The goal of any construction contractor is to design and build a structure that will maintain relevance and usefulness for many years after it’s built. Much of interior design and architecture mirrors changes in art movements, so it’s important to examine cultural trends when building private and public spaces.
Today’s homeowner and business-owner prefer buildings with strong, beautiful design, multi functional spaces and close proximity to public transportation. They also desire construction that accounts for smart technology and energy sustainability.
Smaller Homes, Larger Yards
While the excitement surrounding the Tiny-House movement appears to have dwindled among most consumers, the desire for smaller homes seems to be here to stay. Many are squeezing their families into smaller square footage in order to save money or to live minimally, yet the desire for smaller living does not always mean settling for a smaller yard or an older home design.
Most are looking for more intricate interior (and exterior) design, with spaces that can serve many functions rather than many rooms, with each only serving one function.
Urban Village Living
Another growing cultural shift for homes and businesses is the desire to form smaller communities with shorter distances between businesses and families. Many consumers are looking to reduce their dependence on cars for transportation, to help the environment and their budget. If neighborhoods are designed with nearby businesses in mind and reliable public transportation available, then communities can begin to form a cohesive relationship between employing and selling to locals.
Strength and Elegance
For some, the only homes worth investing in are those that can withstand the elements. The primary function of a home is to provide shelter, and some are wary of living in homes that can’t survive natural disasters. As a result, the traditional style of home building, with wooden framing and drywall, is being replaced with more resilient materials, such a concrete and steel framing. Industrial building design in homes is usually paired with more organic or luxurious accents to create warmth in an otherwise cold environment.
Green Technology
The largest cultural shift in recent years has been the symbiotic relationship between advanced technology in construction and energy efficient design. 3D-printing can fill the gaps between materials found in nature and creative modern design needs. AR, Augmented Reality, and VR, Virtual Reality, can be used to precisely pilot drones into small and dangerous areas. Modern technology has also contributed to an increase in offsite construction and delivery, allowing for less time building on site with weather and location concerns.
Some buildings are designed with energy usage in mind, with minimal usage of traditional electrical or water hookups. These self-sustaining buildings are usually hooked up to their local water and electrical supply but rarely use them. Instead, they use water collected from rainwater tanks or solar power generated into electricity to fulfill their energy needs.
It seems that with modern technology advancing each day, a building’s construction can only be limited by its design. With smart technology and energy efficiency becoming a necessary part of everyday life, businesses and homeowners expect these accommodations to be designed into their buildings. Including smart appliances and hookups, such as lights and faucets set with motion sensors, can serve the dual-purpose of providing innovative technology and using less energy.