Prefabrication promises to reduce the time, cost and environmental impact of new builds. Design features of prefabricated homes include floor cassettes, wall panels, a facade system with Hardie™ products, and roof cassettes that all work together as an integrated structural system acting as a diaphragm. In contrast to traditional masonry construction, all these elements work together to carry the structural load, as well as create the envelope. This dual function allows the home to be lighter, more efficient and cost effective. Some prefab homes can be manufactured and delivered to site in just 12 weeks (James Hardie Builder Insights interview with MIRA Residential, 2025).

Recycled materials are reducing build costs and carbon footprints. As the construction industry examines its circular impact, experts are mining 'anthropogenic' materials—waste from buildings and human sources—for reuse. Architects increasingly view waste as a design flaw, focusing on recycling and rebuilding with existing materials wherever possible.

Owning a smaller block doesn’t mean compromising on style or functionality. Built-in storage maximises every corner, while compact layouts ensure efficient use of space. Multi-functional rooms—like a guest bedroom doubling as a home office—add versatility. Clever features such as fold-away desks, wall beds and retractable partitions create flexibility without clutter. With smart design, even the smallest home can feel spacious, practical and beautifully tailored to modern living.

Space efficiency means more than optimising floor space. Maximise vertical space, especially when it is not possible to build separate wings, to create flexible, efficient homes that cater to individual and future residents’ needs. Building up, not out, is a smart way to utilise the existing land and stay within budget. Multi-storey homes can be designed with thoughtful features like stacked plumbing to reduce construction costs and clever layouts to save on materials. Use vertical space for storage or mezzanines and opt for cost-effective materials like Hardie™ cladding products for a durable yet beautiful facade. By focusing on flexibility and efficiency, you can create a stunning, functional home for years to come.

Connecting to nature doesn’t necessarily require a backyard—it’s about bringing nature indoors through natural materials, greenery and integration with the surroundings. Architects enhance this connection with elements like water features, plants, internal light wells and systems making the most of sunlight, fresh air and rainwater. Bright flowers, soothing scents, sensory landscaping and curved, nature-inspired materials create visually pleasing, harmonious spaces that nurture wellbeing and bring the outdoors inside.

Daylight enhances energy efficiency in our homes, as well as our mood and sleep by regulating circadian rhythms. This is achieved through skylights, clerestory windows and light wells. Innovative designs soften Southern Hemisphere sunlight into warming energy. Advanced insulation, indoor gardens and smart ventilation systems maintain fresh air, purify spaces and adjust to occupancy, ensuring our air quality and comfort year-round. Together, these elements create healthier and more energy-efficient homes.

While blocking external noise is key in residential design, internal acoustics are equally crucial. Thoughtful acoustic design transforms homes into calm, harmonious spaces suited to individual work, rest and play. Acoustic engineering can tailor soundscapes to specific spaces, balancing the buzz of family life with private, quiet areas.

Curves and colour play vital roles in stimulating the senses and creating wellbeing. Curves, historically used to evoke grandeur, are preferred by the brain and can be used to enhance geometry in exteriors and functionality in interiors. Colour influences mood—bold palettes boost creativity and focus, while natural tones promote tranquility. Trends are shifting from neutral shades to vibrant, vivid colours, transforming homes inside and out into energising, harmonious spaces.

With reviewed permit laws in many states, relocatable, efficient, and cozy pods are increasingly popular. These versatile structures, perfect for home offices, teenage retreats or self-sufficient tiny homes, combine functionality with aesthetics. Built to various sizes and purposes and in record time, with many completed in just 10–12 weeks, pods are a quick and appealing solution for contemporary multi-generational living. 

Sliding doors offer versatile solutions, concealing spaces or expanding and shrinking areas as needed. Soundproof options create quiet zones, while others bring the outdoors in. Inspired by Japanese architecture, they divide or open the kitchen, living and dining areas seamlessly. New modular designs eliminate walls entirely, enabling truly flexible spaces where furniture transforms and items like televisions or kitchens remain hidden, redefining how we live and adapt our homes.

Townhouses and multi-story homes now feature separate entrances, self-contained kitchens and living spaces to accommodate Airbnb guests, adult children or elderly residents. Accessibility modifications rose by 20 percent for older family members in 2024 and updated construction codes across Australia mandate wider hallways and step-free entries, enhancing accessibility for all. These thoughtful designs balance functionality and inclusivity, making homes more adaptable to evolving family needs and modern lifestyles, while providing comfort and independence for diverse occupants.

Internal courtyards provide privacy and seamlessly break up living areas, creating tranquil, functional spaces. Acting as connectors between rooms, they are ideal for fostering interaction while maintaining separation—perfect for people cohabiting at different life stages. With versatile designs, courtyards enhance natural light, airflow and greenery, blending practicality with aesthetics to create inviting and harmonious homes suited to miscellaneous family needs.

Originating in Germany, Passivhaus (Passive House) principles have evolved and are now widely adopted in Australia for residential and commercial buildings. These principles include super-insulated envelopes, airtight construction, high-performance window glazing and heat recovery ventilation. The benefits are significant—no drafts, consistent comfortable temperatures, improved energy efficiency, cleaner air and superior soundproofing—creating healthier, more sustainable and comfortable living and working environments.

With climate disasters on the rise, resilience is becoming more of a priority for homeowners. Hardie™ fibre cement offers a durable solution, engineered to withstand Australia’s harsh environment—fire and rot resistant, and resistant to moisture damage and termite damage. The Resilient Building Council of Australia’s National Bushfire Resilience Rating system helps homeowners improve safety while earning insurance discounts. In high-risk zones, bushfire protection measures are becoming mandatory, driving demand for robust building materials like Hardie™ products.

Today’s architects face the challenge of managing water—allowing its flow through structures or preventing it entirely. Building above flood zones is one solution, but material selection is crucial when water and humidity take hold. Innovative modular homes are also emerging, designed to float as waters rise, offering a forward-thinking response to the increasing threat of floods, ensuring resilience and adaptability in changing climates.

With increasing temperatures year-on-year, home designers are under pressure to find innovative ways to cool down such as e-coating and paint that reflects heat. Screens that open and close serve the dual purposes of allowing both ventilation and protection from the sun. Additionally, low lying buildings benefit from more stable thermal conditions. The ground temperature remains relatively constant, allowing these buildings to maintain cooler internal temperatures compared to taller structures, which are more susceptible to fluctuating.