Current Trends in Melbourne’s Residential Architecture
Melbourne has a rich architectural history, well-known for incorporating and adapting design elements from places in other towns and countries to suit its unique landscape, particularly when it comes to residential home design.
At JDA Lammin Architects, we prioritise designing and delivering a bespoke home that matches the vision you have while incorporating modern design elements so the end result will be a beautiful home that functions flawlessly and has an architectural design that will stand the test of time.
Australian contemporary home design favours open-plan living, with a focus on shared spaces for families to utilise in everyday life. These spaces are often complemented by outdoor living areas, with alfrescos and outdoor rooms increasing in popularity as families spend more time at home than in previous years. Having more shared spaces has lead to a rise in the popularity of minimalist design that has a distinct style suited to Melbourne residential architecture. Light, bright spaces with a hint of coastal design is prevalent among many new home builds and home extensions, with sustainable elements key in creating modern home designs with eco-friendly practices.
Smart home features are also predicted to have more of an influence on architectural design in 2024 with in-built technological aspects benefiting the energy efficiency of contemporary home design. Lighting, sound and surveillance systems can be operated remotely by home owners, and heating and cooling systems as well as window shades can be adjusted throughout the day from homeowners’ smart phones to climate control their dwellings, maximising design elements that heat and cool the home naturally.
Case study: Black Rock New Home
Recently we worked with clients in Black Rock to design a fully customised home, working collaboratively with a local builder to help them achieve their goals for the home. After spending time getting to know the clients, we began redesigning the plans they already had that didn’t quite give them what they wanted.
Elements that were a must-have for our clients included high ceilings in the kitchen and main living areas, so we designed a skillion roof to add volume and create a feeling of spaciousness inside. With a north-facing courtyard large sliding glass doors were vital in allowing plenty of light in so the area could be naturally heated as much as possible in winter. Timber cladding on the garage, exposed steel beams, and a concrete-look cladding modernised the coastal design in line with façade trends in their neighbourhood. The end result was a contemporary home design with spaces that flow naturally inside and a relaxed, beachside vibe.
Future Outlook of Melbourne’s Residential Architecture
Future trends in Melbourne residential architecture indicate a continued move towards a modernising of traditional coastal homes. This is especially prevalent in beachside neighbourhoods where Hamptons style homes are given an Australian twist to suit the environment and weather conditions. Modern façade details such as monochrome cladding, timber battens and clean lines are becoming highly favoured as homeowners look for designs that are aesthetically on-trend while also incorporating eco-friendly materials and technological integration inside and outside the home.
At JDA Lammin Architects, we expect to see a continued move by homeowners to include shared spaces for growing families, as people continue to spend more time at home throughout different phases of life. Large, light filled open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas with raked ceilings and plenty of glass windows and sliding doors that lead out to alfresco areas are an ingrained feature in contemporary home design that is set to continue in 2024. The inclusion of study nooks and work areas will be in demand, as workers prioritise flexible working arrangements that allow them to be home more. All of these thoughtful design elements lean heavily towards an emphasis by homeowners for work/life balance that will lead to innovative and considered home designs.
As Melbourne residential architecture evolves, and families want to spend time at home more than ever, contemporary home design will need to include interconnected and shared spaces. With cleverly defined zones within the home, and the use of smart technology, as well as a prioritising of eco-friendly materials, we’re looking forward to designing homes that cater to the changing needs of lifestyles, work environments, and family needs to create homes that match our clients’ vision for now and the future.
If you are ready to start your home design or renovation project and require advice from professional architects, the friendly team at JDA Lammin Architects can help. With a wealth of experience in delivering modern homes that include the latest trends in contemporary home design, chat with us today on 0439 991 887 or get in touch via our online contact form.