According to the recently published results of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Home Design Trends Survey for first quarter of 2009, new home design trends are leaning toward lower square footage, greater efficiency, & more livable outdoor space. The survey panel, made up of 500 architectural firms that concentrate their practices in the field of residential design, responded that renewed interest in lowering utility costs is one of the major reasons for the growing demand for smaller sized homes in recent years. This emphasis on energy efficiency has resulted in diminished interest in two-story living areas & foyers, and in greater interest in lower ceiling, and in livable outdoor spaces.
According to AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, “The era of the ‘McMansion’ could well be over as home sizes have been trending downward, with significantly higher numbers of architects reporting demand for smaller homes this year. And as the housing boom has passed, there seems to be renewed interest in making homes more livable. Adding decks, porches, and patios are all part of the outdoor living enhancement trend.”
Since our founding nearly 17 years ago, Cambridge Homes has specialized in creating smaller homes with fewer, yet larger, rooms with high levels of custom finish, and outdoor living spaces that are big on enjoyment and small on maintenance requirements. Based upon input from our homeowners, we have honed our craft in eliminating wasted space, and concentrated instead on designing airy and flexible living spaces that our clients can live in happily and comfortably for years to come.