Bellis Homes’ Eleven Trees development in Mill Hill, North London features two five-bedroomed and one six-bed detached luxury homes. PHPD spoke with Managing Director Henry Fordham to find out how important technology was for these exclusive new homes.
Q.What level of importance did you place on technology when developing the new homes at Eleven Trees?
We felt that embracing the very latest home technology was an extremely important aspect of delivering a property of this level. To have full control over your home gives the owner comfort and ease of living when occupied or away. Utilising the latest technology also enables a greater level of security to be achieved which, for buyers at this price point, is often a top priority.
We believe that the presence of AV technology has now become just as vital as plumbing or electrical systems in the home. It is now one of the first items to be designed and planned when we create our homes.
Q.Which solutions/systems feature in the new home?
Technology is present in virtually all aspects of our homes from automated heating systems through to lighting, the home cinema, audio networks and security.
“We believe that the presence of AV technology has now become just as vital as plumbing or electrical systems in the home”
There are many ways to control a smart home but we have had great success using Control 4. With one touch, the user can dim the lights, play music, turn up the heat, lock the doors and arm the security system. Check in on your home from your smartphone, no matter where you are. Press a “Goodnight” button that will put your house to sleep, turning off all lights and locking all doors. With Control 4, your options are virtually limitless.
Q.Did you use a hard-wired solution or is the system wireless?
For homes of this scale we prefer to use a hardwired system. Due to the size and scope, with solid wall and floor construction (especially basements), it would be a nightmare to rely on wireless signals and connectivity.
We want to ensure that the technology in our homes works seamlessly which is why we prefer the hardwired approach. That said, we do understand the appeal and indeed the demand for wireless internet to be present through the property for use on iPhones, tablets and laptops.
Q. What kinds of technology are you considering for future developments?
We are always open to new ideas and opportunities for furthering our technology offering throughout our developments. It is imperative to move with the times, as technology can become dated and potentially inoperative – the latest example would be the introduction of SkyQ, and the improvements required to make it work within a controlled house.
