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Over two months have passed since the grand opening event for the Villages of Oak Park. Sales have started for the first of several phases for this new master-planned development in Oakville's Uptown neighbourhood. As developers Ballantry Homes and Silwell Developments continue work on their community, Ballantry Homes has shared details on smart home technologies that will be incorporated into the project.
The Ontario-based developer is integrating various features into this western Greater Toronto Area development designed by Kirkor Architects Planners, aiming to create sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly spaces that look to the future of urban living.
Ballantry Homes is implementing the integration of smart home technology through their Ballantry Connect app for residents. The building will be equipped with Rogers' 1Valet system, a smart home technology platform, while Rogers will provide bulk rates for their Ignite Internet high-speed, fibre-powered network, to provide a unified experience for residents. Through the smartphone app, residents will have access to a bevy of features, including the option to gain entry to the building and their unit through SMS digital keys. This allows them to grant access for their visitors as well.
Residents will also have the option to opt-in for facial recognition access, enabling them to enter the building without their phone or keys. The app's features also include keyless smart door locking, parcel delivery notifications, and booking of amenities.
Moreover, Ballantry Homes will utilize low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints for a healthier indoor environment with less odour and emissions. Inside, units will be equipped with Energy Star qualified appliances to help reduce energy bills.
One of the key features of Ballantry Homes' smart systems is the use of geothermal technology. Geothermal eliminates the need for cooling towers and traditional gas boilers by acting like a large thermal battery, storing heat from the building in the ground during the summer and repurposing it for heating in the winter. This eco-friendly approach to temperature regulation is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a significant 70%.
Complementing the geothermal system will be a high-efficiency HVAC system equipped with Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs). These ERVs regulate the temperature of air coming into the building, and require less energy to heat and cool the air overall. Additionally, the ERV system acts as a level of filtration, removing pollutants and allergens to improve air quality.
Ballantry Homes also addresses the growing trend of electric vehicles (EV) by incorporating charging stations in the building's underground parking garage. Residents will have the option to purchase a charging adaptor or station for their parking spot. These Level 2 smart chargers provide faster charging and are compatible with most EV vehicles. This feature also adds long-term value to owners' real estate investment, with Ballantry Homes estimating that parking spaces equipped with EV charging increase the resale value of units by more than $10,000.
The smart systems extend to the building's construction as well. Double-glazed argon-filled windows, along with thermally insulated walls and roofs will work in tandem for the building envelope to seal it thoroughly, minimizing the loss of heat and energy. This, coupled with water-efficient plumbing fixtures such as water-saving shower heads and toilets, can contribute to significant savings on energy bills.
By integrating modern technologies and sustainable practices, Ballantry Homes is aiming to create comfortable and convenient homes that are also more environmentally-friendly. As developers and construction practices move towards a more sustainable future, projects like these demonstrate the potential for smart buildings.
UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
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| Related Companies: | Aercoustics Engineering Ltd, Ballantry Homes, Diverso Energy, KIRKOR Architects and Planners, MHBC Planning, NAK Design Strategies, Ryan Design International, VIP Condos Toronto |
