Homes of the future

The new build home of 2016 may have been produced in a factory on a production line. Accurately machined pre-fabricated panels will be transported to site and assembled in situ, with plumbing, heating, ventilation and electrical systems already installed.

The house will make best possible use of available light not only to illuminate the interior but also charge the solar panels and roof-mounted solar water heater. A small bio-mass boiler provides the balance of the heating and hot water demand, and what little additional power is required comes from a small community power plant, running on waste and bio-mass.

Key elements of the home of the future

• Materials from sustainable sources will minimise the carbon footprint
• Triple glazing, multi-layer laminate roof insulation and cavity walls filled with recycled wool or paper will cut heat loss
• Smart metering will not only show the occupants how much power is being used, it will also help regulate temperature and turn off unused lights
• Toilets will be flushed with rainwater, which is also used to water the house’s vegetable patch
• The house will be located on a larger estate in close proximity to shops, schools and public transport links, thereby prioritising walking and cycling over use of a car for local journeys.