4 ways home design and construction will change
By Lucas on Jan 15, 2016
We can’t help but think about what 2016 holds for the new home industry, but let’s take a look even further down the road to the not-so-distant future to see what home design and construction will be like in a few years (or decades).
Remember those old ‘50s videos about what the home of the future might look like? Like the one below where the woman’s smart fridge and rotating countertop oven would save her time for tennis and dancing and frolic? Also, plastic was the material of the future!
Just like the video above, this post may seem silly 60 years from now, but let’s just dream a bit, besides, some of our predictions seem like they’ll be possible sooner rather than later thanks to a few innovative builders in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
1) Fully sustainable homes
Going green isn’t a new concept, but it has definitely shook that reputation of being a trend and is quickly leaning towards being the norm. It is gradually becoming common knowledge that sustainably built homes are not only good for the environment but beneficial to our personal bodily health, both physically and mentally.
We gave Reid’s Heritage Homes a lot of attention last year because of their completion of a Net Zero home, a home that produces as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis. Reid’s Heritage Homes also made a commitment to build exclusively Net Zero homes starting in late 2016. This is an unprecedented announcement, and we think other builders and developers will make the same commitment once they realize how good of a move it was for Reid’s Heritage Homes.
Technology that harnesses renewable energy sources exist, like solar, wind, and geothermal, it’s just a matter of integrating them into the home designs at a price that’s affordable to the homebuyer.
2) Integration with nature
Artwork by Dan Saunders - via Bioglow
Not only will our homes harness energy from nature, parts of our homes will be illuminated by plant life. The study of bioluminescence has made huge strides in recent years and it won’t be long before our homes, streets, and cities are illuminated by trees, bushes, and other common household plants.
Imagine light switches being a thing of the past; whenever it got dark, your plants would simply glow. This would also force us to plant more trees in urban areas and even have more plants throughout our interior spaces, which would improve our air quality.
3) Quicker construction methods
Image by John Becker
Speaking of integrating with nature, have you heard about the idea of genetically modifying bees to become construction workers? The idea is that the bees would produce a concrete-like substance instead of honey. Maybe 10 years from now you’ll be walking down the street of Toronto and a swarm of billions of bees will be erecting a 100-storey tower. This one sounds unlikely, but it’s an interesting concept!
More realistically, 3D printing will probably become more common in the design and construction process of our homes. At first, we’ll see 3D printing mostly in prefabrication uses and for disaster relief services, but once the technology becomes more sophisticated, entire communities and condo towers could be built onsite with printers instead of cement trucks.
4) Becoming one with the Internet
True Marque Managing Director Jason Abbott demonstrating smart features at the YC Condos presentation centre
The smart fridge in the video above wasn’t that far off. Smart appliances exist, it’s just a matter of time before they become the standard and affordable to the general public. The majority of our lives can now be controlled with our smart devices, from scheduling to socializing, to work, play, travel, and banking. It’s only natural that our lighting, heating, cooking, and sleeping be integrated into the Internet of Things. Just have a look at what we saw at CES 2016!
Smart home technology is a thing and we think will become the standard way of life sooner rather than later. In 2014, Canderel made headlines when they announced YC Condos in Toronto would offer Samsung Smart Home technology. Every suite comes with a smart front door lock that can be unlocked with your phone. Other upgrades that can be controlled from your smart device include your entertainment system, your television, lighting, and a security system.
So, what will your home of the future be like? It will operate sustainably, there will be much more greenery, it will be built much quicker, and it will all be controlled with your smart device. How soon will all of these things become the norm?
Feature image via eater.com
