You may have noticed the increased prices in renting a property and the d
ifficulty of obtaining a mortgage for first time buyers. And since getting on the property ladder is becoming an increasingly difficult task there is a rising level of “inter-generational” living.
What is “inter-generational” living we hear you say? It is simply the case whereby parents, children and grandchildren are living under one roof; a trend which continues to rise as youngsters can’t afford moving out costs.
Therefore architects across the globe are getting creative and finding a solution to the problem in the form of moveable walls and adaptable interiors.
Innovative Schemes
Flexible design ideas, which include moveable walls and interiors that can be simply reconfigured, are beginning to make a big impact in London. With city populations rising and what appears to be smaller and smaller apartments on the market architects recognised a problem and produced a clever solution.
In recent years homes interiors have moved away from the rigidity of designated rooms for sleeping, eating, or relaxing and instead opted for informal, light-filled and open-plan ground floors where the main living areas flow into one and connect with an outdoor space such as a garden or terrace.
Woodview Mews in London’s Crystal Palace is just one in a long line of innovative home schemes battling tougher building regulations and changing lifestyles. Forced to think more creatively about how they can use space, architects Geraghty Taylor and developer Guildhouse pioneered a design concept they call LivinHome. LivinHome allows large family homes to be transformed with minimum intervention into two smaller family homes or even 3 independent flats. With moveable walls and adaptable features the options for family homes of the future really are endless; whether you decide to use the two separate areas for yourselves and your slightly-too-old-to-be-living-at-home children or rent one out when they eventually go.
And this isn’t the only project of its kind. Check out Argyll Place in North Kensington; modern townhouses with flexible room designs situated over 5 levels, 3 entrances and a self-contained basement to form a separate living area. The only stipulation for these Kensington properties, you’ll need a minimum of £3,555,000.
What About Folding Furniture and Disappearing Rooms?
Not only can we make use of small spaces with moveable walls but fold away furniture and kitchens that disappear too! Take a look at the home of Yo! Sushi founder Simon Woodroffe. This Japanese inspired Yo! Home was once a small one-bedroom London flat Woodroffe transformed into a 4 bed spacious home.
Utilising technologies often reserved for cars and super-yachts you’ll find everything at the touch of a bottom in this futuristic and dynamic living space. As you can see a large bed suspends above the living area hidden in the ceiling, a dining area opens up like a trap door from the kitchen floor, walls panels fold away to reveal all your essential kitchen appliances. Surprisingly the apartment also features two cinemas, a bathroom, built-in wine cellar, and even a hot tub!
The Future of Living
Looks like the future of comfortable living, especially in cities, is in the hands of moveable walls. We knew this already and are happy to give you a helping hand with choosing and installing the latest home design must have, just give us a call on 01373 454577. Alternatively take a look at our website for our full range of operable walls or our blog for a wealth of information and advice.
