BIM News

The environmental revolution has been raging strong across the globe for decades now, so it should come as no surprise that we are witnessing the rapid popularization of sustainable housing and property development across the board, especially in stable and emerging economies. There are many reasons why homeowners, property developers, investors, and even governments are pushing for the adoption of green housing, but ultimately it comes down to the fact that sustainability benefits all parties, particularly in the long term.

From the integration of smart technologies into the modern living environment, to utilizing the power of BIM to create a more sustainable development project from conception to completion, all the way to clean energy retrofits, there is no denying that sustainable housing is here to stay. Let’s take a look at the most important trends in this sector for 2020, and beyond.

The era of smart homes

Smart technology has become an inextricable part of our everyday lives, as it permeates every industry in the commercial and residential sectors. Now that people are using smart tech every day, the need for smart housing solutions has risen tremendously around the world, which prompted investors, builders, architects, and designers to integrate smart technology into their processes, but also the end product itself – thus creating the smart living environment we know and love today. The great thing about smart technology is that it continues to advance every year, and nowadays, these systems are becoming more refined than ever before.

In 2020 and beyond, smart security features will rise in popularity, as nowadays you’re able to connect your entire security system to your smartphone and stay in control of your property no matter where you are. This is a great trend that will appeal to modern families, because it allows you to keep an eye on the kids while you’re out doing chores, and control all of the entryways to your home remotely. But beyond security, it’s also important to note that smart thermostats, smart lightbulbs, and IoT devices in particular will become ubiquitous in the modern household.

Leveraging BIM for sustainable development

Building Information Modeling is the leading solution used in construction, architecture, engineering, and design in modern tech-driven times, and unsurprisingly, it’s nowadays used in sustainable property development as a solid comprehensive solution as well. BIM is a comprehensive solution because it provides all relevant actors with all of the information and the bird’s eye view they need to design a property with environmentalism in mind from the very beginning. 

The result is higher energy savings and a more sustainable development process across the board, while residents can expect to make substantial financial savings in the years to come. Industry professionals can manage every intricate part of the development process to design and erect truly sustainable properties that will facilitate energy conservation and improve the home’s longevity over the long term.

Solar energy and energy conservation

Of course, one of the biggest trends in the industry that has been gaining even more traction in recent years is solar energy, particularly now that solar has reached a solid level of efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and that new technologies such as solar batteries have become accessible to homeowners. What’s more, nowadays there are also government subsidies that drive the solar trend, with Australia being the prime example.

Homeowners in Australia are switching to clean energy through the new South Australia home battery scheme that allows them to get better loan terms and even government subsidies that help them finance this transition, and equip their homes with solar panels and home battery systems. This greatly alleviates the financial pressure of switching to solar energy, so be sure to check if your government offers these incentives so that you can integrate a clean-energy system as well. 

The rise of net-zero homes

Another big trend for 2020 and the years to come is going to be the net-zero home. Previously, net-zero homes were difficult to construct successfully simply due to the fact that the technology needed to create a property that created as much clean energy as was consumed on site on an annual basis was too cumbersome and expensive for the average homeowner. Nowadays, though, by combining the aforementioned BIM solutions with smart technology, efficient design and décor, and eco-conscious lifestyle habits, net-zero homes have become a cost-effective reality for all. 

Downsizing for a more efficient lifestyle

Finally, one prevailing 2019 architectural trend, that’s here to stay in 2020, is the trend of downsizing. This is one of the “healthiest” trends in the industry, as it benefits homeowners in numerous ways. Not only are homeowners realizing that they don’t need a huge living space to elevate their quality of life, but in this realization lies the key to lower energy consumption, and the lower consumption of other natural resources such as fresh water. Over the long term, choosing to build a smaller home will pay off significantly, while the space itself can be extremely functional with the use of smart solutions, and a minimalist approach to interior design.

Wrapping up

Sustainable housing and property development are becoming increasingly popular across the globe, and it’s easy to see why. Let these insights fuel your strategy whether you are an investor, or a homeowner looking to elevate your quality of life, and build the home of your dreams.