With smart home technology now seen as a standard expectation among new buyers, developers are exploring how to integrate energy-efficient, user-friendly systems into everyday living environments.
The global smart home market is expected to grow +23% CAGR from 2025 to 20321, driven by demand for smarter, more connected living across the world.
According to 2023 research, more than 41 percent of households in North America now have smart home products within the home2, while in the UK, almost 46 percent of homeowners3 indicated an interest in adopting smart home solutions - particularly for lighting, heating, and security.
This rising appetite for smart, connected living is reshaping how homes are designed and built, pushing developers to embed automation infrastructure during construction rather than treat it as a later add-on. This recent UK project illustrates how this approach delivers immediate value for both homeowners and builders, and how it could be applied in other markets around the world.
Smarter Living with ABB-free@home®
The Bowers, UK: building future-ready homes
At The Bowers, a premium hillside development in Kent, UK, Hillstone Homes partnered with ABB to create future-ready residences with fully integrated smart systems built in from the start.
The ABB-free@home® platform was installed across four new homes in collaboration with Hillstone and trusted electrical contractor Faulkner & Sons, bringing seamless control of lighting, heating, intercoms, blinds, and audio-visual (AV) systems - all ready to use the moment owners walk through the door.
Meeting buyer expectations for automation
Hillstone Homes set out to meet rising demand for integrated smart home technology by making automation a standard feature at The Bowers.
“Our goal was to deliver properties that reflect how people want to live today,” said Michael Hill, founder of Hillstone Homes. “ABB-free@home® gave us a platform that was flexible, easy to install during the build process, and readily adaptable by the occupants after handover. It allows us to differentiate the homes and offer added value from day one.”
ABB-free@home® brings lighting, heating, intercoms, blinds, and AV control into a single intuitive app. Designed to be both scalable and user-friendly, it works seamlessly with popular third-party devices such as Sonos, Philips Hue, and Velux Integra windows and Motion Blinds – allowing users to simplify routine tasks while optimising energy usage.
As a simple and flexible smart home automation system, ABB-free@home® is designed for future expansion without costly reprogramming. Its hybrid wired and wireless functionality means additional devices can be added later with minimal disruption.
Plugged in and ready to go
Each Bowers home features a central panel managing all key systems, supported by ABB’s low-voltage bus technology which allows for seamless connection and reduces cabling complexity, keep walls clean and making it easier to add new features over time – a key factor in Hillstone Home's decision.
Highlights of the installation include:
Room-by-room digital thermostats for zoned heating with eco modes and user overrides
Wall switches and intuitive touch panels with custom scenes like “Morning” or “All Off”
Integrated intercoms with remote door access
System access points enabling wireless connectivity, remote support, and easy future upgrades
Lighting, heating, blinds, intercom, and audio all come together in one app, complete with tailored scenes tested on site. Thanks to smart device IDs, installers could quickly assign and adjust room functions without any complex coding, keeping the process smooth and hassle-free.
Installation by an experienced partner
Faulkner & Sons Electrical Services, a specialist contractor with decades of experience, handled the installation. Having delivered smart systems for over 400 newbuild homes, their team knows what makes automation work on the ground.
“We frequently install structured wiring, networking, and smart system infrastructure,” said Director Darren Faulkner. “What stood out with ABB-free@home® was that it offered a structured, modular approach without requiring us to write bespoke code or undergo a highly specialised programming process.”
By combining a robust hardwired backbone with flexible wireless options, the system slotted seamlessly into Hillstone’s build schedule. At handover, homeowners were already set up with intuitive app-based control of lighting, heating, and more, plus the freedom to add features like Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers or occupancy sensors whenever they’re ready.
“Buyers increasingly want features like central control, scene-setting, and energy savings,” Darren added. “Developers and contractors who invest early in scalable systems will be positioned well to meet that demand.”
An approach aligned with shifting market trends
ABB’s involvement in The Bowers project is part of a wider mission: making smart home automation easy, accessible, and sustainable. That aligns directly with ABB-free@home®, which lets users schedule HVAC, lighting, and shading to lower bills and reduce environmental impact.
“Global household adoption of smart home technology is expected to rise to around 33 percent by 20284, reflecting how essential connectivity, energy efficiency and convenience have become for modern living,” said Raimondo Salandra, Business Line Leader for Home Solutions within ABB Smart Buildings.
He added, “at ABB, our focus is on making this shift simple and scalable, helping homeowners and developers around the world integrate intelligent solutions that not only enhance everyday life but also support more sustainable, future-ready communities.”
Already deployed across Europe and beyond, ABB-free@home® supports ABB’s global strategy to drive smarter, more efficient living in residential and multi-unit developments worldwide.
A practical blueprint for smarter living
By specifying automation from the start, The Bowers proves how seamlessly smart technology can be integrated, adding value for developers and delivering premium, future-ready homes without disrupting construction timelines.
“The system worked well across this project and gave us the flexibility we needed,” said Darren Faulkner. “From an installer’s perspective, it’s a straightforward system to commission, and from the user’s point of view it’s accessible and adaptable to individual needs.”
The Bowers stands as a shining example of how embedded automation can elevate sustainability, convenience, and luxury, offering a scalable model for residential developments everywhere.
1 Smart Home Market Size, Share | Growth Analysis Report [2032]
2 Latest Smart Homes and Home Automation Report Reveals
3 Smart home device ownership in the UK 2025 | Statista
4 Global: smart home penetration rate 2019-2028 | Statista
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
About Hillstone Homes
Hillstone Homes is a Kent-based developer with over 20 years of experience delivering high-quality, sustainable residential developments. Projects range from starter homes to luxury hillside properties, with a focus on premium materials and smart design.
About Faulkner & Sons Electrical
Faulkner & Sons Electrical Services is a family-run electrical contractor based in Kent. The company provides electrical and automation installation services for residential and commercial projects, with expertise in smart controls, home networking, and integration of third-party platforms.