Model homes to be built internationally through the agreement will include centralised remote access to appliances, heating and other systems via the Internet using a variety of hand-held wireless devices, such as a mobile phone, or laptop and personal computers.
Invensys plc, a world leader in control and automation systems, and Taylor Woodrow plc, a leading international housing developer, both based in London, have entered into an initial one-year agreement to build three homes located in California, England and Spain. Taylor Woodrow regional subsidiaries in the United States, United Kingdom and continental Europe will market the homes, which will incorporate web-based technology from Invensys and other suppliers.
The agreement with Taylor Woodrow is another important step toward delivering on our vision to provide systems, networks and services for the residential, commercial and industrial sectors, said Rod Powell, Division Chief Executive of Invensys Control Systems, the Richmond, Va.-based division responsible for development and implementation of affordable home networking systems.
This agreement is the first step toward widespread commercialisation of what we call the Internet lifestyle, said Jim Devlin, President of Invensys Home Control Systems Product Group, the sub-division leading the project for Invensys. When homeowners around the world begin to understand the benefits of connectivity and the range of services that will be available, I think the adoption process will be very rapid.
Stephen Brazier, Managing Director of Taywood Homes, said: We are delighted to be undertaking this joint project with Invensys. The systems will further enhance the high quality specification we provide to our purchasers and reflect how Taywood Homes continues to be a forward looking and innovative force within the property industry. The first phase of the yearlong agreement will be spent refining the concept, determining exactly which features and services will be offered and how they will be marketed to potential homeowners. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2001 with completion due by the end of the year.
