"Smart" House (5)

Blueroof Model Cottage at:
400 Spring St.
McKeesport, PA 15132

Blueroof Technologies

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What is it?

Currently, this cottage is the first of many "Smart" homes that are planned to be constructed in the McKeesport area. Within the house, a computer nicknamed "Amy" has nearly full awareness of anything that transpires. If someone opens a window, Amy will announce over the various speakers within the walls that it is open. The house can also be monitored from an external computer with access to the internet. Amy can also answer basic questions and respond to calls for help.

Link to Blueroof's Website:

What is its purpose?

The goal of Blueroof Technologies is to provide elderly and disabled people an opportunity to stay independent longer. Blueroof executive John Bertoty says, "If the design of the house can forestall someone's move into a care home for two years, the savings will be equal to the cost of the house".

Floor Plan of Model Cottage

The house features hundreds of safety oriented functions that a normal home would not. For instance, the house is armed with alarm and fire systems that will automatically notify local authorities as well as instruct the resident on what actions to take. Additionally, the house sports a full media center with television, internet, web cameras, and radio. 

Electronic technologies aren't the only thing that makes this house unique. Windows are made from PPG self-cleaning glass. The bathroom floors are made with waterproof, slick-resistant rubber that absorbs some impact of a fall. Everything in the house is also wheelchair accessible. Hallways are greater than 30 inches wide, and counter tops are built so that wheelchairs can roll up to them easily.

WQED Video on Blueroof Technologies:

The Bigger Picture

Blueroof Technologies hopes to achieve more than just providing an affordable and accessible home for the elderly. The development of these houses is part of an ongoing effort to improve the McKeesport area. Blueroof hopes the homes act as a sort of "economic magnet" to attract businesses and companies to the area. As the name implies, the blue roof and pale white walls stick out among the other homes nearby. This was done intentionally to attract visitors to the downtown McKeesport area.