The architectural trends that will shape the remainder of 2020

The year 2020 can be called a year of trends and challenges. In the world of Architecture, the trends are all about sustainable development. Innovative designs are now being paired with energy-efficient installations and recyclable materials to reduce the pressure on environment. Here are 5 such trends that are eco-friendly and here to stay. 

Smart homes – “Switch off the lights, close the curtains, play a song, adjust the thermostat.” Our everyday actions can now be controlled with a touch. Home automation has always been a popular choice for home and lifestyle. Not only does it make for a comfortable living, it reduces energy consumption and minimizes waste. Currently the smart home market in Australia is worth AUD $1,924 million (approx. 2 billion). By 2023, 41.9% households in Australia are likely to have home automation features. 

Industrial Style Houses – When we read industrial style, we imagine brick walls, metal bars and worn-out wood flooring. The idea of converting it into a workplace or home sounds crazy but, it isn’t. Modern industrial designs are taking everyone by surprise. A major reason for its increasing popularity is the simplicity; industrial designs only require little furniture. A bike hooked on to the wall or chain lamps can make for great décor. It is the free space or minimalism that maintains the look of the house. Which brings us to the next trend: 

Minimalist Designs – Less is more is not a cliché, it is a trend. Minimalism in architecture follows two rules; first, using bare minimum of materials and elements and second, a respect for space. The vision of these designs are clean, simple and straight-forward which makes the house look aesthetically pleasing. Natural light and open space allows these designs to be environment friendly, helping in the reduction of energy consumption. 

Less Noise, More Light – When we think of home, we picture ourselves peacefully having a cup of tea in a corner. We can enjoy that only in a noise-free environment. This trend is giving rise to projects that use noise-minimizing materials during the construction. The projects are also being designed in such a way that the buildings receive natural light in abundance. In locations where the sun light is being blocked, artificial lighting and warm lights are being integrated. 

Passive Houses – The other name for passive house could be low-energy house. This trend is not only being followed for its energy efficiency but also for its comfortable, affordable and environmental benefits. The designs focus on natural light, shading and ventilation paired with high levels of insulation and airtightness, which allows a passive house to use 90 per cent less energy than other houses. These techniques also help in reducing external and internal noise.

Learn more about the Passive House design concept, view our free online CPD here