ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY

ARCHITECTURE
HOME DESIGN TRENDS:
Tomorrow's homes are on the drawing board and they are nothing like the
places. New materials and new technologies are reshaping the way we build.
Floor plans are also changing to accommodate the changing patterns of our
lives. And yet, many architects and designers are also drawing upon ancient
materials and building techniques. So, what will the homes of the future look like?
Watch for these important trends.

1) Earth-Friendly Design
Perhaps the most exciting and most important trend in home design is the
increased sensitivity to the environment. Architects and engineers taking a new
look at ancient building techniques that used simple, bio-degradable materials.
Far from primitive, today's "earth houses" are proving comfortable, economical,
and rustically beautiful.

2) "Prefab" Construction
Factory-made prefabricated homes have come a long way from flimsy trailer park
dwellings. Trend-setting architects and builders are using modular building
materials to create bold new designs with lots of glass and steel. Prefabricated,
manufactured housing comes in all shapes and styles, from steamlined Bauhaus
to undulating organic forms.

3) Adaptive Reuse
New buildings aren't always entirely new. A desire to protect the environment and
to preserve historic architecture is inspiring architects to repurpose, or re-use,
older structures. Trend-setting homes of the future may be constructed from the
shell of an outdated factory, an empy warehouse, or an abandoned church.

4) Healthy Design
Some buildings can literally make you sick. Home designers are becoming
increasingly aware of the ways our health is affected by synthetic materials and
the chemical additives used in paints and composition wood products. The most
innovative homes aren't necessarily the most unusual; they are the homes
constructed without relying on plastics, laminates, and fume-producing glues.

5) Storm-Resistance
Every shelter should be built to withstand the elements, and engineers are
making steady progress in developing storm-ready home designs. In areas were
hurricanes are prevalent, more and more builders are relying on insulated wall
panels constructed of sturdy concrete.

6) Flexible Floor Plans

Changing lifestyles calls for changing living spaces. Tomorrow's homes have
sliding doors, pocket doors, and other types of movable partitions allow flexibility
in living arrangements. Dedicated living and dining rooms are being replaced by
large multi-purpose family areas. In addition, many houses include private
"bonus" rooms that can be used for office space or be adapted to a variety of
specialized needs.

7) Accessibility
Forget the spiral staircases, sunken living rooms, and high cabinets. The homes
of tomorrow will be easy to move around in, even if you or members of your
family have physical limitations. Architects often use the phrase "universal
design" to describe these homes because they are comfortable for people of all
ages and abilities. Special features such as wide hallways blend seaminglessly
into the design so that the home does not have the clinical appearance of a
hospital or nursing facility.

8) Outdoor Rooms
An increased interest in eco-friendly architecture is encouraging builders to
incorporate outdoor spaces with the overall home design. The yard and garden
become a part of the floor plan when sliding glass doors lead to patios and
decks. These outdoor "rooms" may even include kitchens with sophisticated
sinks and grills.

9) Abundant Storage
Closets were scarce in Victorian times, but over the past century, homeowners
have demanded more storage space. Newer homes feature enormous walk-in
closets, spacious dressing rooms, and plenty of easy-to-reach built-in cabinets.
Cathedral ceilings are becoming passé because families tend to prefer usable
space below the roof. Garages are also getting bigger to accommodate the ever-
popular SUVs and other large vehicles.

10) Eastern Ideas

Feng Shui, Vástu Shástra, and other Eastern philosophies have been guiding
builders since ancient times. Today these principles are gaining respect in the
West. You might not immediately see the Eastern influences in the design of your
new home. According to believers, however, you will soon begin to feel the
positive effects of Eastern ideas on your health, prosperity, and relationships.
Tomorrow's Houses
What will the homes of the future look like? Will we continue to see Cape Cods,
Bungalows, and assorted "McMansions"? Or will tomorrow's houses seem very
different from those being built today?