Like many things, the design of residential buildings has adapted to our modern lives post-pandemic. Various trends in design have emerged in projects over the last three years with no signs of slipping away any time soon, thanks to the new norm.
What is a residential building?
Residential building types include single-family, mobile, duplex, semi-detached, and apartments.
A residential building is “buildings that contain one or more dwellings, intended for the provision of long-term accommodation.“
Whatever the scale, the impact of Covid has undoubtedly impacted their construction, namely the planning and design phase.
The most prevalent influence on design is simply due to the extended periods of home isolation forced on us. Pre-pandemic meant many of us were on the go. However, because of isolation and lockdown, Australians spent more time at home—a considerable amount of time to figure out what is wanted and needed in a home.
The pandemic has affected how we work, sleep, live, entertain, and exercise.
For residential designers, this means there is a different list of needs to consider when planning and designing a home. Say hello to the home-centric resident.
Here are some trends in residential building designs, thanks to Covid:
- Open-plan spaces
Open-plan design refers to a floor plan that uses large, open spaces while limiting the use of small rooms. Open-plan living spaces have become increasingly popular and preferred layouts in modern home designs because of their increased flexibility and countless possibilities.
Open spaces purposely exclude doors and extra walls to create a sense of connection and interactivity within the home without obstructing minimalistic interior designs. These plans also encourage free-flowing spaces characterised by easy freedom in movement and the ability to style. It also maximises space by implementing multipurpose areas, giving the illusion of a larger area. - Space allocated to working from home
Work from home has become increasingly popular post-pandemic. Now, there is a blurred line between work and home, so residential designs must allow for versatility while promoting productivity.
Adding a study nook or a home office caters to this new WFH white-collar persona. Due to the prolonged working hours, home office spaces must have proper ventilation, a flexible layout, and comfortable furniture.
Where a specific space is not allocated for work, new outlooks on common areas evolve to ensure a transformable social space to address living and work modes. - Access to fitness, post-pandemic
The pandemic has put a significant strain on the physical and mental health of many. As a result, many used exercise as a refuge to maintain wellbeing. In residential designs, many building designers now encourage active lifestyles (pedestrian/bike-friendly cities, parks, or fitness/sports centres) to increase human comfort and health by including home gyms or home training zones, standing study nooks, more oversized windows to allow for ample sunlight, well-ventilated spaces.
Covid has forced entire countries and cities into lockdowns, forcing new habits to emerge among fitness enthusiasts and generally anyone wanting to exercise. Because of limited access, residential building designers incorporated an active lifestyle in the home. - Privacy where needed
The repercussions of Covid on new residential construction argue against a shared space. However, this is not to be confused with open-planning. Big and beautiful open spaces are all the rage. However, privacy is not to be compromised. The separation of guest entertainment and private sleeping areas is becoming a thing. Innovative and improved, the need for dedicated spaces for specific functions is a way for Australians to embrace coziness and solitude.
What do residential interior designers charge?
Residential interior designers have a reputation for being expensive. To understand how much it costs for residential home designs, it is essential to take note of exact requirements and needs, including time and budget specifications.
Incorporating elements into a space to make it more functional and fit for multi-purposes will require larger costs. Ultimately, the style, functionality, and materials implemented in designs will incur more costs.
Our team can advise you and help you design an interior suited to your vision. Get in touch with us today.
