By CAD Architects
As we are now well into the second half of 2024 and the new UK government has pledged to shake up the planning system to help meet ambitious new house building targets, it is a good time to stand back and review the overall trends shaping architecture currently.
As a leading architecture company in Cornwall, CAD Architects prides itself on creating world class design and our team stay abreast of the latest global developments and they are often inspired by, the trends affecting our industry worldwide.
The architecture industry is of course always impacted by social and political trends and imperatives as well as by economic factors and innovation, both at a global and a local level. The need to address climate change and meet Net Zero targets set by governments worldwide is a key driver of the current trends we can see in architecture, whilst technology developments are continually presenting new opportunities, opening the way to new ways of designing and creating the spaces in which we live, work and play.
The world is ever-changing, and as architects, we need to stay attuned to change and innovation, in order to deliver the best results for our clients.
Here is a very brief overview of some of the key trends that are reshaping architecture around the world right now.
Sustainable Architecture
In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the popularity of green architecture, spurred by an increasing awareness of the imperative for sustainability and meeting the challenge of climate change. This approach prioritizes environmental considerations, incorporating energy efficiency, waste reduction, and renewable energy. From solar panels to biophilic designs, sustainable architecture seeks to minimise environmental footprints. It is now core to architectural practice.
Smaller houses
We are seeing an interesting trend to smaller houses, offering a blend of efficiency and style in compact spaces. These provide affordability and sustainability, requiring fewer resources and less energy to operate. This is a natural extension of the trend to sustainability and eco-design.
New Technology
Modern technology reshapes architecture with tools like 3D modelling software and virtual reality (VR). VR enables architects to create lifelike virtual models, offering detailed insights without physical construction. Augmented reality (AR) allows architects to view designs in real-world contexts. This is making a big difference to the way architects work and the efficiency of the service provided to clients.
Adaptive Reuse
Adaptive reuse is breathing new life into old structures in 2024. This trend transforms dilapidated buildings into modern spaces, reducing waste and preserving architectural history. It is a trend that is gathering momentum in the UK, partly as a result of the imperative to increase housebuilding to meet house building targets.
Modular Construction
Modular construction is emerging as a popular trend, showcasing efficiency and sustainability. Prefabricating components in a factory environment minimizes waste and reduces on-site preparation time.
While the current demand for modular housing in the UK is low in comparison with other countries such as Sweden and Japan, it is growing and will likely need to increase significantly if the new UK government’s housing targets are to be met. Sweden, for example, builds at least 45% of its new homes using offsite manufacture. Whilst the overall number of properties built per year in Sweden is lower than the government’s target for the UK, this indicates that modular housing could make up a significant proportion of new UK homes.
According to Matthew Pennycook, the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government, modular construction and prefabricated housing will be key in delivering the UK government’s plan to meet their new housing target of building 1.5 million homes in the next 5 years.
Smart Materials
Smart materials, from paper-thin solar cells to innovative bio-based substances, are starting to redefine building design in 2024. These materials combine robustness with lightweight properties, maximising environmental benefits and minimising toxicity.
The Dutch government, for example, has reserved €200 million to upgrade the percentage of biobased materials, by weight, in new buildings in the Netherlands from three per cent to 30 per cent. The money is intended for farmers and builders to work together to put biobased building materials on the market.
Community-Centred Design
Community-centred design is gaining traction, incorporating local values and identity into architectural projects. This practice ensures architecture aligns with community objectives, fostering positive interactions with the built environment.
At CAD Architects, we have some great examples of how we are reflecting these wider trends in our own architecture projects in Cornwall and South West England. We would love to share these with you and show you some of our latest work.
To find out more about how we are producing world class architecture here in Cornwall, please contact us at studio@cadarchitects.co.uk