Bangkok, Thailand – How will the “home of the future” look? Will it be laden with gadgets and robotics? On the contrary, a true home of the future is not necessarily a gadget showcase but rather, a future ready house: one that can anticipate the future needs of its residents.
Built using sustainable and eco-friendly materials and energy efficient technology, these homes are self-sufficient and can bring comfort to its residents throughout the years while being environmentally friendly.
Living tech
Last week, Asean building conglomerate SCG joined Architect ’17, ASEAN’s largest building technology exposition, held in Bangkok, Thailand. The company introduced designs and construction materials that define the “home of the future”, reflecting the varying styles and needs of different people.
Using the “ideal home” exhibition concept, SCG highlighted “living tech”Ÿ, “fluctuation of precision”Ÿ, and the “3Decor screen system”. Products and solutions from brands under SCG such as COTTO were also showcased at the exhibition.
“The trend in home construction today centers on three components, “ Sanit Kessuwan, innovation and technology director of SCG cement-building materials, told the Manila Standard. “Modelling construction materials for elderly people; easy-to-install, convenient materials; and providing more creative customization opportunities for architects and interior designers.”
Kessuwan said SCG’s highlighted concepts in this year’s exhibit sought to tackle consumers’ core needs. “Fluctuation of precision, 3D cement printing and the 3Decor screen system offers shade, lessens heat penetration at home, and unique aesthetic touches with stunning 3D patterns,” he explained.
“Fluctuation of precision” is 3D printing that brings furniture and landscape pieces to life via an innovative cement and technique to facilitate flexible and freeform designing, as well as the ability to add color to concrete.
The “3Decor screen system” designs “dot” patterns that offer shade, lessen heat penetrating one’s home, while adding beauty stunning 3D patterns.
Drawing a bead on the ASEAN market
SCG hopes its living tech concept can find hospitable terrain in the challenging Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market. “We are committed to develop world-class products and services for our neighboring markets to meet the changing needs of international and local construction professionals, traders, exporters, associations and homeowners,” Kessuwan said.
SCG participated in last March’s Worldbex 2017, the annual construction and building trade show, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
It launched, to considerable fanfare, SCG smartwood and SCG portland cement, and showcased how an innovative and sustainable home can be both stylish and durable.
SCG smartwood, is a fiber cement wood substitute that offers a variety of designs and applications while extending the lifespan of a house up to 30-50 years.
SCG portland cement uses innovative technology to boost its compressive strength, increasing its resistance to everyday wear and tear.
Protecting the environment
SCG smartwood ensures that less trees are felled for lumber, planks, timber, and other wood products. SCG portland cement is a stickler for rehabilitating its quarrying sites where it was sourced and produced.
“At SCG, we give utmost importance to research and development of products, aimed at creating more value for customers and promoting environmental conservation,” said Kessuwan.
With growing concerns over environmental issues, it has been forecasted that there will be an increasing demand for spatial buildings and building information modelling, which account for environmental impact before construction even begins.
Recent studies have shown a rise in demand for sustainable cement and rustic wood , creating opportunities for better and stronger properties for the future. SCG ostensibly hopes to position itself as an innovative leader n the ASEAN market in developing green products and services.
“We have always envisioned an urbanized future for the world without damaging the environment,” said Kessuwan. “SCG smartwood and SCG portland cement are examples of materials for stronger and more sustainable homes and buildings.”
But Kessuwan acknowledged that while SCG wants to attain a leadership role in the ASEAN sustainable construction and building materials market, there are marked differences in building methods, materials sourcing in the various countries they are targeting.
“From the color of the concrete, differences in raw material, sourcing costs and other details, our people on the ground have to do the necessary research, market study and adjust our production processes accordingly,” he explained.
But Kessuwan expressed optimism that SCG can compete in the ASEAN integration business environment.
“We are confident that we can bring our innovative building materials, and increase the development of new products for our targeted markets like the Philippines,” he said. Of course, there will be a premium in the pricing for our products, but the market is growing its appetite for creative and innovative products that do not harm the environment. We’re betting on that,” he said.