Brittany paves way for smart homes

MANILA, Philippines - In this age of rapid technological advancement,  nearly everything that comes out of the production line is getting smarter -- from mobile phones to appliances, automotive, and soon, homes.

This as Brittany Corp., the luxury home developer of property firm Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., aims to be the first in the country to introduce “Smart Homes” on a large scale.

With just a few swipes and clicks, unit owners are brought closer to home, giving them control over security features and appliances.

“There is a trend for everything to become smart.We felt, why not introduce this innovation into our homes?” said Brittany chief operating officer Camille Villar.

She said for instance, luxury cars manufacturers in the US and Europe are already working with mobile providers and technology firms for smart cars that can be controlled using gadgets.

“We’ll be integrating that technology into a home so when you buy a home of Brittany, these features will be a part of it,” Villar said.

Brittany, which is currently negotiating with technology partners, will launch the Smart Homes later this year.

Smart Homes give owners the power to control their homes’ security cameras, air-conditioning units and lighting from anywhere just by using their mobile phones or tablets.

A lot of smart services for individual appliances are already available abroad but Brittany takes it a step further, integrating the smart features in its housing developments.

“This is something we believe clients are looking at so we want to be the first to offer it,” Villar said.

She said the increase in the cost of the housing units will be minimal, as the smart features are already included in house and lots worth at least P18 million in their Portofino, Crosswinds and Georgia Club projects.

Brittany is the brand behind Portofino, an Italian-inspired community featuring classic dome-roofed homes in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Homes in this 300-hectare development are filled with Italian architectural details like cupolas, gabled roofs, pocket gardens and cathedral ceilings.

“Brittany is constantly trying to innovate and search for best possible services to offer our clients we want to provide them not just aesthetic quality, not just beautiful homes and community to come home to,” Villar said.

Crosswinds’ Swiss-styled community in Tagaytay and Georgia Club’s French colonial-designed homes in Sta. Rosa, Laguna will also offer Smart Homes.

Aside from Smart Homes, Brittany will also work on more commercial developments to serve the community. It is looking at expanding current developments in Daang Hari, Sta. Rosa and Tagaytay.

“We will be enhancing these communities not only by providing house and lots but also commercial developments,” Villar said.

“I think all our areas in Sta. Rosa and Alabang are ripe for commercial developments,” Villar said.

Brittany has been enjoying brisk sales from successful Filipino professionals working in Europe, Singapore, US and Canada.

“We’re also having a growing clientele from self-made entrepreneurs and businessmen in Philippines,” Villar said.

For 2013, parent firm Vista Land will launch P30 billion worth of projects offering 15,000 residential units, up from P25 billion and 12,000 units last year.

Over the past 35 years, Vista Land has completed more than 250,000 housing units across its flagship Camella, Crown Asia, Brittany and Vista Residences brands.