All across the UK, people have been forced to retreat to their homes and adjust to the new reality of working, home-schooling and exercising — doing practically everything — from their home.
But how efficient and well suited are our homes to this new way of life?
The shift to remote working (and to some extent, remote living) has exposed the flaws of people’s homes. From poor internet connections and frustratingly slow download speeds to cramped makeshift office setups and lack of outdoor space — these weaknesses will feel even more stifling when you realise that this may be the new norm.
A balancing act
Remote working is nothing new. It is a concept that has been steadily growing and gaining traction in recent years.
Many millennials, who make up the majority of the workforce, may not even consider a job that doesn’t have the option for remote work or at least some sort of flexible schedule. The myriad benefits of working from home are well documented, too — including reduced stress, boosted morale and a better work-life balance.
The unprecedented pandemic may have fast-tracked the remote working revolution. But even when this is all over, working from home will become the new norm as people seek to make the most out of their time in life (and their homes).
What’s more, the current situation has encouraged us all to pause and think about how we can achieve a better balance in our lives. As such, the way we manage and use our home space has never been more vital.
To truly cater to what homeowners want today and in the years to come, new-build developers need to think about how people want to live and ensure that their homes can cope. This means taking a closer look at the finer details to create spaces that promote a more practical and intelligent way of living.
Work and play
If people are spending more and more time at home, using it as their base for both work and play, the design needs to accommodate this — offering an escape from work to ensure it doesn’t invade your life. Separate studies with ample storage, such as those at Troy Homes’ Chestnut Mews development in Theydon Bois, are a consideration which is rarely seen across new builds today, yet will be crucial for the homes of the future. These spaces will provide a tranquil and private area to work in away from the noise and bustle of home life.
But what if multiple people are working from home at the same time? As well as a private study on the ground floor, the five-bedroom Goodwood home at Harvester Close also boasts two spacious bedrooms on the top floor — perfect for setting up another quiet workspace.
At Barnet Lane in Elstree, secluded alcoves also provide ideal study areas while sliding glass doors create a room within a room. This clever design feature enables you to adjust the space to suit your requirements. By playing with the trend of open plan living in this way, using creative ideas to quickly alter the layout, developers can effectively respond to the needs for more separate quiet space — whether for an office, to read or simply to have a bit of ‘me time’.
Staying connected
Equally as important as a dedicated workspace is the need for fast internet speeds and reliable WIFI access. Over the past couple of months, many people will have realised the limitations of their usually adequate broadband, as it has struggled to keep up with heightened demand and multiple users in one household.
The homes of the future need to be equipped with super-fast WIFI to facilitate an increasing shift to remote working and allow for a rapid and reliable connection at all times.
Fibre optic cable is pre-installed and comes as standard at all Troy Homes’ developments. Larger apartments at Sambrook Court also benefit from a boosted signal throughout thanks to the included Cat6 cables.
Outdoor living
Having access to outdoor space has always been a top priority for many homeowners. But after spending months in lockdown and ‘cabin fever’ setting in, it will become a necessity for future buyers.
Whether it’s a spacious garden, private patio, generous terrace with far-reaching views or a stunning landscaped communal garden — outside space helps to foster both mental and physical wellbeing and offers a welcome retreat.
As working from home becomes the new normal, having access to fresh air and an outdoor area to sit in and enjoy your lunch break will become a sought-after feature.
On the go
There is nothing more frustrating than waiting at home all day to receive a parcel, only for it to arrive the second you pop out (or the delivery driver failing to leave it in your designated ‘safe place’).
Over the past few weeks, many of us will have become accustomed to always being home to receive deliveries. But what about when you return to the office or want to go to the gym?
Parcel boxes — such as those seen at Troy Homes’ Lawn Manor, Sambrook Court and Burns Court developments — mean you can go about your day and run errands without having to worry about being home to accept a parcel. Instead, deliveries can be left in a secure box and accessed only via your key.
More than aesthetics
Some developers have planned for the future to make homes fit the new norm. All of these features are far more than just aesthetic touches. They’re strategic and forward-thinking considerations which have been included to facilitate home working, quiet separation and a more balanced way of living.
Developers, like Troy Homes, have included these items as practical necessities for the homes of the future, not just luxuries which buyers are made to pay extra for.
Troy Homes offers a choice of stunning homes, from two-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses. We build homes for the future, adapted to suit homeowner’s changing needs — so you can enjoy your home, rather than simply live in it.
Following the latest government announcement, our beautiful show homes are now open with strict social distancing measures in place. Contact us today to find out more or arrange a viewing.
