Homes of the future: our ten predictions for 2050

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6. Extra weather protection

Floods, earthquakes, storms and heatwaves have been some of the more severe weather conditions making the headlines over the past couple of years - but scientists predict that by 2050, climate change could make the UK's weather patterns even more extreme. Homes and communities alike will have to cope with this shift. Here are a few measures we might see:

• Homes on stilts in flood plain areas
• More air conditioning
• Better insulation
• Storm shutters for doors and windows
• Flood barriers and other anti-flood measures

7. 'The New Suburb'

Homes in the future may sit within smaller suburban communities. Sean Griffiths, of Buildingfutures.org.uk, pictures a more localised way of life ahead:

"So-called suburban centres have no need to relate to a larger centre at all. The increased tendency to work from home, for people to grow their own food and even keep animals in their suburban gardens, has reduced the need for a relationship with the city. People living in the suburbs can find most of what they need within walking distance."

8. Robots and artificial intelligence

It might sound like something out of a science fiction film, but robots and artificial intelligence may well play a part in our homes by 2050. This could include semi-intelligent appliances that re-order shopping and supplies online, and household machines that assist with cleaning, simple DIY and home maintenance.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, sales of all types of domestic robots - to assist with cleaning and other household tasks - could reach nearly 5 million by 2010 alone.

9. Moveable walls

With space at a premium, our homes will need to become increasingly flexible and multi-functional. Moveable walls - the next generation of open plan living - change the function of a room by making it smaller, bigger, or a completely different shape according to your requirements.

10. Micro-energy generation

There's already an increased emphasis on homeowners making their properties more energy efficient - and by 2050, that will extend to homes generating energy of their own.

Solar panels, wind turbines, combined heat and power systems and small-scale hydro-electric systems will be used to partially power new homes, and more affordable systems to plug in to existing properties will also be available.

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