Inside the Nest Connected Home at IBS 2017: Part 3

Proving smart-home technologies can be great go-togethers when carefully selected, the Nest Connected Home at the 2017 NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Orlando, Florida, earlier this year was a showcase for what can be done through the integration of off-the-shelf products. In this final segment of our 3-part series on this ever-so-smart 784-square-foot demonstration venue, we look at more of the interior features, a wearable, and several items that make the home’s faux garage and outside areas safer and smarter.

More interior features.

Smart floors in the Nest Connected Home were a reality with the NuHeat Floor Heating System and the NuHeat Signature Floor Heating Thermostat.

To make the floors smarter, the under-floor NuHeat Floor Heating System and the NuHeat Signature Floor Heating Thermostat were integrated with the Nest infrastructure of sensors, algorithms, and learning. This Works with Nest setup can automatically adjust the floor heating scenario based on homeowner occupancy, and in doing so delivers on comfort and energy savings. The NuHeat system can be customized for each room and compatible flooring type, by using various NuHeat-provided mats, membranes, or cables.

In the master bedroom, a Sleep Number bed equipped with the company’s SleepIQ technology was combined with the Nest Learning Thermostat to enable better sleeping experiences. The SleepIQ tech keeps track of how well the homeowners sleep each night, and in addition to helping determine the best Sleep Number setting, the Nest thermostat integration can also facilitate understanding of what the optimum room temperature should be.

Wearable feature.

The Misfit Shine 2 Activity Tracker, a wearable watch and fitness tracker that keeps track of steps, distance, calories, and sleep habits―was tied into the Nest Connected Home and integrates with the Nest Learning thermostat. When used with the Misfit Alarm feature, the temperature setting of the Nest thermostat can be automatically adjusted as you wake up. Additionally, through Nest Home/Away Assist, Misfit can also set the mode to home when you wake up.

With the Misfit Shine 2 Activity Tracker and its alarm feature, the temperature setting of the Nest Learning Thermostat can be automatically adjusted as you wake up.

Garage and outside features.

A ChargePoint Home EV charger was installed in the faux garage and connects with the Works with Nest program through the Nest Learning Thermostat, an integration that enables the inclusion of a ChargePoint energy consumption data section in the monthly Nest Home Report. As a Level 2 charging station, ChargePoint Home requires a dedicated 240V outlet and can charge an EV at a rate of 3 to 6 times faster than a standard 110V outlet. As it is connected with the Nest thermostat, ChargePoint Home also checks periodically for new Nest features that can enhance the EV charging process.

Also installed in the garage was the Hayward OmniLogic Pool Controller, a smart and extensible in-ground pool automation and control system that works in concert with the Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Protect Smoke + CO Alarm. By integrating with the OmniLogic theme features, the activation of Nest Home, Away, and Protect modes can control groups of backyard equipment to conserve energy when the homeowner is away, manage comfort features, or switch on outdoor lighting in the event of a detected Nest Protect emergency event.

A LiftMaster Elite Series Garage Door Opener was included in the home, and was equipped with the company’s MyQ Connected Home option to integrate wth various Nest products through the Works with Nest program. MyQ facilitates enhanced control of the Nest Cam Indoor, Nest Cam Outdoor, and Nest Learning Thermostat from within the MyQ app. For example, a live video feed from a Nest Cam can be viewed directly from the MyQ app, and Nest Home and Away modes can also be automatically set from the app.

A LiftMaster Elite Series Garage Door Opener was equipped with the MyQ system to integrate with various Nest connected home products.

For the landscape irrigation system, the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller Generation 2 was installed, which works with the Nest Protect Smoke + CO Alarm to automatically cycle through activation of exterior sprinkler zones when a smoke emergency event is detected―thereby protecting the landscape. Additionally, a section on Rachio sprinkler water consumption data is included in the monthly Nest Home Report.

Through integration with the Nest Protect Smoke + CO Alarm, the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller Generation 2 can automatically turn on sprinkler zones in the event of a fire-related emergency event.

Tom Kolnowski

Tom Kolnowski is the Chief Content Officer & Founder of Digitized House Media, LLC, the publisher of Digitized House | Guide to the Connected Home. When he isn’t writing about smart home technology, sustainability, and high-performance architecture, you’ll find him exploring faraway destinations with his family.