Page 14 - Green Builder Magazine May-June 2019 Issue

The Five-Year Flat The Five-Year Flat

AIR MONITORING
A combination of smart range hoods
with particle detectors and VOC monitors
(such as Awair), combined with heat
recovery ventilation works invisibly to
ventilate and monitor the Flat. Are VOC
and CO levels normal and healthy?
2

VIRTUAL “RESISTANCE” TRAVEL
The ability to travel virtually with
friends and peer groups is being offered by
organizations such as the AARP. However, in the
Five-Year Flat, there’s a catch. As users travel,
they step into a virtual exercise rig. In a safe
environment, they build and rebuild bone and
muscle as they walk, point or touch virtual objects.

MEMORY STATION
For those with mild dementia, a centralized digital
“To Do” board acts as a memory launcher. By simply
touching the board, occupants trigger basic audio
reminders (and email to family, if needed).

SMARTER, SAFER FLOORS
Reducing the risk of hip-breaking falls,
floors incorporate softer materials—such as
low-shag carpets with rubber backers, luxury linoleum
(thicker is better) and cork products—with thick layers designed
to absorb shocks. Combined with fall sensors, the house offers
preemptive and post-accident response.

SECURE PERIMETER STAIR ASSIST
Elders understandably have great anxiety Not everyone wants to live on just one level.
about security. Why wait until an intruder is Bi-level living is still possible, if there’s a safe way
in the house? The secure perimeter of the to traverse stairs, or an elevator is in the budget.
house flashes lights and alarms, and turns New stair lifts are sleeker, smarter and voice
on sprinklers, including roof sprinklers, controllable. Just stand on the pad and go for a ride.
to ward off both wildfire and trespassers.

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