Trends in home building

Current home design takes into account the personality and passions of the home buyer

1 of 4This new wood-and-stone house in B.C.'s Elk Valley is an example of the trend of moderate-size houses with character and custom details. — Brian Pollock photo

2 of 4This contemporary house has an extensive covered outdoor deck, adding to the home's living and entertainment area. — Brian Pollock photo

3 of 4This is an example of a moderate-sized open-plan living and dining area that expresses the active lifestyle of the homeowner. — Brian Pollock photo

4 of 4The beautiful stone fireplace here is cleverly designed with an alcove behind it for storing wood. — Brian Pollock photo

‹ ›

…

There’s a trend in housing these days toward moderation in scale. That being said, homeowners still want their homes to reflect their character and values, and to be appropriate for their lifestyle.

Professionals in home design and construction are customizing homes according to individual tastes and maintenance requirements—the purchasers want to feel at home in their space and to spend as little time on housework as possible.

A change of focus

Diane Costerton of Allied Design in Fernie, B.C., said that even commercial properties are focused more on manageable size and unique character.

“People are still willing to put lots of money into properties,” Costerton said, “but for design detail and quality rather than size. People want architectural detail and easy maintenance, to save money and time. Urban living is becoming much more popular than suburban living.”

Quality and character

Reclaimed, repurposed, high-quality components have a growing appeal because today’s discriminating home buyers are environmentally responsible, and because repurposed components are often full of character and beauty.

Costerton has observed that timber-frame structures are evolving, with combinations of wood, metal, corrugated metal and more modern use of rock. She also sees the outdoors being incorporated into living spaces, with covered decking and three-season rooms.

“Open courtyards in front of a house can provide a transition between the outdoor and the indoor space—kind of like the old-style front porch,” she said.

With building costs, taxes and insurance costs going up, and with a growing sense of responsibility for our carbon footprint, it makes sense to scale back our physical footprint.