If a new home is on the cards for you this year, you have some big decisions to make. Principal among these is the style of home you are after, as house hunters in Melbourne are truly spoiled for choice. The city’s thriving architectural scene is extremely diverse and constantly evolving, offering something for every taste.
Looking to the year ahead, the biggest design trends will centre around the themes of comfort, sustainability, and nostalgia. Reflecting broader social values and priorities, leading designs will blend environmental consciousness and soothing styling, while celebrating the unique climate and vibrant urban atmosphere.
Biophilic architecture
Melbourne’s inner suburbs, think the likes of Richmond and Fitzroy, are getting greener, in more ways than one. Homes are increasingly designed with sustainability front of mind, featuring elements that minimise waste, maximise energy efficiency, and conserve water. At the same time, designs are incorporating natural elements like vertical gardens, green rooftops, and internal courtyards.
Biophilic designs help restore biodiversity within built environments, attracting native birds and pollinators, improving air quality, and combating urban heat. They are also believed to help boost the mental health of occupants, creating a calming environment among the city’s chaos.
If this style appeals, look for homes that are designed to maximise natural light and airflow. Organic materials and ample greenery are also key features, though you should consider how these will be maintained. A lush courtyard may seem like the dream, but it can quickly become a nightmare without the right drainage and waterproofing.
The ‘sealed blanket’
Like it or not, the stereotypes about Melbourne’s unpredictable weather are mostly true. Temperatures and conditions can vary significantly, even within a single day, making it difficult to maintain a consistent home climate. Passive House designs address this by maintaining a stable internal temperature of 20-25°C year-round, without requiring significant heating or cooling.
To achieve this, a combination of specialist techniques and materials is used to create an airtight structure. Heat recovery ventilation also helps manage airflow, improve air quality, and minimise energy loss. This creates a house that’s not only more comfortable to live in, but also more cost-effective to maintain and much kinder to the environment.
To be called a passive house, a property must meet strict standards relating to glazing, insulation, and ventilation. To help buyers identify truly passive houses, the Australian Passivhaus Association provides independent assessment and certification of buildings that meet the required criteria.
‘Shoptops’ and ‘Infills’
The character of modern Melbourne is defined by the mix of the old and the new. This trend continues with redevelopment projects increasingly focused on seamlessly blending historic streetscapes with ultra-modern, carbon-negative homes. Areas like Glen Iris and Moonee Ponds are leading this charge, with cutting-edge structures popping up above shops and between heritage terraces.
More than just reinvigorating long-loved locations, these designs are particularly attractive to those looking to create a multi-generational home. They’re also a great option for anyone wanting to live sustainably, without compromising on their preferred location or style.
Importantly, a shoptop or infill development needs to be sympathetic to the history it builds on. New materials should complement those used in existing structures, and designs should be thoughtful and unobtrusive. Careful consideration should also be given to how modern perks, like solar panels and flexible floor plans, can be integrated into traditional designs.
Look before you leap
Whatever style you choose, it’s important to keep a cool head and ensure you know exactly what you are buying. It’s easy to get swept away by a stunning façade, smart floor plan, and high-end finishes. But appearances aren’t everything, and failing to check what lies beneath can cost you in the long run.
Arranging pre purchase building inspections in Melbourne, before you commit to buying, is your best protection against expensive surprises and future disappointment. A qualified inspector will be able to identify hidden issues, like energy leaks and poor thermal performance. They will also assess the integrity of key materials, like the insulation, ensuring the property will be solid for years to come.
If they uncover any issues, they can provide advice on what it will take to address them. You can then make an informed decision on whether the risk of proceeding is worth it. And, if they give you the ‘all clear’, you can proceed with confidence, knowing that your investment is sound.
Feature Image – Photo by Tom Rumble on Unsplash
