With ABB-free@home®, Samsung Electronics and its SmartThings platform, a three-generation household in Australia reveals what’s possible when automation meets everyday life – and why it matters worldwide.
When Li-Yu Lin set out to build his dream home on Australia’s Gold Coast, he had two simple but personal goals: to live near the sea so he could enjoy his passion for fishing, and to design a house that would support three generations of his family under one roof.
“I wanted to build my own house because it was difficult to find a large enough home that could accommodate my family,” says Mr. Lin. “I was lucky to find this block, and because of my background in development, I decided to create something that suited our needs.”
The result is more than just a dream home – it’s a glimpse into the future of smart, sustainable living. With fully integrated automation powered by ABB and Samsung Electronics and its SmartThings platform, Mr. Lin’s residence demonstrates how intuitive, scalable technology can simplify everyday life and set a benchmark for smart homes around the world. “Automation has made a huge difference – from energy use to everyday comfort,” he says.
Seamless Control, One Smart Interface
At the heart of the home is ABB-free@home®, a smart home system that connects everything from lighting and blinds to heating, cooling, and security –all managed through a single system.
Integrated with Samsung's SmartThings platform, it also controls home entertainment and smart appliances like fridges or washing machines and its 400+ partner integrations, removing the need for multiple apps and interfaces. The project brought together ABB, SmartThings, and local integration experts, Cube Automation, to deliver a seamless, multi-brand system, all unified through a single interface.
Everyday Comfort, Personalized
The system runs on 'scenes and routines', which are automated sequences tailored to the family’s daily rhythm. One of Mr. Lin’s favorites is the voice-activated ‘Good Morning’ routine.
“I just say ‘Good morning, Alexa’ and everything adjusts for me,” he says. The command opens the blinds, turns on specific lights, and plays soft music as the family starts their day, a simple scene that sets the tone for a more comfortable morning. “I really love the voice activation in this house,” he adds. “It makes life so much easier.”
From winding down for dinner to conserving energy at night, automation is seamlessly embedded into the flow of family life. It’s this effortless control, enabled by pre-set scenes and routines, that turns a smart system into something truly intuitive.
"Scenes and routines are the backbone of the automation,” says Richard Potterton, Technical Director at Cube Automation. “It’s about more than just turning things on and off. It’s about creating a living environment that responds to the homeowner’s needs, whether that’s adjusting lighting for a cozy evening or setting up energy-efficient routines. They’re the small details that can really make a house a home.”
Energy Efficiency Made Easy
Beyond convenience, the automations in Mr. Lin’s home enhance energy efficiency. “With electricity prices on the rise, homeowners are looking for ways to manage and reduce energy consumption,” says Jacky Glading, National Product Specialist, Samsung Electronics Australia. “Samsung SmartThings allows users to optimize appliance use with AI Energy Mode, which can, for example, schedule a washing machine to run only during off-peak hours,” she adds.
Mr. Lin has also installed solar panels to further reduce his environmental footprint. The system’s real-time monitoring provides Mr. Lin with visibility and reassurance about long-term energy performance.
Built for Global Growth
While Mr. Lin’s story begins in Queensland, the technology behind it is already shaping homes around the world. ABB-free@home® is used in residential developments in over 60 countries and supports more than 400,000 smart homes.
The global smart home market is projected to reach over $230 billion USD by 2028, up from $139 billion in 20231, reflecting a rising global appetite for intelligent, connected living.
“ABB-free@home® can be expanded beyond a single home to large-scale developments, such as multi-unit buildings,” explains Sunil. “Its modular design and single-app experience make it cost effective for developers and convenient for residents.”
Another key strength of ABB-free@home® is its interoperability, offering compatibility with industry-standard protocols such as Matter and a wide range of partner ecosystems, helping ensure the system stays flexible and future ready.
“Homeowners and developers no longer have to worry about being locked into a specific technology provider,” explains Sunil. “They can incorporate the latest smart home devices, whether for security, energy management, or entertainment, without compatibility issues.”
A Model for Modern Living
Mr. Lin’s smart home proves that cutting-edge technology can enhance daily life without adding complexity. It’s a showcase of innovation, and a deeply personal, liveable space designed for real people, and a model of what’s possible in homes around the world.
“What I love most is how easy it makes life,” says Mr. Lin. “It’s not just a smart home, it’s the way homes should be.”
From early morning fishing trips to relaxed family dinners, Mr. Lin’s connected home balances comfort, control, and sustainability – setting a new standard for modern living.
