A Look at the Latest Trends in Residential Architecture

While many homes stick closely to the traditional home style, there are many architecture companies branching out from the norm and creating residential homes that are timeless and impressive. As times change we see different trends in residential architecture to match the current climate and environment that we live in. At Integrated Designs & Associates, we want to push the boundaries of modern architecture and avoid homes that look like their neighbours. We work alongside our clients to exceed client’s expectations and push for creativity. To learn more about trends that are arising in residential architecture and how you can make them your own, keep reading:

What is residential architecture?

Residential architecture involves the design, planning and construction of homes and is a specialised field that focuses on living spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and functional. It requires intense planning in order to meet client expectations and create a structure that is safe and works for the people who live inside it.

As time goes on the trends we see in residential architecture change and it's important to try and make homes that will work in the long term without going out of fashion. Many homes from the past don’t suit the lives of the modern family so we will see changes come from the need to fit with these different ways of living.

Sustainable living

Over time, it is more and more important to create homes and structures that are sustainable and allow us to live more sustainably. This can cover everything from solar panels to recyclable building materials. To build a sustainable home it should improve energy efficiency, avoid environmental toxins, and responsibly use materials and resources while having a positive physical and psychological effect on its inhabitants.

Responsibly sourcing materials

The first thing a building design can do is incorporate as many recycled, reclaimed or reused materials as possible. Buying brand-new materials for a home is what increases the environmental impact massively and by using responsibly sourced materials we can ensure that the effects on the climate are minimal. However, sometimes it is more sustainable to use locally sourced materials, so it requires a little research to learn how to best source materials for your home. You could consider the following materials:

-      Recycled glass for countertops

-      Recycled steel

-      Reclaimed wood

-      Reclaimed bricks

-      Reuse soil from excavation

-      Recycled roof shingles

-      Recycled drywall materials

It may be worth looking at job site waste and finding a contractor to remove and recycle it.

Open plan space

One thing we are seeing more of is better use of open-plan space. While this has been an upcoming trend for many years, open-plan living is sure to keep trending as it offers more dynamic and functional spaces. Open-plan spaces are designed for connectivity and interaction. It comes from the desire to do more and be more connected with friends and family. You may have seen a sudden interest in the 70s trend of conversation pits. This is an architectural feature that incorporates built-in seating into a depressed section of flooring within a larger room.

This trend is to create communal activity areas in the main areas of the home that allow different things to happen at once - creating a warm and cosy feeling in a large space. As people are coming around to the idea of an entertaining home more and more, we will see a spike in open-plan spaces that allow for this kind of living. Families are able to come together for more activities such as board games and movie nights and no one is separated by being in different rooms as they are able to live and work in one space.

How to incorporate open-plan living in your domestic architecture

If you want to create an open-plan home follow these tips:

-      Use visual separation: When adding to or altering a building there needs to be a clear visual separation between the new and existing elements to enhance the space. While it may be one big open space, you can create separation visually, without actually blocking off the space. Keeping exterior walls in a home extension is a great way to make the space feel compartmentalised while still making it open-plan.

-      Use daylight as a highlighter: Daylight is one of the best tools and it’s completely free. You can make the best use of this by bringing in more light to maximise the space. However, too much daylight can be overwhelming as it reduces any contrast and bleaches everything out. You still need to have definition in the space so using daylight just to highlight is a great way to do this.

-      Use an island to give purpose: Kitchen islands are a great way to define zones and get the benefits of openness while keeping it a functional space. It’s important to create well-defined zones throughout your home.

Multiple master suites

House prices are rising much faster than our salaries which means more and more families are struggling to buy their first home and retirees likewise can’t find a way onto the housing ladder. As a result, we are seeing a rise in the multi-generational home where more than one generation lives in the same property for a longer period of time. Kids aren’t moving out as young and the older generation are moving back in with their children.

While this isn’t a negative thing it means more homes are being built with master suites as the home dynamic changes. We can also see friends house-sharing for much longer than they would have in the past so homes need to be able to provide enough space for multiple couples or families to live comfortably. Multiple master suites allow this to be much easier.

The importance of sustainability and energy efficiency in home architecture

Property designs that emphasize the need for sustainability and energy efficiency are able to provide the owner with plenty of benefits. They are built to last using materials that are economically and locally sourced. As climate change becomes more and more essential in every aspect of our lives, house design plans will become more focused on saving energy with sustainable and passive house designs. This can save you money, particularly in the long term.

If they are designed to keep the heat in and properly circulate air throughout your home you can benefit from lower energy bills which can save you a significant amount of money. Not only does it save your bank account but it also saves the planet as more and more people adopt property design plans that help our environment.

Integrated Designs & Associates - Residential Architecture Plans

Whether you are a homeowner or a large property developer, the team at Integrated Designs & Associates is here to help you create beautiful buildings that work for you and your family. As a homeowner, we know how vital it is to have a home that works for you now and in the future.

If you want to create a home with open-plan spaces, multiple master suites or a home that is more sustainable, we’re the experts to call. Get in touch with our team to discuss your needs and requirements and we can work together to create house design plans that you will love. We have worked on a wide range of projects including industrial units and pubs and everything in between.

Our team is highly experienced and we will be more than happy to tailor your property design to suit your needs. We work in compliance with all planning regulations and closely with regulatory authorities. From the get-go our team will help you manage and complete whatever project you have in mind to help you bring your dreams into reality.

Get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can help you.