The built environment both reflects and shapes societies, and architects need to stay abreast of an ever-changing landscape of lifestyle preferences and technological developments. Here are three key trends London Richmond has identified in contemporary architecture that are helping to transform the residential spaces of our properties and the lives of the people that live in them.
Image: Rooftop Garden in Notting hill designed by Barlow & Barlow – Jonathan Bond
Image: House & Garden - Home Offices – Dean Hearne
Multifunctionality
Since the Covid pandemic, we have rethought how people use and think about their homes. Now that the ‘race for space’, which saw buyers temporarily shift their attentions to rural and coastal destinations, is over and there is a renewed eagerness for city living, we need to be aware of maximising the space within our properties. Creating multifunctional homes in London, where square footage comes at a premium, requires ingenuity and innovation. Dual purpose workspaces that also function as additional sleeping areas, sliding partition walls that create a flexible series of rooms within an open-plan space, built-in storage and seating and adjustable lighting systems that allow you to change the mood and atmosphere of a room with the flick of a switch are all techniques we employ to improve functionality within our properties.
Sustainability
In light of concerns about climate change and a volatile energy market, there is now a huge emphasis at London Richmond to ensure our property renovations are as sustainable as possible. Measures we employ to reduce our carbon footprint include reusing materials wherever possible and focusing on preserving and renovating period buildings rather than building anything from scratch. Reducing the carbon footprint (and operational costs) of our refurbishments involves maximising the use of energy-efficient technologies, from passive design techniques like orientation and natural ventilation to advanced systems like solar panels and smart building automation.
London Richmond’s investment portfolio is focused on period properties, not just for their superior build quality and enduring appeal to buyers and renters but because we believe it’s the right choice to conserve London’s historic housing stock. We include energy-efficient choices like double glazing and additional insulation in all our refurbishments to ensure our properties are sustainable and cost-effective to run going forward.
Image: PEEK Architecture + Design
House & Garden: What is biophilic design and why does it matter – Michael Sinclair
Biophilic design
‘Biophilia’ is the theory that human beings have an innate tendency to seek out relationships with the natural world. London Richmond believes that using designs inspired by nature and improving connections between the inside and outside of properties can reduce stress, enhance creativity and cognitive ability and generally improve well being. We always attempt to maximise the natural light within a property and improve the views and access to garden areas. Outdoor spaces like gardens and roof terraces are very important to buyers and tenants in London – recent research has shown they are often undervalued by estate agents and are in fact a dealbreaker for many would-be homeowners. For this reason we always look to add roof terraces and balcony’s wherever possible, so our tenants can enjoy some of the best properties in London.
