Australia is among the top ten countries with the fastest growing population, and as such, it is always in the process of construction and coming up with innovative design solutions. The architecture trends are driven by environmental practices, society, culture, and new technologies. Some of the most popular residential designs Down Under are focused on sustainable materials, organic shapes, unpretentious style, and engagement into the environment. If you want to learn more about this exciting and ever-growing market, here are some noteworthy home design trends from Australia.
Curvy and beautiful
We are so used to clean lines and angular shapes in residential construction that it is hard to even imagine a house with curvy façade. At first glance, this may seem like a rather unpractical solution, but in such a naturally diverse country like Australia the curviness helps buildings blend into the environment almost seamlessly, even when the terrain is extremely tricky for any kind of design. Innovative Australian architects have also started working on entirely circular properties, inspired by indigenous construction styles from all around the world (e.g. igloos).
A recognizable and familiar home
The times may be changing, but there is something that will always remain the same: everyone wants a place to call home, and the image of home we have in our heads is almost always the same. In Australia, this is usually a warm and cozy Victorian-style property, only now it is slightly updated with new décor trends and technologies.
Smaller is sometimes better
A traditional family home is a huge investment, and it doesn’t always work for everyone the same. The latest movements for sustainability are driving the top Australian property developers into the world of tiny homes. However, they have taken this whole thing to another level, emphasizing that a simpler lifestyle is not necessarily marked with lack of space or luxury. These properties are equipped with top-notch storage solutions, spectacular kitchens, low-maintenance features, and boutique décor.
Energy-efficiency as a top priority
Most of the developed countries have embraced green construction as the new rule, which refers to building with energy-efficiency and sustainability in mind. Properties are built to have a lighter ecological footprint, minimize carbon emissions, and lower energy uses. First and foremost, this includes using “green” materials, such as handcrafted brickwork, rammed earth and concrete. Some of the materials of the interior and exterior will remain in their raw natural state, thus celebrating the connection with nature. Features like solar panels, cool roofs, and sustainable insulation are welcome. Houses, such as these, that are built from scratch will rely on advanced house framing, which reduces the use of lumber and minimizes the waste.
The indoor-outdoor marriage
Another trend that was born as a result of our increasing desire to reconnect with nature – insisting on a harmonic relationship between the house’s interior and exterior. In Australia, this is mostly reflected in Alfresco – an area that integrates the two by creating a cozy and functional area outside the home, which still carries some of the features of the interior. This area feels like a natural extension of the home by taking the flooring from the interior, utilizing similar lighting fixtures, the same bench top materials, and ceiling details. Alfresco can also be enriched with amenities like an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, dining area, built-in barbecues, and so on.
Australia is often the home of innovative architectural ideas which can shake up the world – just look at the Sydney Opera House. It is no wonder that we’ve decided to look Down Under to see what’s waiting for us in the residential architecture market, and we are happy with what we see. All of these designs are in sync with the needs of modern people, and will surely stand the test of time.
