La CasaC: Open Source Smart Home

A DIY fully automated, energy-efficient house that adapts to your lifestyle while minimizing environmental impact and operating costs.

Built from 2009-2013, continuously improved since. All hardware designs, software, and documentation freely available.

Project Highlights

Intelligent Lighting:

  • Lights adjust automatically based on time of day and occupancy
  • Create custom scenes for different activities (movie night, dinner party, work mode)

Climate Comfort:

  • Multi-zone temperature control—every room at your preferred temperature
  • Pre-heat or pre-cool rooms before you arrive

Security & Access:

  • RFID keyless entry—no more lost keys
  • Zone-based burglar alarm with customizable sensitivity
  • Real-time alerts and remote monitoring
  • Automated lighting patterns when away to simulate occupancy

Energy Intelligence:

  • Track real-time energy consumption and solar generation
  • Identify energy-hungry appliances and optimize usage

Sustainability:

  • Class A energy rating: ~90% lower energy bills than conventional homes
  • Zero water waste—greywater recycled for irrigation
  • Passive house design maintains comfort with minimal heating/cooling
  • Solar PV generation offsets grid consumption
  • Low-maintenance materials reduce long-term costs

Documentation Structure

Software Design

Technical documentation for the automation system:

  • System architecture and component design
  • RS485 communication protocol specification
  • State management and event routing
  • Configuration file formats and memory maps
  • REST API reference
  • Hardware addressing and resource allocation

Construction Project (Spanish)

Construction methodology and design decisions:

  • Passive house design principles
  • Energy efficiency strategies
  • Low-maintenance material selection
  • Sustainability considerations

External Resources