Case Study

Avande Select and Zero Developments Deliver Superb Level Of Sustainability

Specifically focused on sustainable, affordable housing, Zero Developments turned to the Avande Select Portal to empower buyers to make informed choices for their new super energy-efficient homes at The Zero SW20.

Zero Developments focus on delivering affordability, sustainability and efficiency. All these ambitions and ideals have been poured into this impressive new development.

The Zero consists of 35 private apartments where every effort has been made to achieve zero carbon living with the aim of creating one of the most eco-friendly developments in the UK, without compromising on design or function.

Natural resources such as the power of the sun have been harnessed using advanced solar panels and Tesla Powerall storage batteries, so that at certain times of the year, the building is entirely self-sufficient in power.

Located in Raynes Park, south-west London, the homes are in a family-friendly area with a strong community feel, less than 1.5 miles away from the chic Wimbledon Village.

When designing the Avande Select Portal the aim was always to provide developers with a way of creating smart technology choices for their projects that closely match the goals of the project as a whole.

The types of smart home technologies available via the Avande Select Portal do just that, but our platform goes further by creating a unique online world where each buyer can make choices designed specifically for their home.

Zero Development, Maximum Technology

With the development now fully open and buyers moving in, it is possible to enhance these already advanced properties. For example, by including more efficient heating systems that can be precisely controlled to create the desired temperature in any part of the home, either automatically or in real time by the homeowner.

Homeowners or tenants can choose to add intelligent lighting for the whole of their property which drives efficiency as lights are only used when needed, as well as delivering appropriate lighting levels for every mood and area of the home. Like the heating options, app controlled intelligent lighting can be accessed when at home or when away, ensuring total control of the home’s utilities.

For even greater control of light and in-home efficiency, intelligent blinds can be added which make the most of harvesting natural light to help with warming or cooling depending on the weather. The blinds can also work in concert with the lighting to further increase the energy efficiency of the home.

Security is also of course important, and homeowners can add to this aspect of their home according to their needs.

These homes are packed with entertainment options. Homeowners can choose from multiroom music systems and home cinema upgrades.

All systems are fitted by our experienced engineers with minimum fuss and zero impact on the interiors of the homes. The systems can be installed before new buyers move in or after. Choices can be made easily and efficiently using each homeowners’ unique code to enter the Avande Select Portal.

Max Smith, MD of Zero Developments, explains,

“We wanted to include smart home technology right from the start of the project. However, the solution we looked at first was too expensive and did not take into account that we would not know in advance just what types of functionality buyers would want. For us the Avande Select Portal, makes total sense. Owners can take charge of the efficiency of their homes from wherever they are via the app controls and we can partner with a smart home expert which protects us from potentially over specifying before people move in. We are extremely happy with the results so far.”

Energy-efficient choices

There has been strong interest shown in the whole range of smart home options on offer here right from the start. However, the most popular with new residents has been the intelligent blind systems available from Lutron and Somfy, precise heat control available via Heatmiser systems and extra peace of mind available from Ajax intelligent alarms. Extra lighting control from Lutron has also been popular as have audio systems from Sonos.

With lots of ongoing conversations, the residents of The Zero are showing huge interest in what the Avande Select Portal can offer in terms of home enhancement and innovation.