Architectural design trends 2021

hackrea - November 11, 2020 - 0 comments - views 1,383 - 3 likes

A lot has already been said about interior design trends for 2021. Now is the time to talk about the architectural trends that will define our houses and apartments’ look and layout soon. Today, when the harmony of external and internal is important everywhere, and in everything, it is imperative to find a solution for the exterior and your home architecture that fully corresponds to your mood and current trends among architects – especially since it is from them that you can get a lot of extraordinary ideas.

Like 2020, 2021 focuses on new and emerging technologies, durable architectural elements, and conscious consumption. It should also be noted that architecture today is a kind of reflection of social trends. Therefore the use of recycled materials, alternative energy sources, and utmost care for the environment will again come to the fore. But first things first: we present to you seven architectural trends, which we will get to know even closer in the coming season.

The magic of industrial style

The industrial style in architecture originated in the 40s of the last century among American metropolises, in which abandoned and deserted industrial buildings were increasingly given away for rental housing. At first, living in such buildings seemed like something overwhelming and extreme. Still, over time, the bohemia of New York found in them unconditional advantages – such as substantial open spaces, excellent natural light, and high ceilings. Gradually, such housing became incredibly fashionable – and its features formed a separate direction in construction.

Today’s industrial style is more flexible and intimate, and therefore easily adaptable to private houses of any size. Modern trends towards laconicism and environmental friendliness have allowed such residential buildings to be among the most popular – all the more so their features are very recognizable:

clear, sharp lines and angular shapes, perfect symmetry and flat roof;
expansive panoramic windows – possibly with lattice glazing;
external architectural elements – balconies, terraces, lounge areas, garages;
maximum open communication systems;
natural, slightly rough materials for facade decoration – brick, concrete, glass, metal, wood, stone.

Minimalism to the next level

Refusal of excesses, pretentiousness, excessive piling up of elements – in the light of such trends, it is quite logical to pay close attention to minimalist architecture. The direction itself was actively developing back in the 50-60s of the last century. Still, in 2020-2021 it entered a new round of popularity due to its characteristic features, consonant with the widespread desire for functionality and harmony:

strict, predominantly cubic shapes – from cubes and parallelepipeds to multilevel modular structures;
open terraces and verandas around the building;
low foundation, monochrome plinth trim;
materials for exterior decoration – concrete, stone, metal, glass, ceramic tiles, composite panels;
panoramic windows without bars, stained-glass windows and platbands, glass partitions and walls;
light neutral tones and shades close to natural – white, beige, gray, golden brown, natural green.

Eco-style and green solutions

Over the past few years, architects have been actively working to implement the idea of being as close to nature as possible. So in 2020-2021, a true symbiosis of natural solutions’ active use and a conscientious attitude to the environment was formed. In the architecture of new buildings, this appeared as follows:

active development of facade greening technologies using residential plants both in the vertical and horizontal planes;
the use of recycled and natural materials in decoration and construction;
transfer of production to more environmentally friendly technologies, raw materials, and equipment.

Reconstruction and restoration of old buildings

This trend cannot be called revolutionary since it has been actively developing over the past decade. And yet, the architects promise to pay maximum attention to reconstruction in 2021. The restoration of old and abandoned residential and industrial buildings allows us to solve several incredibly urgent problems in the modern world:

a decrease in the rate of overdevelopment of residential areas;
preservation of the cultural value and architectural code of the city;
reduction in the level of environmental pollution due to the more significant ecological efficiency of reconstruction compared to construction from the zero cycle.

Also, experts have repeatedly noted the reliability and interesting and convenient layouts of buildings of the past decades and even centuries. Their restoration makes it possible to provide many not only with beautiful but also truly durable housing.

Smart home technologies

In the era of functionality and concern for nature, the “smart home” systems come to the fore. Highly intelligent devices provide high-quality ventilation, comfortable control of lighting and household appliances, and, of course, maximum safety, creating a cozy and high-tech oasis for homeowners. However, another thing is also essential: such systems are incredibly efficient in regulating energy consumption, which is especially valuable for environmentally conscious people.

“Passive House”: energy-saving technologies as an architectural trend

If we talk about ultra-current trends in architecture, then passive houses or eco-houses will surely be at the top of the hit list. Such residential buildings aim to reduce energy consumption as much as possible, primarily by reducing the heat loss of the building. A similar effect can be achieved using the following techniques:

compactness and balance of external and internal proportions of the building;
effective and high-quality insulation;
elimination of cold bridges in units and materials;
carefully thought out planning and effective zoning.

In principle, an ideal eco-house does not require the cost of cooling and heating the air to a comfortable temperature – it is assumed that people and household appliances provide heat in it, and balanced architectural solutions provide cooling.

Outdoor direction: a special attention to open spaces

In 2021, the architects are proposing to ensure the most comfortable outdoor experience for themselves, and therefore such elements as verandas, balconies, terraces, and patios take on special significance. Today their design should be given as much attention as the interior. Moreover, it is necessary to ensure their functioning all year round. For this, carefully designed panoramic and partial glazing, sophisticated sun protection, and air conditioning, as well as materials with high climatic resistance, are used.

2021 architectural design trends: Conclusions + Photo gallery

For the next few years, the architectural design trends call not to isolate from nature – but to feel an unprecedented unity with the environment while not forgetting about your own comfort and inner harmony.