Page 13 - Real Estate Now Sept-Oct 2022

light floods through them and brightens up our homes, energy efficiency also needs to be taken into account. When
coupled with the known fact that windows are (usually) the main cause of energy loss in our homes, it becomes clear
why minimizing the window-to-wall ratio helps to reduce energy consumption.

Design flexibility

Design flexibility allows residential buildings to evolve over time as requirements, likes, and dislikes change. In terms
of adaptability, this could include elements like movable partitions, a room’s ability to expand, multi-use spaces, or
even furniture that can be repositioned without making a permanent change to the building.

“Designing more adaptable units by using movable walls, fold away furniture, demountable partitions, prefabricated
elements, or modules rather than drywall and framing could be a future trend,” says Doytchinova.
“The trend is to build in a way that’s flexible and allows for alterations, like adding or removing walls and partitions to
accommodate a household’s needs for space during varying life stages,” Doytchinova adds. “Therefore, it’s encouraged
to use alternative construction systems that can be easily re-purposed. We’re encouraged to prioritize using columns
for the building structure rather than shear walls in order to be able to, one day, combine rooms or apartments and
adapt layouts.”

Suitably sized housing options for all
Closely related to design flexibility is the trend—and requirement, for many—towards more space.

“In the last few decades, contemporary unit sizes, layouts, and amenity spaces have been designed and marketed to
smaller households without children,” says Doytchinova. “Now, the objective is to ensure new developments respond
to all segments of the population with a range of housing types.”

Architectural trends are always changing, and if you’re curious about what’s currently in style, your REALTOR® can
help provide guidance and find a home that fits your needs. Whether you’re buying a pre-construction build or a
home that’s already built, your REALTOR® will make sure you’re taken care of. ■

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