So, you’ve been approved by the bank for a loan, settled on the perfect block of land and are ready to start building your modern design home. While you’d be forgiven for thinking the hard work is done, the truth is you’re just getting started on the home-building journey. Building your first home is a dream for many Australians, but finding the right design for your family can be a tricky endeavour, particularly for those without extensive knowledge of architecture or design.
Read on to learn what to consider when you’re looking for a modern home design to make sure the final product is aesthetically pleasing, functional, high quality and sticks to the budget.
Understanding Modern Design Homes
Modern home design gained increasing popularity from the 1920s to the mid-1960s, and the style continues to evolve to meet the needs of contemporary living. However, there are characteristics of modern homes that remain integral to the style as it first existed. Modern design homes are defined by their minimalist aesthetic, open spaces, integration, and connection with nature, combining comfort and functionality.
Here are some of the architectural features that define modern homes:
- Modern homes tend to feature clean, straight lines free from ornamentation to create a timeless appeal. This preference for straight lines lends itself to the use of shapes like rectangles and squares throughout the design.
- An open floor plan that seamlessly connects the living room, dining room and kitchen is a hallmark of modern design, creating a feeling of spaciousness and fluid movement and is ideal for growing families.
- Flat, low-pitched and gently sloping roofs are a staple of modern house designs, adding to a sleek and streamlined exterior.
- Modern houses are usually designed to highlight outdoor spaces and often include floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise natural light. The surrounding environment is also incorporated into the design, with indoor-outdoor living spaces and sliding glass regularly appearing.
- Modern design benefits from a ‘less is more aesthetic’, featuring a neutral colour palette, open, clutter-free spaces, and functional furnishings. This is often offset by an interior design that champions bright, bold art, the strategic placement of wood and stone details and the addition of high-end smart home technologies.
6 Key Factors to Consider
Building your first home is an exciting time, but there is also a lot of pressure to get things right. Everything from the layout to the architectural features to the choice of materials and finishes contributes to planning, designing, and building a home that will be perfect for you and your family.
1. Location and Environment
Location, location, location! It’s a real estate catchphrase for good reason. The right location should suit your lifestyle and complement the simplicity of modern design. Consider the neighbourhood and whether a modern house will fit with the surroundings.
A well-chosen home orientation will help highlight design elements such as natural light and optimise energy efficiency through the passive solar elements. You should also look to position the home away from hazards to ensure optimal site conditions and access once the building commences. While it can be tempting to rush into a land purchase, doing your research will make sure you get the right property for your home.
2. Architectural Features
When building a modern home, you’ll want to include some of the key architectural features that define the design aesthetic. An open floor plan, large windows, and outdoor spaces all converge to create the sleek and spacious effect modern architecture has become known for. Modern materials for the interior and facade should be considered, including reinforced and polished concrete glass and steel, with the addition of different textures through features made from natural materials such as wood.
3. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Sustainability has become an integral part of modern home design as home builders, architects and construction companies all look to lower their environmental impact. Incorporating energy-efficient appliances and solar panels and utilising sustainable materials such as recycled wood and bamboo help to reduce environmental harm while offering long-term savings.
In addition to these features, integrating the principles of passive solar and natural ventilation is a popular choice in modern house design. Passive solar design maximises the use of natural sunlight for lighting and heating, reducing the need for artificial energy sources. Passive solar design makes for light-filled open spaces that leverages concrete and stone to store heat from the sun.
4. Customisation and Flexibility
One of the great aspects of modern home designs is their ability to adapt to a household’s changing needs. Perhaps you want a home office that doubles as a guest bedroom or a garage with hidden storage space. Options such as adjustable layout, smart home tech additions, and multipurpose spaces allow for personalisation and ensure your space never goes out of style.
5. Resale Value
While building your dream home, it is easy to overlook future resale value, but it is important to consider this when selecting the layout, finishes, and outdoor spaces. Homes with energy-efficient features, ample storage solutions, and thoughtful layouts not only provide comfort and functionality but also tend to have better long-term investment potential.
6. Budget Considerations for a Modern Design Home
It’s no secret that without effective financial management and clear communication with your builder, the costs of building a house can quickly blow out, putting home builders under extreme stress and pressure. Effective budgeting for your dream home build includes cost forecasting, being prepared to make compromises on fixtures and finishes and leaving room for unforeseen expenses. Builders are subject to price increases as the build progresses and are unlikely to negotiate on price.
For an alternative that avoids this money trap, you can opt for a fixed price tender guarantee build, with no hidden cost surprises along the way.
The Final Piece of the Puzzle
Once you’ve chosen your location and have a vision of your floor plan and materials, the picture of your modern home starts to take shape. The final and most crucial part of the puzzle is assembling the right team to bring your dream to life. Choosing an experienced home design company can make all the difference when it comes to navigating the complexities of building a modern home.
At Vision Homes, we pride ourselves on providing expertise and guidance through every step of the building process, ensuring your new home aligns perfectly with your vision.
Ready to start your journey toward the perfect modern home? Explore your design options, or contact us today for expert assistance.