The Smart House, property of the College of Public Health and Health Professions, is a single-family home located in Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, a vibrant and energetic retirement community in Gainesville, Florida. Built in 2005, the 2,350 square foot home was designed to allow researchers to explore how novel applications of technology can facilitate independent living and elder care. The Smart House, located 3.5 miles from the UF campus, provides convenient access for UF’s designated employees and researchers, as well as participants who enjoy dedicated parking and lessened traffic as compared to the university site. Focus groups and team collaborations can be conducted in the fully furnished living areas of the Smart House. The Smart House is about one-half of a mile from the UF Health Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, which makes for excellent and easy access for potential research participants.
The floor plan of the Smart House indicates a dining room, with conference facilities where investigators can meet; a living room with comfortable furniture to accommodate participants, their caregivers and advocates; as well as fully accessible entrances, two bathrooms and kitchen facilities—all equipped via universal design guidelines—for optimal entry, egress and use. The RTI Driving Simulator Lab is also located at the Smart House.