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Not a Lot of Lot Left
Several of the panelists noted that lot sizes continued to get smaller on projects in which they were involved. Katherine Austin, AIA, an architect from the Northern California enclave of Sebastopol, noted that nearly all of her projects were town houses or mixed use. Co-panelist Mark Scheurer, AIA, Principal/President of Newport Beach, California-based Scheurer Architects, Inc. concurred. After describing a 2,000-plus square foot home on a 40 x 80 foot parcel in San Diego ("a big lot" for California, he says), Scheurer advised builders to get comfortable working on such small lots "because it's coming your way, if it hasn't come already." The designer added that higher land costs are driving builders and buyers to take a second look at "overlooked or passed-by sites" and figure out how to make them work.

Strange lot sizes and odd locations, in fact, are contributing to another trend in residential design: a surge in factory-built, or modular, homes. Scheurer says a number of builder/architects are now offering the service "where you can order your house on the internet," selecting modules and bedrooms, which are then trucked out and delivered to the site. "It’s a way to get decent architecture into weird locations," he says, with the added benefit of eliminating waste and improving jobsite safety since most of the work is done under controlled conditions. It can also help affordability, Scheurer says.

The Home Itself
The architects pointed out several examples of excellent regional architecture that are "respectful of the existing context," and very modern at the same time, says Austin. One of her favorite projects in Northern California, for instance, draws on the New England-influenced architecture brought to the area by Boston traders. She uses James Hardie siding products, which she praised as "a good, long-lasting material" that is sustainable.

Green building and energy-efficient homes are buyer priorities, the designers say. Austin spoke about the new LEED Homes program, which will introduce a standardized "green" ratings system to the residential market, much like the program for commercial buildings.

Trends happening in the home include the continued emphasis on indoor/outdoor interconnectedness, according to the panelists. Scheurer described one project where the indoor rooms were situated adjacent to an exterior courtyard or porch—or conversely, how a stone accent exterior was brought inside to gallery spaces of the home.

Another trend singled out during the seminar was the "Do All" room. Barry L. Glantz, AIA, president of Glantz & Associates Architects Inc., in St. Louis, Missouri says the room, situated between the kichen and dining room is intended to be the "control center for the house," with an office and lots of counter space. It doubles as a butler's pantry, a hobby room or just as an extension to the laundry room.

Dual master bedrooms are becoming very prominent, the panel members reported. The concept appeals to many markets, including fast-growing segments of retirees and same-sex couples who value their own spaces. Dual masters are sought after by couples who enjoy entertaining, and want guests to experience a resort-like visit.

The Lifestyle
Resort-like living, in fact, is becoming another trend among active baby boomers. Architect Scheurer has noticed an uptick in the "residential project that lives like a hotel," complete with room service, a full concierge—and typically a bustling hotel literally next door. He related how one 98-unit project in Maui (on a overlooked site, no less) sold out in two days, and "they had to close the sales office the first day so they could have time to raise the prices," he said in amazement.

Urban revitalization and New Urbanism is cementing its appeal in many areas. Co-panelist Glantz commented that New Urbanist communities, with their "very high quality building materials" and "easy access to the necessities of life" continue to do well in many parts of the country.

The architects urged attendees not to "be the same as the big boys" in the words of Mark Scheurer, doing "10,000 homes of the same thing." Rather, he encouraged them to use those smaller lots passed over by giant builders, and differentiate through "great streets" and unique and playful elements: fun bathrooms, angled walls, light-filled spaces, cool windows, gorgeous exteriors and other memory points that draw in buyers. "Now is not the time to go back to basics," he said.

James Hardie can help.