Living For Tomorrow

Tomorrow Living for

Australia’s property market is booming despite the pandemic, with new highs expected when borders open. Property developers are building for the future by designing properties to feel like home, meeting the needs of all prospective homeowners and renters.

JULIANNE PARKINSON CEO, Global Centre for Modern Ageing (GCMA) uilding homes of the future requires clear consideration, as developers look to provide houses that suit their occupants for years to come. While livability has always been a factor when building homes, advancements in technology and innovative design ensure that homes are “designed for all of life.”

Commercial and General (C&G) consulted the Global Centre for Modern Ageing (GCMA) for their landmark apartment and retail project in North Adelaide.

The project recently secured planning consent from the State Commission Assessment Panel. Construction of the main development will commence in Q2 2022, with completion currently scheduled for Q4 2024.

The GCMA’s consultation centred around C&G’s expectations that many purchasers for these state-of-the-art apartments will be for people of all ages. They wanted to ensure the apartments would be suited to these occupants and their families for years to come.

Julianne Parkinson, the CEO of GCMA, noted that homes of the future need to consider the

reality of our ageing population.

“The opportunities inherent in this are enormous: from structural and material considerations to energy and smart technologies.”

There is a growing market for innovation in future housing and ageing in the ‘right’ place is an important aspect of this approach.

“As our needs change, so should our housing. Therefore, designing flexibility and permeability into future homes is critical.”

For instance, the granny flat has disappeared in recent years, taken over by onsite, independent short-term rental accommodation development.

“Strategically building homes of the future is one of the most exciting opportunities in the marketplace.

“We all need to live somewhere, so we are all invested in the well-considered design of future homes.”

In endeavours to understand how to enhance livability, GCMA has been exploring technology.

“For example, could security be a mix of a technical and community solution?

“Technological enhancement within public spaces could ensure that residents felt safe as they made their way through the building.”

As innovative progression is showing, safety does not need to compromise on looks.

“Safety and aesthetics are critical in homes for older residents.

“Materials need to be chosen for their durability and safety. Glossy flooring that becomes slippery when wet can become a hazard, so can uneven or unexpected level changes.”

Parkinson also described lighting as critical.

“High-quality lighting that encourages residents away from public spaces that could be hazardous offers both an aesthetic and safe outcome

“Ideally, one is not compromised for the other.”

Parkinson believes brand recognition is going to become more prevalent for the upcoming generations.

“Baby boomers and generations after them are very brand conscious - particularly of their brand.

“This increases the opportunities for well-designed housing that incorporates technological, material and structural components that encourage connections between the lives we live today and the lives we live tomorrow.”