by Jonathan McGaha | December 7, 2011 12:00 am
In recent years, there has been a definitive shift away from large residential subdivisions towards smaller scale infill development projects with a greater emphasis on affordability, access to public transportation, commercial opportunities and job centers. Amid continued concerns about over housing affordability, home styles have become simpler with low maintenance, durable building materials.
Residential architecture firms continue to report weak business conditions, with remodeling activity one of the few bright lights for residential design activity. These findings are from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey[1] for the third quarter of 2011 that focused on community and neighborhood design.
AIA Home Design Trends Survey highlights
|
Community design elements |
2011 |
2010 |
|
Infill development |
65% |
65% |
|
Access to public transportation |
47% |
58% |
|
Multi-generational housing |
44% |
53% |
|
Higher density development |
38% |
39% |
|
Traditional neighborhood design |
47% |
41% |
|
Mixed-use developments |
37% |
53% |
|
Access to commercial facilities |
36% |
37% |
|
Popular Home Exteriors Features |
2011 |
2010 |
|
Durable exterior materials |
68% |
75% |
|
Front porches |
40% |
57% |
|
Simple exterior details |
28% |
16% |
|
Single story home |
24% |
26% |
|
Sustainable roofing |
23% |
52% |
|
Solar reflective roofs |
21% |
39% |
|
Tubular skylights |
15% |
30% |
|
Contemporary design |
10% |
11% |
(% respond. report. popularity of feature “increasing” minus % report. “decreasing”; Q3)
Housing market business conditions
The residential market continues to struggle. The national home design billings index was 45 for the third quarter of 2011 (any score below 50 indicates a decline in activity), down from the previous quarter’s mark of 50, although scores are not adjusted for seasonal variation. Inquiries for new projects were 52, dropping slightly compared to the score of 54 in the second quarter of the year.
|
Specific construction segments |
2011 |
2010 |
|
Kitchen and bath remodeling |
37% |
43% |
|
Additions / alterations |
35% |
42% |
|
First-time buyer / affordable home market |
-37% |
-35% |
|
Move-up home market |
-36% |
-34% |
|
Townhouse / condo market |
-35% |
-39% |
|
Custom / luxury home market |
-27% |
-43% |
|
Second / vacation home |
-61% |
-65% |
(% of respondents reporting sector “improving” minus % reporting “weakening”; Q3)
Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/news/industry-news/continued-demand-for-homes-in-infill-development-projects-with-established-infrastructure/
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