Museum of Science and Industry

During the inviting and family-friendly tour of the Smart Home, you’ll explore the use of natural light; open spaces; energy-efficient heating ventilation and air-conditioning systems; and eco-friendly building components to maximize a healthy-living environment.

You’ll be amazed to learn how storm water runoff can be used for to water plants; how toilets can be equipped to use waste water from the shower and bath; how spray-in foam insulation can create a completely sealed building, resulting in better air quality, a quieter home and greater energy efficiency; how recycled glass bottles can create beautiful bathroom tile—and much more.

The interior also includes unique furniture and accessories, including a couch covered in fabric made from recycled t-shirts, an ash wood dining table made with wood from a fallen tree, an organic mohair rug with a backing made from recycled coffee bean bags, whimsical chandeliers that recycle old colored light bulbs and mid-century dining chairs found in a resale shop (a great way to recycle).

Our youngest guests will love the child’s bedroom, which includes fun, green toys and accessories such as a LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotic Toolset, an energy-efficient XO laptop and a Pleo Robotic Dinosaur that adapts from experiences through artificial intelligence.