Space:
No, not space. We aren’t talking aliens quite yet. But physical space is going to be a key focus for developers and architects in the foreseeable future. The question of how to maximise the space available to us whilst improving living standards is a crucial one. As well as more effective designs in general, there are some revolutionary concepts being considered. Underground skyscrapers, as seen here, could turn unused mining space or even just underground in general into bustling cities. Micro houses that stack on top of each other, as well as being transportable, could help solve the space crisis, whilst minimalist designer are working on fitting entire homes into much smaller spaces.

Sustainability:
As resources become more scarce, the need for sustainable, efficient houses is increasingly exponentially. Not only because it aids in the fight to save the planet, but because it can save homeowners hard earned cash too. Current alternative choices may become mainstream, with sustainable materials, thermal windows, solar panels, rainwater recycling and zero waste all breaking through. If you aren’t familiar with Passivhaus, a standard to dramatically reduce the requirement for space heating and cooling, you should read more here. And if you want to see the growing trend of houses applying this model, this Huffington Post article demonstrates the potential future of eco houses.

Grow Your Own:
Edible indoor kitchens are on the rise and could become a prominent part of new developments moving forward. Fresh produce isn’t just about taste. The environment benefits from less transport and less farming, and you won’t have to pop into the supermarket for greens when you have grown your own veg. The addition of this to homes is also good for those keeping kitchen gardens, as self-sustainability and gardening in general are beneficial to mental health. Watch out for more and more kitchen gardens this year.

The Future Future:
Looking further ahead than sustainability and eco-friendly houses, there are several interesting discussions happening around alternative places to live. The Sub-Biosphere, courtesy of Phil Pauley, is an underwater city that could have us all living out at sea, whilst the 1mSquared house featured at no.6 on this Bored Panda list could see us carrying our houses. What is certain is that as our needs continue to evolve, the solutions to our problems will replace the standardised idea of housing that we currently have.