Home building trends, like all of them do, change and evolve with the times. Some trends have become the staples of modern construction practices. Others are best left in the past.
Fortunately, many modern additions to new houses are not just chic, but ethical and practical too. As they continue to evolve, these socially responsible home building trends may become more than mere “trends.” They may also be poised to become standard construction practices.
In fact, many regions have already adapted some of these trends into their local codes. Here are six of today’s hottest and most socially-responsible home building trends:
1) Eco-friendly home design: “Preserve the planet” has become a lifestyle mantra for millions of average citizens. This concept has spilled over into nearly every facet of modern life, and building trends are no exception to this. Something as simple as designing and constructing new houses the right way can add years to the life of the earth.
Designing and building new houses correctly can minimize the negative impact that a structure has on the surrounding area. Many qualified new home builders are returning to century-old, tried-and-true construction principles. Contractors are using techniques like rammed earth construction and other ancient methods to limit the impact on the earth.
Other eco-friendly design and trends help a home and its dwellers make use of free natural resources. Houses built with deliberately-placed windows maximize sunlight and reduce the need for energy consumption. “Green roofing” in the form of rooftop gardens provide natural insulation and deliver life-giving oxygen to the atmosphere.
Using recycled materials is another way that buyers and builders can minimize the impact on the planet while incorporating locally produced rather than imported materials is another of these home building trends that’s considered “green.”
2) Adaptive re-use of construction materials: This practice harkens to the idea of using recycled materials. Instead of using new materials made out of old stuff, it simply re-uses the old stuff “as is.” Builders are using a variety of things from reclaimed wood to old airplane parts to used tires to construct houses.
3) Adaptive re-use of existing structures: Rather than simply re-using parts from old structures, this technique converts entire existing structures. Investors are constructing “new” homes out of old barns, silos, water towers, warehouses, factories, railroad cars and even billboards.
4) Green home features: Preserving the planet extends beyond the initial design of a house. “Building green” encompasses a multitude of ideas.
Outfitting a residence with a photovoltaic solar power generation system is one. Other ideas include geothermal heating, energy-efficient appliances, “green” windows and doors, low-impact, high-efficiency insulation and many more.
5) Weather and disaster-resistant design: Areas that are prone to certain types of natural disasters and weather phenomena have led the way in this. Modern houses are being designed to withstand disasters like earthquakes.
They do so by using construction materials that flex, thereby resisting breakage, and by designing floating foundations. Construction professionals in storm-prone regions are using techniques like reinforced concrete and earth sheltering.
These techniques increase a home’s chance of remaining standing in a storm. “Dome” houses are also gaining popularity in storm-prone areas for their inherent ability to resist being lifted by strong winds.
6) Universally accessible design: Even the able-bodied and young are recognizing the value of creating living spaces that are easily accessible. This idea stands to continue increasing in popularity as society moves toward the idea of community living and “aging in place”.
Spiral staircases and sunken living rooms are all but obsolete in this modern era of accessibility. Instead, home building trends are embracing spaces that are easy to navigate and free of intrusions and physical barriers. Some builders are including features like chair lifts and elevators right from the design stage.
Building green, energy efficient new homes benefits homeowners and environment as well. Shea Real Estate supports development of eco houses in San Diego County, CA, as partners with New Pointe Communities.
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