Smart homes are being built for families who live iPad lives
Flexible space, colour-changing interiors, face-recognition and digital controls are for a new era of families, says David Spittles
Modern lifestyles demand versatile interiors and fresh design ideas, not least to create a free-flowing multi-use family room that dovetails neatly with the outside space. For some time now developers have been challenging the traditional ideas of housebuilding with rigidly defined room uses — especially in cities, where space is usually at a premium.
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A new generation of housebuilders is out to prove architecturally bold homes that are practical, low-maintence, hi-tech and eco-friendly can also be aspirational and glamorous without costing a fortune. At Queensbridge Quarter, near London Fields in Hackney, modern-design townhouses aimed at young couples trading up from flats start at £535,000.
Some developers are switching their focus from flats to houses — partly in response to a new planning policy backed by London Mayor Boris Johnson that seeks to promote affordable houses as a way of stopping the exodus of families from the capital.
As part of a Project Life research study, David Wilson Homes investigated family lifestyles and built a concept house with an open-plan ground-floor layout, dramatic high ceilings and extensive glazing, including a glass-floored landing, allowing natural light in while keeping outside noise out.
A laundry room is linked by a chute to floors above and the windows are self-cleaning, while countless other gadgets aid easy living.
Research has also been carried out by developer St James to discover buyers’ top priorities.
“This told us that buyers are desperate for storage and also, surprisingly, dressing areas within bedrooms, even at the expense of an en suite bathroom,” says the firm’s Sean Ellis. These are among the design ideas being built into its latest developments in Kingston, Putney, Surbiton and Roehampton.
Formal drawing rooms have been seen as a waste of space for some time now, with the relentless move into the family kitchen. Housebuilders are also importing North American ideas and designs, such as double-height atrium entrance halls that can also be used as family space.
read full article here Smart homes are being built for families who live iPad lives | Smart moves & new homes | Property news | Homes & Property
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