plants have become an integral part of the architecture, requiring minimal maintenance due to a system designed for natural care.
For example, the WhiteWalls complex in Nicosia has gained popularity due to its unique appearance and well-thought-out technologies, allowing the developer to sell most of the apartments long before the building was completed.
Another approach is the creation of a unified green space in large complexes. An example is Trilogy in Limassol, which features a complete park with greenery, walkways, recreational areas, and pools.
Temperature Regulation
The question of maintaining the optimal temperature in a building remains acute throughout the year. Interestingly, until recently, the focus during construction was on keeping the interior cool in the summer, and heating was not a significant consideration. However, Cyprus can experience quite cold temperatures, especially on the coast, where it can drop to around +5 degrees Celsius. Inside a building during such weather without heating, it might be only 13-15 degrees Celsius. As you can imagine, this is an uncomfortable temperature.
Modern technologies allow solving this issue while also adhering to ecological principles. Several methods are used for this purpose:
- High-Quality Natural Materials: Primarily, this involves the use of stone, which helps maintain coolness in the summer and warmth in the winter. In Cyprus, travertine has recently been used for cladding buildings (for example, in the elite Ararat Grand Residences complex). Due to its porous structure, it effectively maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the building. Smooth stone, such as marble, is often used in hallways and lobbies to keep them cool in the summer without the need for air conditioning.
- Thicker Walls: While this method makes real estate more expensive, it has become a relevant option that improves heat retention within premises, thus saving energy resources.
- Advanced Ventilation Systems: High-tech structures enable maintaining a constant temperature inside a building by manipulating the flow of cold and warm air. This technology is currently being used in some new constructions in Cyprus, with a tendency to make it more widespread.
- Insulation: Modern insulation materials are designed not only to keep buildings warm in the winter but also serve additional functions such as soundproofing and protection against moisture. Moreover, they are environmentally friendly, unlike outdated materials.
- Underfloor Heating: Hydronic underfloor heating systems help maintain a comfortable temperature in apartments without the need for additional devices. In modern new constructions, these systems are either included by default or the necessary infrastructure is in place for homeowners to install and connect them at any time.
- Efficient Glazing: This allows utilizing solar heat, which is abundant in Cyprus even during the winter.
It's important to note that developers have also become more attentive to the layout of all spaces within a building. While the focus used to be on panoramic views, today's attention is more on the ergonomic design of new constructions.
Available proeprties for sale in Ararat Grand Residences
Gadget-Equipped New Buildings
Many residents of apartment buildings often don't think about the technical innovations in their homes. Most of the time, it's the management company that deals with this aspect while maintaining the building.
One of the first things to look at, especially considering the previous two points, is the use of high-tech modern meters. They allow for precise monitoring of resource consumption and remote data transmission. Particularly "smart" devices collect data for analytics, which later proves very useful for optimization purposes.
Other useful gadgets that ordinary residents may not even think About – these are sensors for all building systems. In simple terms, these include:
- Fire Safety
- Electrical Wiring Sensors
- Sensors throughout the Water Supply and Drainage System
- Telemetry of Public Utilities – allowing the system to function effectively and self-correct with minimal human intervention
- Access and Security Control – a worthy replacement for concierges, even though lobbies still have staff in elite buildings
- An Automated Surveillance and Monitoring System – useful throughout the complex.
What is noticeable to residents also matters. This includes video intercoms with smartphone connectivity, high-speed internet, Wi-Fi throughout the complex, and parking facilities with all conveniences.
Interestingly, smart technologies are used differently in different countries. For example, in the United States, there are already "smart" trash containers that report their fill level. It is expected that soon, technology will even assist in waste sorting, although this is still a novelty for Cyprus.
Home Automation Systems
The possibilities in this realm are almost on the verge of science fiction. Today, it is possible to remotely control all processes in an apartment from anywhere in the world. And this is not a joke. An app installed on a smartphone ensures simple and comfortable interaction with the home environment. Moreover, homeowners may not need to constantly think about it – just set the settings to the desired level, and the system handles everything itself.
The concept of a "smart home" implies control over many (or all) systems and objects in the apartment. This can include lighting (including opening/closing curtains), ventilation, maintaining a comfortable temperature, the operation of all devices (kitchen appliances, electronics, air conditioning). The "smart home" not only monitors everything that happens but also sends notifications if the homeowner desires it. Naturally, there is also video surveillance in the apartment so that everything can be viewed online.
Fully automated systems in Cyprus are not a myth but a reality. However, developers are not in a rush to fully embrace these technologies. They typically limit themselves to a standard set of functions (light control, microclimate maintenance, video surveillance).
There are two significant reasons for this:
- 1. Serious and well-thought-out "smart" systems are quite expensive. Even in elite housing, there may not always be a reason to install them.
- 2. Extensive "smart home" systems are configured on a personal basis, which is quite challenging given that a complex may have over a hundred apartments.
Therefore, the "smart home" system in Cyprus is predominantly installed at the homeowner's request through separate companies. The developer merely offers basic equipment.
It is entirely possible that in the near future, technology will advance significantly. Everything happening in the home will be visible online, and processes can be managed directly from a smartphone. For now, there is room for improvement in Cyprus, including the system for paying utility bills, modern gadgets for building maintenance, and the "smart home" system that developers have not fully embraced.
There is also the possibility that the construction of economy-class homes in Cyprus will substantially improve. The latest technologies that can somehow reduce costs will be used. However, for now, high-tech features are mainly found in Cyprus' business and premium-class new buildings.
Interested in real estate on the island? Take a look at the number one real estate agency in Cyprus, DOM! The agency's website features the largest database of properties in the country, with over 30,000 residential and commercial properties across the entire island. Choose and contact professional brokers who will assist you in making the right choice!
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