New Design Tenets
Design matters
According to Wikipedia, a design is simply a plan or specification for the construction of a structure or system or for the implementation of an activity or process or the result of that plan or specification in the form of a prototype, product, or process. The verb to design expresses the process of developing a design. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design
Considerations include form, function, art, science, technology, and the soul of the home.
Designs are now more comprehensive, holistic, digital and include processes related to the sequencing, method and speed of the build. The process is the product. Designing the approval, construction and assembly process to collapse build times is critical to enabling new homes to be a serious option to resale homes.
It’s time for a comprehensive rethink of the design of home as both a structure and as a place of essential living. The scope of design goes far beyond architectural to include new design processes for manufacturing and assembly. Integrated project delivery has emerged as a desirable collaborative process to pre-empt and prevent clashes between designs and construction.
Interior design is focused on clusters of curated living spaces not just a collection of traditional rooms. Greater thought is placed on multifunctional rooms that can be repurposed over time.
Home design incorporates smart technologies and software applications for effortless convenience for voice and touch activated security and entertainment applications.
Sensory design is the cumulative effect of foundational design elements such as innovative building envelopes, HRV systems, and the employment of renewable energy sources resulting in a high level of indoor air quality. This approach gives way to exploring ways of reducing the total cost of ownership and future proofing.
Home designs are becoming ever more inclusive with universal access built into the design of the home at the concept stage.
Sustainability is a major pillar of new home designs. Net zero homes address the balance between both energy consumption and generation and GHG creating a neutrality and possibly a move towards regenerative performance. Circularity is causing builders to challenge the supply chain to reduce eliminate waste, and increase reuse of materials as an economic alternative.
In conclusion it is important to explore design from the perspective of the structure and living spaces including: wellness, form and function, accessibility, NetZero goals, futureproofing, total site design, integration with nature and outdoor spaces, smart technology integration, sensory requirements, and xeriscaping. Further to this design can yield an essential deliverable where the process is the product.
The net result is a different home, built differently for a different future.