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Six Trends to Watch in Active Adult Homes

I have noticed six key trends in designing active adult homes and communities for the future. These include:

1.  Neighborhood-Like Environments Through Clustering

There’s a new trend in clustering homes to provide a more neighborhood-like environment, with more open space and security and a better-looking community where all the homes aren't lined up at the same density.

2.  Hidden Garages

A front-loading garage can be an eyesore. My advice: get the garage off the street. This isn’t always easy to do in some subdivisions, but the illustration below shows it can be done nicely. The garage is pulled 40 feet from the street. When people are driving through the neighborhood, the garage is concealed and the front of the house is what they see..

3.  Courtyards, Covered Entrances and Defined Foyers

Create courtyards for privacy and interest. A courtyard can be in the front or the rear. In the front, a courtyard can create a striking entry and evoke a sense of lifestyle. And lifestyle is what today’s active adult home buyers are looking for.

Cover front entries or create a front porch. Upon entering, a long, open view is essential. Around 80% of all home buyers have a positive or negative reaction within five seconds of entering a home.

The foyer should be defined with an oval shape or with columns or other ceiling treatments such as a tray ceiling with crown molding. Long, open views are necessary to create a better impression and make the home appear bigger.

4.  Tech Centers in Small Space Near Family Room

We call tech centers “brain spaces.” In the past, a den or extra bedroom was used, but today’s small computers, printers, fax machines and storage can be accommodated by a small space near the family living area rather than having to use an entire room.

5.  More Storage and Flexibility in the Kitchen

The kitchens of tomorrow will have flexible islands that can even be moveable when they're placed on rollers. Breakfast nooks will be standard. A large pantry is necessary for storing extra supplies.

A butler’s pantry will become more common between the kitchen and eating area, allowing residents to serve coffee, wine or dessert.

6.  Flex Spaces: Because Buyers Want to Customize Their Homes

A flex space is a standard modification to the floor plan that can be chosen by active adult home buyers if they want to customize their new home. A flex space can become a separate garage, an extra bedroom or a den. Many home builders say to their customers, “Take it this way with no changes,” but with active adult home buyers, that’s a huge mistake. They will want to make changes and buy into homes and communities that offer them flexibility.

Today’s active adult home buyers recognize quality design. A few changes here and there can make a lasting impression with them.

Renderings provided by Quincy Johnson Architects.

Quincy R. Johnson III, AIA, MIRM, NCARB, is the principal of Boca Raton, FL-based Quincy Johnson Architects. Johnson has more than 30 years of experience in the field of architecture. An award-winning designer and futurist, he is an expert in predicting trends and has judged various design awards competitions. He is an active member in the NAHB Seniors Housing Council and has spoken at Building for Boomers & Beyond: Seniors Housing Symposium. He can be reached by e-mail or 561-997-9997.

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