A secure home today is not a matter of thick walls, but of well-designed connections - both architectural and technological. Gate automation is no longer an add-on, but is becoming an integral part of a larger whole: a smart home ecosystem that can be scaled, expanded and customized. For an architect, it is no longer an "either-or" choice, but a decision on how to build the foundation of the home of the future - open to development and modern living.
For many investors, an automatic gate is the first contact with a smart home and the beginning of a larger technological adventure in which security plays a key role. In Europe, on average almost 1/3 of households have smart solutions[1], setting the stage for Poland as well. Our market, although just catching up, has a unique advantage: a highly developed digital infrastructure[2]. This is an opportunity to design homes that are safe, smart and ready for the future today.
The modern border: the role of the gate and fence in space design
The modern home has long ceased to be solely a functional shelter. Today, it is rather a manifesto of aspirations and lifestyle, and its boundaries - symbolic and physical - are evolving along with our expectations of comfort and security.
As shown in a recent survey by SW Research on behalf of Somfy, as many as 74% of homeowners indicate that elements separating the property from its surroundings, such as the fence and gate, are important to them. It's not just protection from an uninvited guest - the need to set a clear boundary between one's own space and the outside world turns out to be equally important. The conclusion? Home designs increasingly require not only thoughtful aesthetics, but also smart technologies that help build a sense of intimacy and control over one's own space.
A stress-free home: automation as a tool for daily peace of mind
True peace of mind about a home is no longer based solely on an alarm system, but on the ability to control it remotely - even when we are hundreds of kilometers away. It's no coincidence that as many as 60% of those surveyed would like to remotely manage their property, and more than half say they have returned home at least once just to make sure everything is locked. The stress of not closing the gate is more common than you might think - and it's redefining the concept of comfort in everyday life.
© SOMFY
Smart home - the new design standard
The smart home concept until recently functioned on the margins of architectural discussions - as a curiosity, a potential add-on. Today it is starting to become one of the key criteria for evaluating investments. More than 40% of homeowners plan to implement automated solutions in the near future, and almost 60% are convinced that access automation would significantly increase their sense of security.
Smart home design is no longer limited to wiring for detectors. It's already a holistic approach, in which all elements - from the automatic gate to lighting, blinds or sensors - form a coherent, integrated ecosystem managed from a single app. When we talk about automation, we usually think of the gate first - and rightly so, as it is increasingly becoming a standard in design. However, the key today is not the device itself or a single remote control, but how the technology fits into the overall home. A smart home should be open, expandable and compatible with a wide range of solutions, and supported by a solid technical background. An example of this approach is Somfy and the TaHoma Switch panel, which allows you to connect several hundred devices from different brands, create your own scenarios, adapting to the needs of the household.
Architect as a guide to technological transformation
In this reality, the architect gains a new role - not only a creator of space, but also an interpreter and educator. He is the one who most often accustoms investors to the idea that technology can be unobtrusive, supportive and, above all, easy to use. Nearly 60% of homeowners still do not use smart solutions - from our observations, this is often due to a lack of knowledge and fear of their complexity. This is a challenge - but also an opportunity to build lasting relationships and projects that don't age with the passing of catalog seasons.
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[1] Average penetration in the EU is nearly 28% (2023), household penetration rate in Poland 14.1% (2024); Berg Insight/ Statista
[2] In 2024, nearly 96% of Polish households have internet access; EU average is 94%. CSO/ Eurostat, 2024
