Each month, Multifamily Dive highlights new products of interest to the industry across a spectrum of product types and applications, including building products, smart tech features and property management and operations software and services.
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Smart building ecosystem
Samsung has added a new suite of development services and tools to its existing SmartThings IoT platform, known collectively as SmartThings Build. The new features are intended as a base from which companies can build their own systems using the SmartThings API.
While SmartThings has always had an open API, the SmartThings Build platform is made to simplify and raise awareness of the process, according to Steve Herbet, director of global business development at SmartThings.
“We have [multifamily-focused] partners that build solutions… that they then bring to market,” Herbert says. “They’re simply leveraging our SmartThings Build platform to build their solution, as opposed to coming up with everything fresh.”
The addition of the SmartThings Build to the SmartThings platform — originally an ecosystem for single-family homes — allows property management companies to build management solutions at scale, according to a press release provided to Multifamily Dive. The possibilities include access to appliance maintenance and diagnostics, streamlined smart appliance installation, automatic generation of maintenance tickets and the ability to remotely revoke or grant access to devices and appliances on a site.
Solid surface sinks
Durasein has added three new design options to its built-in solid surface sink series: Henri, a square double basin; Vincent, a single, soft-edged square basin; and Frida, a rounded design. Each sink is designed to fit into a Durasein solid surface countertop installation.
The Durasein solid surface formulation is made from two-thirds natural minerals and one-third acrylic resin and pigments, which form a non-porous surface that resists the accumulation of stains, mildew, or bacteria, according to the manufacturer. All of Durasein’s sinks, shower basins and tubs are available for custom order in any of its surface designs.
Advanced detection
The Dwellwell property monitoring system consists of an array of sensors that plug into the electrical outlets in each individual unit and constantly monitor the ambient environment. Using the data they collect, property managers can monitor the status of their units’ HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems through the Dwellwell app, as well as environmental factors such as humidity and noise levels.
Equipped with this information, managers respond to emergencies in real-time as well as plan preventative maintenance and streamline the building inspection process by focusing on problem areas.
The product and service are currently in beta testing with select clients in the multifamily industry. In addition to the dNodes in individual units, the physical component includes the dHub, which receives and analyzes the data that is sent to the app.
Secure food delivery
The Minnow Pickup Pod is the first commercially available model of Minnow’s contactless food delivery concept, designed for use in commercial and multifamily settings. Each pod provides a set of insulated, secure cubbies for food delivery storage, accessible via QR code scan from the deliverer and via hyperlink for the customer. According to the manufacturer, the product aims to allow property managers to reduce lobby clutter, increase security and take responsibility for food deliveries out of the hands of building staff.
The pod accepts deliveries from any source, and its open cloud system does not require customers or food providers to install or integrate additional software in order to use the device. Each one is custom built to order based on buyer specifications, according to the Minnow website, and available in a black or brown trim.
