DESIGN MASTERCLASS
Contemporary home design is not a fixed concept, but one that evolves according to trends, the way we live, the access we have to new products as well as the environment that surrounds us.
“A contemporary house in 2024 is a home that thinks about climate inside and out,” explains Ben Hawkins, architect at Granit Architecture + Interiors. “Whether it’s a new build or older building stock that has been altered, it’s very much driven by climate as well as the aesthetics of design.
“In this context it is not just changes in external but also internal climate with a stronger focus on naturally heated, ventilated and lit space. A passive (minimal active mechanical solutions) approach rather than active (bigger heating systems, air conditioning and so on) should form a cornerstone of contemporary design. And this comes with its own challenges.”
With the help of some top design experts, we explore the direction that contemporary house design is heading as we step into a new year, covering everything from the way houses are being constructed to design features that are becoming increasingly important to help modern life run a lot more smoothly.
WHAT DOES A CONTEMPORARY HOME LOOK LIKE?
The first thing that springs to mind for many people when they hear the term ‘contemporary home’ is a property that is very minimalist and sleek in its design, free from fussy details and with a limited palette of visible adornment — but this
