The flat will provide the students with a distinctive opportunity to gain knowledge and experience of configuring and using the latest smart technologies. As part of their curriculum students will learn how they can centrally manage all smart home systems such as lighting, heating and cooling, audio and video features. These systems can provide intelligent automation allowing an automatic response to events around the flat, like arriving home, security breaches or burst pipes whilst also providing event notifications to the homeowner by text or email.

The equipment was installed by MASS, a Cohort plc company, and built using systems from two providers – Loxone, who are headquartered in Reading and London-based Fibaro. A mix of wired and wireless modular systems were used therefore fully futureproofing the flat, allowing for changes as new technology becomes available.

Sir Charles Kao UTC Principal Michael McKeaveney said, “The two specialist learning areas within the UTC, which also includes our Smart Box provides unique learning opportunities for students and enables students to see their work come to life. Through using this software, our students will be well-equipped to fill new and exciting jobs in a growing industry.”

Ashley Lane, Managing Director of MASS, said, “Being involved with this opportunity meant genuinely understanding the College’s requirement and then presenting a solution that truly matched their needs and was true to the ethos of the school. Our heritage of providing unique solutions to challenging technology problems meant we were able to design and deliver a system that will grow with the school and allow for the rapid and continual changes in technology that are now part of everyday life.”