Architecture and other trends are driven by a variety of factors, including changes in culture, technology, consumer behaviour and current events. The architecture trends for the future are creative and beautiful solutions to what people think and care about when it comes to choosing or building a home. Read on to see how these trends are changing the way we think about design and construction!
Sustainability
As would be expected, architecture trends for 2023 and beyond will focus on sustainability. This will entail an eco-friendly approach to building with energy efficient designs, less water usage with low-flow toilets, greywater systems and homes with good insulation. It’s not only about the aesthetics of a building but also about how well it functions without being destructive to the environment. The uncertainty of reliable water and electricity supply is increasing becoming a major concern especially in South Africa, thus architects are making alternate solutions a top priority in their designs. Solar power is an excellent source of renewable energy in South Africa, where there is abundant sunshine so architects are incorporating solar panels into their building designs to reduce energy consumption and lower the carbon footprint. Rainwater harvesting is an effective way to conserve water and reduce reliance on municipal water supplies so incorporating rainwater harvesting systems and the space to install them is becoming “a must” in designs.
3D Printed Designs
There are many architectural projects now using 3D printed designs. This methodology uses less material, generates less waste and reduces energy consumption during construction. Strong and durable with a shorter process and less waste, make 3D-printed homes eco-friendly and sustainable. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative and exciting developments in this space. Watch this fascinating video on how concrete homes are built using a 3D printer: https://youtu.be/vL2KoMNzGTo
Biophilic Urbanism
Biophilic design is an approach to architecture and interior design that incorporates natural elements and patterns into the home environment. In a previous article we have discussed the importance of nature in our homes: https://universalpaints.co.za/the-importance-of-nature-in-your-home/. The goal of biophilic design is to create living and working spaces that promote physical and mental wellbeing. The trend is towards the use of biophilic design elements such as rooftop vegetable gardens, vertical gardens, green balconies and designs bursting with natural light.
Renewable Materials
Architecture trends are increasingly incorporating or using building materials that are both replenishable and inexpensive. These include bamboo, hemp, cork, straw bales, rammed earth and wood. Cork for example is a versatile and sustainable building material that has great insulation properties and can be used in various applications such as flooring, walls and roofing. Straw bales can be used as insulation and wall panels, and are a renewable resource that is biodegradable and non-toxic. Rammed earth is a technique that involves packing layers of earth into a formwork to create walls. It is durable, energy-efficient, and can be finished in a variety of ways to create an attractive aesthetic. Hempcrete is a mixture of hemp fibers, lime, and water, and can be used for walls, floors, and roofs. It is energy-efficient, fire-resistant, and has good thermal insulation properties. Reclaimed wood can be salvaged from old buildings or other sources, and can be used for flooring, wall paneling, and other decorative applications.
Smart Technology
Smart materials, such as smart glass, have revolutionised the way we interact with our environment. Smart glass is a type of glass that can change its transparency or opacity at the push of a button to regulate the amount of heat and light that enters a building. This innovative technology is becoming increasingly popular in commercial and residential buildings, as it allows for privacy, energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Article sources: https://constrofacilitator.com/the-building-architecture-trends-you-need-to-know/
https://thermory.com/blog-and-news/5-architecture-trends-for-2023/