Roof top community spaces like this one by the Mission Group are becoming common in large and small developments. Photo: Bernard Block
HOT NEW HOME FEATURES FOR 2020 From green features and smart homes, to building a stronger community, here are some of the hottest building trends for 2020. By Kate Robertson
With climate change the hot topic of today, it should come as no surprise that green features are at the top of the list of what new home buyers are looking for in 2020. Developers are committed to sustainable development and architecture to minimize environmental destruction and fight against climate change.
“When purchasing a home in a condo building, it can be hard to imagine how you may get to know your neighbours, so common spaces are ideal for residents to gather.” “We have seen a trend towards earth-friendly features,” says Jane Hoffman, president and realtor at Coldwell Banker Jane Hoffman Realty in Kelowna. “Many condo developments are including things like electric car plug-ins, car-share program [parking] and green space for community gardens.” Green features are a sign of how the real estate industry has reacted to a global concern. “It’s amazing 56
Right Sizing
Spring 2020
to see how our development community has taken these green initiatives from a ‘trend’ to being a normal expectation from buyers,” she says. Hoffman notes that new single-family homes are being designed to have a smaller footprint, while remaining flexible to adapt to different family needs. “We are seeing a new approach to ‘open concept,’ with spaces being segmented through the use of glass, with sunken rooms or varying ceiling heights, to create the feel of separate living spaces,” advises Hoffman. Buyers are becoming increasingly conscious of how a space will function for their families, moreso than square footage or room size. “Multi-family developments are also utilizing smaller footprints, but including larger outdoor spaces, such as rooftop patios,” she says.
Things in Common One company incorporating some of these trends is Mission Group, an Okanagan Valley real estate and development company. “High-quality common spaces in the new Bernard Block development
