The new home design trend for houses with brains explained
Just what are houses with brains, and why might you want one? We take a look into the newest. most economical and smartest way to design a home

There's a new design trend gathering pace, and it's to give your home a brain. Yes, really. Well, sort of. Houses with brains have the capability to think for themselves, in a way, meaning less hassle for their owner, and more economical, too.
Nutritionist Natasha Clarke and her husband Grant were dedicated to building the most environmentally friendly house possible. With all the tech involved, they decided to give it a brain. Here Natasha explains what that is and why a house that can think is the future.
What exactly is a house with a brain?
"We’ve been planning our new house for three years, and we always wanted to build something that was eco-friendly, and off grid to a certain degree," says nutritionist and proud owner of a house with a brain Natasha Clarke. Off grid living is often associated with cabins in the woods - and for that you'll want our Tiny House expert guide, but there are ways to do it closer to civilisation. "Our underfloor heating is powered by ground source heat pumps that uses pipes buried in the garden to extract heat from the earth. We also use solar energy, and I have an electric car, so we wanted to integrate everything. The brain is specialist software developed by a company called Neutral Home. It links all the technology and apps in the house together, while at the same time optimising energy and saving money too."
How does a house's brain work?
"Energy for our home is stored in a huge battery, which is powered either by the sun or from the grid, and the brain works out when best to charge it," Natasha says. "The cost of kilowattage fluctuates throughout the day, so between 4pm and 7pm it could be more expensive because that's when kids come home, cooking is being done and so on."
The house's brain knows when saving opportunities are available, and so will decide to charge the battery at two or three o'clock in the morning when power is cheaper. Even more impressive is the fact that it can read the weather forecast, and if the next day is going to be hot it might only fill the battery up by half as the rest will be charged by the sun. "Our house is 4000 square feet, and our bills would be between £5000 and £6000 a year. By installing the brain we’re looking at around £700," says Natasha.
What else can it do?
A house's brain can turn your heating up and down and do things like making sure your tumble dryer comes on when it’s most cost effective. All of these things can be overridden if need be, but otherwise the brain will do it for you. Interestingly, there are also times where there's too much power on the grid and energy is free, so it will charge the battery then. Conversely, sometimes there's not enough power available, so if you turn your power off even for a matter of seconds, you’ll be compensated for that. The brain does this automatically, so you don’t have to think about it. Amazing.
How hard is it to install and to use a house's brain?
"Piecing it all together was quite a long process, but Jon Bumstead from Neutral Home was brilliant," Natasha says. "He comes from a commercial background where he installed this type of system in huge warehouses etc. and so has years of experience. We also use a smart system called Hamilton, which controls our lights, audio and blinds, and this software can link everything together. The beauty of it is that we really wanted to build this type of home but didn't have the know-how. Even tech novices like us can use it with ease."
-
-
White living room ideas: 25 schemes and ideas for a chic white living room
These striking and stylish white living room ideas that prove white walls can be pale and interesting...
By Lotte Brouwer •
-
The best bathroom cabinets - a stylish edit of our favorite storage pieces
The best bathroom cabinets chosen for style, practicality and being able to fit in all sorts of awkward spaces
By Alison Davidson •
-
French designers share how to create Parisian ambiance in your kitchen – wherever you are
Every beautiful day in Paris begins in the kitchen – this is how to recreate its allure in your own home
By Megan Slack •
-
Five interior tips to steal from this ultra-stylish Scandi villa
This architectural splendor epitomizes minimalist design and will leave you feeling utterly inspired
By Megan Slack •
-
Creative Director at Little Greene reveals the one shade that works in every type of light
Different lighting can make or break a room – but with this one shade, you simply can’t go wrong
By Megan Slack •
-
Explore Judy Garland's modern Cape Cod style home in Malibu
Somewhere over the rainbow or on the Pacific Coast highway? Tour this oceanic paradise that is currently on the market
By Megan Slack •
-
Design experts share their 5 essentials for creating an outdoor kitchen in a small city garden
The summer of al-fresco dining is fast approaching – this is how to get involved in the most stylish way possible
By Megan Slack •
-
On the House: Sophie Heawood's Property Binge. This week, town houses that feel like country homes
Sophie Heawood trawls Rightmove so you don't have to. This week, she unearths houses in towns that are like a breath of country air
By Sophie Heawood •
-
Before and After: This old French Chateau in Cognac has been transformed into a modern home
Tour this alluring Southern French maze – from the chandelier in the clock tower to the speakeasy in the basement
By Megan Slack •
-
Abigail Ahern's controversial paint advice may change the way you decorate – for good
The esteemed designer has just made her most daring statement yet. Will you follow her bold advice?
By Megan Slack •