As global design technology advances, houses are becoming smart and highly intelligent. Smart houses are those that have incorporated electrical automation.

The main automation features in such houses are curtains, security cameras, video and audio systems, fire protection, heating and cooling systems, doors and windows, lighting, energy saving and architectural features such as pools and furniture.

Automation in homes is increasingly being enabled by wireless technology hooked to these inanimate objects.

For instance, curtains and blinds can be set such that they can be opened and closed from a mobile phone device. This helps in security such that when the house is empty, intruding burglars will see open curtains that close in the evening, hence thwarting potential attacks. Curtains and blinds can also be set such that they allow sunshine till a particular temperature is reached, they then close and insulate the house.

Security cameras, video and audio systems - such as televisions, radios and music or video players - can be controlled from mobile phone devices. The volume for each particular room can also be controlled separately. Security cameras can be viewed from mobile phone devices or over the internet. In case of break-ins, security cameras can sense and contact the police or security service providers remotely.

Heating and cooling systems can be operated remotely from mobile phone devices to increase or reduce heat for each room depending on the occupant's requirements. Each room can have its own heat settings.

Doors and windows can be operated remotely and access granted through use of finger prints (biometric technology) or through portable devices. The garage doors and main entrance gate can be remotely controlled to open and close.

Lighting intensity can as well be regulated to the required ambience. Lights can be switched on and off using mobile devices or via the internet. Lights can be set to go on and off at particular pre-set times.

To save energy, solar power can be introduced and devises consuming the energy set in such a way that they go on only when in use and switch off when not in use.

Architectural features such as swimming pools within the home compound can be controlled such that the area converts to be used as a hard ground surface and vice versa at the touch of a button. Other furniture such as beds and tables can be designed to seamlessly integrate into walls in case more space is required.

Technology firms are also working on smart houses that go beyond energy saving and safety to health. Such will ensure the occupant's live in comfortable and healthy environments using artificial intelligence. Indeed, the era of highly intelligent houses is here with us.

Gichuhi is a practising architect and principal consultant at A4architect.com in Nairobi. Email: info@a4architect.com