by Justin Page

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 11, 2008

Due to rising energy costs, global warming, etc., the world is becoming more conscientious of how we conduct ourselves. The result is a push for green products and green living. Homes of the future are no exception. We can expect to see a rise in green houses which will not only be friendlier on the environment, but perhaps even on our pocket books. So why not take a moment to examine what the living area of the future might have in store for us.

The kitchen is where the homemaker prepares food for the family. It is also where hungry members meander when seeking a snack. However, seeking that snack can cause big energy costs when utilizing precious decision time with the refrigerator door open. Future solutions to this problem may be cameras inside the 'fridge' which project an image of everything inside onto the door, so the snack seeker can view the contents of the 'fridge' without opening it. For the homemaker, sinks may be made of silicone, which has natural shock absorbing properties. That means one can toss a glass across the kitchen into the sink, and providing it makes it into the sink, it will not break. Silicone can also withstand the high temperature demands of the kitchen. Also, look forward to sensors in the kitchen providing visual and auditory cues to remind the user should they forget to turn something off.

In the living room we spend time together in front of the television. It may also be where the computer console is located, and of course there are light sources. Many bedrooms share these same components, too, with the addition of a bed set. All of these things improve life as we know it, but if left on alone, they waste energy. In the future, multiple cameras and sensors will determine if anybody is around or if these things can be shut off. Skylights will provide the majority of lighting in the daytime. Currently there are compact fluorescent lights that we all know save energy; however homes of the future will utilize an even more efficient light source. Innovations in the last year have provided LED lights with white and blue light emitting capability. These lights are six times as efficient as traditional bulbs and will be the light of the future.

The bathroom is where we get ready, wash up, and so on. The big concern here is water. Water storage units on top of homes will provide enough pressure for all of our water needs without the use of a pump. Solar power will be utilized for water heating purposes, and of course LED's and sensors will take care of the light. Hopefully we will never have multiple cameras in this domain.

The homes of the future will be much different than the ones we currently occupy. But in this instance, different may very well mean better. Everyone likes the idea of preserving the environment, but for many the buck stops at the pocket book. Initially such changes will cost more; the up side is that they will save us money in the long run.

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