I was reading a copy of Builder magazine (published by the National Association of Home Builders in the United States) and came across an interesting article about future technology in new homes.
The story featured an interview with John Ellis, currently a consultant, but formerly an executive with Ford and Motorola. He talked about five technologies that may come into play for consideration of new home building in the future.
The first was 3D printing. He maintains that every home will someday have a 3D printer and owners will be able to print everyday objects like plates, cups, towels and other household objects. Depending upon the size of the units, this may require a dedicated office environment in the home.
He also talked about wireless power, that is no cords or outlets. Various devices that are currently dependent on standard electrical power would be able to operate continuously with batteries that automatically recharge themselves.
Ellis also touts the future on nanoparticle paint. This could be used for hardened, self-cleaning and colour changing surfaces. It could be applied to clothes, paper, steel and glass. It has self-cleaning properties that would repair surfaces that might be exposed to oil, scuffed, scratched and also be water repellant. One of the more amazing properties is the ability for this paint to change colours at the whim of the owner.
Finally, Ellis talked about the use of personal drones in the future. He predicts we will be able to do our shopping online and send our drone to the store to be loaded up with the goods we purchase, then return home. Your future home may need a drone pad.
It’s fun to imagine new technologies such as these becoming part of our everyday lives. Maybe in five years, maybe in 25. For a moment, just think about what features you have in your home now that weren’t available 25 years ago.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association.
