Mindzle

New Homes of the Future: What Will They Look like?

Housing is and always has been an excellent barometer of society and culture. The way housing is designed and structured gives us a glimpse into how our communities work, the way that we live our lives on a daily basis and how our families interact.

Just take a look at the dwellings of Native American’s: their tepees were made from animal hides and wood, designed to be portable and quick to assemble, a necessity for their nomadic lifestyles. Victorian terraces are another example demonstrating how social values shape housing, with elements such as the design of the windows and the location of the property reflecting the owner’s social status.

And as our societies continue to evolve, so too does our housing. What will our future homes look like and what will they say about us as a society? There are two elements which are having a significant impact on us already and will continue to do so in ever increasing amounts.

The environment is the first major element that influences the design of new eco friendly homes. As climate change becomes ever more real, and the depletion of the world’s resources of fossil fuels looms; we continue to seek new methods to achieve energy efficiency in a sustainable way. Domestic energy use accounts for around 40% of the UK’s total energy consumption – making efficiency gains in this area a major target for the Government.

Specific areas for improvement include:

• Sustainable energy production. This is set to increase for the future, and you can realistically expect to see elements like solar panels and wind turbines as a standard feature in new homes.
• Focus in insulation improvement. Thick foam insulation and building techniques are required to minimise heat loss for the most eco-friendly homes.
• Wastage avoidance. Recycling bins, urban drainage and rainwater harvesting are examples of the ways energy wastage can be reduced.

Sustainable development meets modern design: Barratt Homes’ Green House

The second area that will change the face of our homes is digital technology. Already, some new home builders are incorporating computer systems which manage the heating of each and every room in the house. This will develop in future, so much so that almost every machine led aspect of home life may be automated. From lights that switch on when you enter a room, to controlling home entertainment systems with one touch, to systems that alert you to the security of your house remotely; all via one handheld device.

Say goodbye to all those wires and cables too, because wireless technology is set to be the order of the day. Space saving needs will combine with advances in gaming technology, as gaming pods will have the adaptability to transform into the entertainment of choice for whoever happens to be playing.

So there you have it: carbon neutral homes that enhance rather than damage the environment with automated and intuitive technologies that enrich our lives. Good news for us and our planet.

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