In the U.S., many more new-build homes are needed to accommodate the rise in the number of first-time buyers, as reported by the Census Bureau. Indeed, building a home from scratch is one of the pillars of the American dream. These days, the boom in social media coupled with new technologies and more sustainable materials means that it is more possible than ever for new builds to be personalized to a client’s needs. If you are in the process of meeting your architect or designers and you’d like to discuss your needs, take note of current trends, one or more of which may appeal to you.
Smaller Home Sizes
As homes keep rising, new families are finding smaller homes a price-friendly solution for new builds. Business Insider reports that the average size of a new single family home peaked in 2015 (and measured 2,520 square feet). Higher prices can be attributed to the scarcity of land, higher wages in the construction industry, and higher prices for construction services. Architects are responding by creating open plan homes with flexible spaces that can be adapted to multiple uses. For instance, a terrace dining area is adaptable for use as an outdoor office or exercises spot.
Energy Efficiency
The millennial generation is one that is very much focused on sustainability and they are embracing energy efficient lighting as a way to lower their carbon footprint and lower their energy bills. Popular features of new eco-friendly builds include solar panels, sustainably sourced (PEFC-compliant) furniture, and top-grade insulation so as to reduce wasted energy from air leaks in windows and other parts of the home. With the expertise of local north sydney architects, these efforts are being coupled with the use of home automation systems that can be used to adjust home temperatures to home dwellers’ needs.
Popular Materials
The choice of materials vary from state to state but in general, buyers across the U.S. are seeking sustainable alternatives to wood, opting instead for bamboo, polished concrete, recycled timber and the like. Austin home builders are noting a rise in the popularity of natural stone flooring and countertops, porcelain, glass, and stacked stone walls. The idea is to bring a bit of the Great Outdoors in while creating a cosy, appealing ambience that stays cool in the dry Texas summers. Like Texas, states like California and New York are also finding inspiration in nature, embracing green practices during every step of construction – including planning, construction and material selection, and maintenance.
Let the Light In
High ceilings, natural light, and the blurring of divisions between indoor and outdoor spaces mean that houses need to rely less on artificial light. To achieve sunny interiors, homeowners are opting for glass walls and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. They are also opting floorplans, which permit light on one side of the house to enter the entire length of common living spaces (like the living room and kitchen).
Smaller homes, a greater respect for the environment, and natural materials are a few hot trends families are favoring in current times. Small homes don’t have to lack comfort. Optimal design and open spaces are doing plenty to let in more light and give the illusion of a larger size. Finally, natural light is doing plenty to give homes the touch of life and warmth that define the word family.