Top Trends in Luxury Home Building
As technology, cultural shifts, and personal preferences change the ways we live and work, luxury residences are keeping pace with first-class amenities and designs to meet the moment. Since the luxury home market provides inspiration for home building at every price point, this article explores fifteen key trends and enhancements upscale homeowners are incorporating into new construction and renovation projects.
The High-Tech Home
Enabling homeowners with the ultimate in convenience, security, and comfort, technology is an essential component of today’s luxury homes. These smart homes feature integrated home automation systems that allow homeowners to control multiple aspects of the living environment from a single interface.
Whether through a smartphone app that provides system access from anywhere in the world or by a voice-activated assistant that follows hands-free commands, homeowners are leveraging technology to improve their home’s functionality, livability, and efficiency.
Next-Level Energy Intelligence
A quantum leap beyond the basic programmable thermostat, today’s smart energy management systems monitor real-time energy use and make automatic adjustments based on a home’s occupancy and weather conditions. Some systems even incorporate machine learning that predict and adapt to homeowners' habits to streamline efficiency and comfort.
Comfort: The Timeless Trend
For the ultimate in comfort, luxury homes rely on the warmth and energy efficiency of in-floor heating systems. Ideal under stone, ceramic tile and other high-end floor coverings, radiant floor heat keeps residents and guests cozy and comfortable especially in colder months. To optimize the performance of in-floor heating systems, Maxxon® offers Gyp-Crete® Radiant underlayment. Specially formulated to withstand the demands of in-floor heating systems, as a tested and proven gypsum underlayment, Gyp-Crete Radiant creates a smooth, hard surface that ensures uniform radiant heat distribution. It flows smoothly over in-floor heating tubes and seals perimeter walls to eliminate baseboard drafts. Gyp-Crete Radiant also provides superior sound attenuation when used with MAXXON® Acousti-Mat® products and is available in more than 140 UL & ULC fire-resistance rated designs.
With the stability and compressive strength of Gyp-Crete Radiant for in-floor radiant heat systems, luxury home builders can confidently deliver on the most timeless trend of all: comfort.
Sci-Fi Style Security
To keep occupants and museum-caliber décor protected, modern security systems far surpass traditional alarm systems. From smart locks on timers, doorbell cameras with two-way communication, motion sensors that can distinguish between pets and intruders, and facial recognition technology that grants personalized access and restricts entry to private spaces like vaults and wine cellars, tech-enhanced security systems are elevating the definition of safe haven.
Earth-Loving Luxury
For eco-conscious luxury homeowners, living graciously and sustainably is a priority being incorporated into designs and building practices.
Superior Solar
Many luxury homes are now being built with pre-installed solar panels or with electrical and structural elements to accommodate future solar panels. Solar roof tiles that blend seamlessly with roofing materials are an upscale option for maintaining aesthetics while generating clean energy. Battery storage systems are also more common, providing homeowners with reserved energy during peak hours or power outages.
Building In Sustainability
To reduce transportation emissions and bolster local economies, the use of sustainable and locally sourced building materials is key in the luxury space. Reclaimed wood for flooring and accents and recycled glass countertops are top trends. Stone and sand from local quarries reduce the carbon footprint of both decorative and structural elements.
Smart Appliances
For homes more likely to display family photographs than a Sotheby’s winning bid, smart appliances and fixtures can provide a taste of attainable luxury. With concierge-level features including refrigerators that create shopping lists, smart ovens that cook perfect meals from scanned QR code instructions, sensor-driven faucets for touchless operation, and smartphone-controlled washers and dryers, high-tech appliances bring upscale amenities and conveniences to the mainstream.
Wise Water Use
Water conservation is also a priority, and many homes are integrating sophisticated rainwater systems, greywater recycling, and smart irrigation systems that adjust watering schedules based on weather forecasts and soil moisture levels. Living walls and green roofs are showstopping ways to visual interest, provide insulation, and help manage stormwater runoff.
EV Envy
With the rise of electric vehicles, many luxury homes feature EV charging stations in the garage. When linked with the home's energy management system, these EV stations can align with the charging times based on electricity rates and solar production.
Wellness Upgrades
The global pandemic dramatically heightened a commitment to health, well-being, and the home wellness trend. Appointed with top-tier fitness equipment, impact-absorbing flooring, and high-end sound systems, today’s luxury homes feature thoughtfully designed fitness spaces that rival high-end health clubs.
Sanctuary Spaces
For soothing the mind, body, and spirit, luxury homes are also including meditation and massage rooms. Designed to convey an oasis of calm, these dedicated, personal sanctuaries beckon homeowners to restore a well-being through relaxation and reflection.
Breathing Easier
The pursuit of wellness extends beyond dedicated spaces with sophisticated air purification systems that permeate every corner of luxury residences. From whole-house HEPA filtration systems that remove the tiniest particles from the air to UV light purification
systems in HVAC units neutralize bacteria, viruses, and mold, luxury homeowners are pursuing the highest level of indoor air quality.
Fashionable Al Fresco
Elaborate outdoor kitchens featuring wood-fired pizza ovens, wine fridges, and dishwashers along with supremely comfortable, weather-resistant dining areas allow homeowners to entertain guests al fresco without compromising elegance or style.
Pools Beyond Compare
While private pools have long been a luxury feature, today's designs emphasize both aesthetics and technology. Infinity edges, natural rock formations, waterfalls, and color-changing LED lighting create visually stunning water features. Hot tubs with advanced hydrotherapy elements and ice-cold plunge pools combine relaxation with muscle recovery or an immunity-boost. Equipped with smart filtration and cleaning systems, maintaining these spa-status pools is easier and more efficient than ever before.
For more on how Maxxon’s Gyp-Crete Radiant, contact us to learn more.
