Building Trends for 2020

We are seeing a few design trends continuing to develop and thought we should keep our clients up to date. So here are a couple of trends you might see from your designer or architect this year:

Increased Window Sizes

We continue to see bigger and bigger windows. The desire for natural light in all parts of the house continues to inform modern design choices. We have recently put in some nice big windows in a couple of projects, including this one in Northmead.

Sustainability

Linked to the larger windows described above is the continued developments in sustainability and efficiency. We recently fitted very nice double-glazed skylights in Baulkham Hills which reduce thermal transfer (both heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer) by 30%. They also come with very clever solar powered wireless controls for blinds and opening/closing. This makes them easy and clean to fit without the need for work from an electrician.

With very tough water restrictions in place around the country we are also seeing an increase in grey water usage. There are specific requirements on storage and usage, but done well, grey water collection and use can mean the difference between a usable, safe back garden and a dust bowl. Systems can be very simple and range up to very complex. You can just redirect, or you can store, or you can even treat. Find some good information on the NSW government website or here: http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/557324/recycling_grey_nsw_guidelines_for_greywater_reuse_in_sewered_single_household_residential_premises.pdf

We are just starting a new job in Glenorie this week. It’s a nice renovation and extension of a beautiful house on acres. Look out for a few posts over the coming months as it comes together.