Homes of the future: our ten predictions for 2050

01-03-08, UpMyStreet ©

Integrated work stations, flat-pack foundations, moveable walls, micro-energy generation, soundwave showers, robotic domestic help: will these all be in a home near you by 2050?

By analysing the projected impact of environmental, social and demographic changes - and getting some insight from the experts - we've highlighted the likely trends that will shape the homes and housebuilding of the future. Let us know if you agree with our futuristic portents...

1. DIY homes

Pre-built properties may make a comeback in order to support an increased demand for homes and tougher government targets, cutting average build times from 40 weeks to 16 weeks.

Housebuilding has already entered the flatpack age with Ikea's DIY 'BoKlok' homes, soon to be rolled out UK-wide. Think modern and stylish rather than post-war prefabs, though. According to Ikea: "The BoKlok properties have a flexible open-plan layout, with high ceilings and large windows, which give them a light, airy and contemporary feel."

2. Eco-homes

Gordon Brown has pledged to build three million new homes by 2020, and to make all new housing carbon-neutral within the next 10 years. This, according to Nigel Smith of Redrow Homes, "is one of the biggest issues facing housebuilders today". From sourcing sustainable materials for housebuilding to eco-friendly features such as loft insulation and double glazing as standard, homes by 2050 will be far greener. Expect to see roof gardens, solar energy panels to heat homes and waste water recycling facilities.

Eco-towns, fully sustainable and environmentally friendly communities, may also become more commonplace - 100,000 new, green homes have already been planned across five sites.

3. Fewer square feet

According to government projections, the population could rise to 77 million by 2050 - pushing the demand for housing and space to ever greater proportions. This will undoubtedly mean smaller homes, less square feet per person, and fewer homes available with gardens.

With room at a premium, our homes will be full of space-saving devices to optimise what we have. Folding beds, tables and chairs, window boxes rather than gardens, wall-mounted electricals and clever storage units will be the norm.

4. Grey power

With life expectancy rising, an ageing population will make it more important for home designs to accommodate an older generation of homeowners. According to housing minister Caroline Flint: "The vast majority of people want to stay independent in a suitable home as they get older. We have a responsibility to support that desire by increasing housing choices."

This means homes in 2050 could include wider stairs for stairlifts, downstairs bathrooms, ramps and other age-friendly features as standard.

5. Water-saving devices

The growing problem of summer droughts could make water-saving features in the home vital in 2050. These could include:

• Water restrictions to limit the amount of water used a day
  
• Waste water recycling systems to clean used water
• Rainwater harvesting systems in homes to capture and use rainwater
  

Scientists are also working on the idea of harnessing soundwave technology to replace water in cleaning - watch this space for soundwave washing machines, hosepipes and showers.

› Next: more predictions for homes in the future

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