Home Depot Smarthome

Imagine a college dormitory with more audiovisual equipment than most theaters, runs on electricity generated by solar panels and is protected with biometric security. This unique living experience will become a reality for 10 students of Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering.

Duke University and The Home Depot are partnering to create "The Home Depot smarthome," a residential laboratory where students will research and develop innovative solutions for the home in areas such as security and home monitoring, communications, energy efficiency, entertainment, environment and health.

Sustainable features will include cisterns that capture and reuse rainwater and solar panels that track the sun through the day. The 6,000-square- foot dorm house has been designed to achieve LEED Platinum certification. The house is expected to be completed by Fall 2007.

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