The home of the future

As we celebrate 50 years, we’ve been looking back at how things have changed since the first Mitre 10 store opened in 1974. It’s a very different world now, and that made us wonder, how different will things be in another 50 years? What kind of homes will Kiwi live in? What will our communities be like? By starting at the cutting edge of home design as it stands today, we’re imagining what the home will look like in 2074.

Sustainable design

Sustainable design in the home of the future will prioritise environmental responsibility by using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and renewable energy sources. This could include things that exist today such as solar panels and batteries, rainwater harvesting systems, passive heating and cooling techniques, and green roofs. As time goes on and more recycled and carbon neutral building materials become commonplace and affordable, it’s likely these will be incorporated into new builds until it becomes standard.

Smart technology integration

Future homes will be equipped with advanced smart home systems that seamlessly integrate technology into every aspect of daily life. These systems will enable automation, control, and monitoring of various home functions such as lighting, heating, security, appliances, and entertainment devices through voice commands, smartphones, or AI assistants. This technology in conjunction with the aforementioned solar power and batteries will help us manage the clean energy we generate more efficiently. Artificial intelligence may come into play as well, with machine learning algorithms picking up on your preferences and habits to optimise energy use.

Flexible and adaptable spaces

The home of the future will feature flexible and adaptable layouts that can easily accommodate changing needs and lifestyles. Modular design elements, movable walls, and convertible furniture will allow residents to reconfigure their living spaces for different activities and to accommodate growing or changing families. This adaptability will provide versatility, efficiency, and longevity to the home, ensuring that it remains functional and relevant over time, no matter what life throws at you.

Incorporating elements of nature

Called “biophilic design principles”, the incorporation of nature into the home of the future will help you to foster connections with nature, promoting health and well-being. Whether it’s using natural materials, textures, colours, and patterns in interior design, or leaning into indoor gardens and living walls, bringing these elements of the outdoors inside will create calming and rejuvenating environments that support mental and physical health.

Connectivity and virtual experiences

Future homes will be seamlessly connected to the digital world, offering immersive virtual experiences and connectivity to virtual reality and augmented reality platforms. Virtual travel, entertainment, education, and social interactions will be readily accessible from the comfort of home, blurring the boundaries between physical and digital realities. High-speed internet and advanced telecommunications infrastructure will ensure reliable connectivity and enable new possibilities for remote work, learning, and entertainment.

Community-oriented design

The home of the future will be part of larger sustainable and interconnected communities designed to foster social interaction, collaboration, and collective well-being. Shared spaces, amenities, and resources such as community gardens, co-working spaces, and recreational facilities will encourage neighbourly interactions and create a sense of belonging and connectedness. Sustainable transportation options, pedestrian-friendly streets, and mixed-use development will create vibrant and livable neighbourhoods where residents can live, work, and play in harmony with one another and the environment.

It’s interesting that so much of the future home is built around concepts that exist or are emerging today, but who’s to say what exciting new technology will come along in the meantime. While we don’t know what the future holds exactly, we’re looking forward to playing a part in making the home, community, and nation of tomorrow a place we can all love and celebrate.