GE’s full suite of connected appliances combine functionality with cutting-edge features that make everyday tasks easier, smarter, and more enjoyable in the VISION House Austin.
When Judi and Robert George designed the VISION House Austin, they wanted more than just good looks. Now in their 80s, the couple prioritized products that would simplify daily routines, minimize energy use, and support their lifestyle well into the future.
Cooking Smarter
One of Judi’s favorite additions to the home is her new GE induction cooktop. As a passionate home chef, she was excited about making the switch to induction.
“I had tried a little induction cook plate just to see what induction cooking was like,” she said. “But it’s nothing like what I have now. It’s been really great. I love to cook on it.”
With faster, more efficient heating and precise temperature control, the cooktop offers a safer and cleaner cooking experience—important benefits for an aging-in-place design.
“There’s still a learning curve,” Judi admitted, “but things cook faster and with lower heat, and I’m loving that.”
And she’s just getting started: next on her list is trying out the oven’s built-in air fryer feature. “People who have air fryers love them. I’m working up to it!” she said with a smile.
Efficient Cleaning with a High-Tech Twist
Beyond cooking, GE appliances make laundry and dishwashing more intuitive and energy efficient. The GE washer-dryer combo is a standout favorite, especially for a two-person household like the Georges.
“For us, it’s ideal,” Judi said. “You just put it in and forget it. It doesn’t really take any longer to do both washing and drying in one unit.”
The couple has enjoyed experimenting with the machine’s advanced cycles—and they appreciate how space-saving and streamlined the combo unit is. As Robert noted, “It’s one less thing we have to think about.”
The dishwasher also gets high marks, especially for its Wi-Fi-enabled controls. Judi tried using the app to schedule a delayed cycle remotely—only to realize the door hadn’t fully shut. “That was a learning moment!” she laughed. “But I love that I can set it and walk away.”
A Smarter, More Connected Home
Every GE appliance in the VISION House Austin is part of a connected ecosystem that allows for monitoring, control, and energy management—all from a smartphone. The appliances talk to each other, track energy usage, and give the homeowners peace of mind that everything is running efficiently.
“They’re all tied together with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth,” said Robert. “It’s pretty amazing. And the tech support has been great—we feel well supported.”
The Georges’ GE appliances not only help reduce energy costs and environmental impact, but they also support the couple’s goal of aging in place with dignity, safety, and ease.
“These are appliances we can really live with,” Judi said. “They help make this house a joy, not a chore.”
Whether it’s smart cooking, seamless laundry, or energy-efficient cleaning, GE Appliances help transform the VISION House Austin into a home that works for—and with—its owners.
Explore the full project and see how GE and other trusted partners brought this net-zero home to life at VISION House Austin. Watch the full interview with Judi and Robert to see how GE and other trusted partners brought this net-zero home to life. Watch the Video.
As cofounder and CEO of Green Builder Media, Sara is a visionary thought leader and passionate advocate for sustainability. A former venture capitalist, she has participated in the life cycle (from funding to exit) of over 20 companies, with an emphasis on combining sustainability and profitability. She lives in Lake City, Colo., with her husband, where she is an avid long-distance runner, snowboarder, and Crossfit trainer. She is also on the Board of Directors at Dvele, runs the Rural Segment for Energize Colorado, and is a former County Commissioner.
Appliances that Elevate Everyday Life
GE’s full suite of connected appliances combine functionality with cutting-edge features that make everyday tasks easier, smarter, and more enjoyable in the VISION House Austin.
When Judi and Robert George designed the VISION House Austin, they wanted more than just good looks. Now in their 80s, the couple prioritized products that would simplify daily routines, minimize energy use, and support their lifestyle well into the future.
Cooking Smarter
One of Judi’s favorite additions to the home is her new GE induction cooktop. As a passionate home chef, she was excited about making the switch to induction.
“I had tried a little induction cook plate just to see what induction cooking was like,” she said. “But it’s nothing like what I have now. It’s been really great. I love to cook on it.”
With faster, more efficient heating and precise temperature control, the cooktop offers a safer and cleaner cooking experience—important benefits for an aging-in-place design.
“There’s still a learning curve,” Judi admitted, “but things cook faster and with lower heat, and I’m loving that.”
And she’s just getting started: next on her list is trying out the oven’s built-in air fryer feature. “People who have air fryers love them. I’m working up to it!” she said with a smile.
Efficient Cleaning with a High-Tech Twist
Beyond cooking, GE appliances make laundry and dishwashing more intuitive and energy efficient. The GE washer-dryer combo is a standout favorite, especially for a two-person household like the Georges.
“For us, it’s ideal,” Judi said. “You just put it in and forget it. It doesn’t really take any longer to do both washing and drying in one unit.”
The couple has enjoyed experimenting with the machine’s advanced cycles—and they appreciate how space-saving and streamlined the combo unit is. As Robert noted, “It’s one less thing we have to think about.”
The dishwasher also gets high marks, especially for its Wi-Fi-enabled controls. Judi tried using the app to schedule a delayed cycle remotely—only to realize the door hadn’t fully shut. “That was a learning moment!” she laughed. “But I love that I can set it and walk away.”
A Smarter, More Connected Home
Every GE appliance in the VISION House Austin is part of a connected ecosystem that allows for monitoring, control, and energy management—all from a smartphone. The appliances talk to each other, track energy usage, and give the homeowners peace of mind that everything is running efficiently.
“They’re all tied together with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth,” said Robert. “It’s pretty amazing. And the tech support has been great—we feel well supported.”
The Georges’ GE appliances not only help reduce energy costs and environmental impact, but they also support the couple’s goal of aging in place with dignity, safety, and ease.
“These are appliances we can really live with,” Judi said. “They help make this house a joy, not a chore.”
Whether it’s smart cooking, seamless laundry, or energy-efficient cleaning, GE Appliances help transform the VISION House Austin into a home that works for—and with—its owners.
Explore the full project and see how GE and other trusted partners brought this net-zero home to life at VISION House Austin. Watch the full interview with Judi and Robert to see how GE and other trusted partners brought this net-zero home to life. Watch the Video.
By Sara Gutterman
As cofounder and CEO of Green Builder Media, Sara is a visionary thought leader and passionate advocate for sustainability. A former venture capitalist, she has participated in the life cycle (from funding to exit) of over 20 companies, with an emphasis on combining sustainability and profitability. She lives in Lake City, Colo., with her husband, where she is an avid long-distance runner, snowboarder, and Crossfit trainer. She is also on the Board of Directors at Dvele, runs the Rural Segment for Energize Colorado, and is a former County Commissioner.Also Read