Is contemporary design right for me?

Architect Opinder Liddar reveals the top architectural trends to feature in today’s self-builds and explains how to incorporate them into your project successfully

Developed by AR Design Studio, the architectural concept for this project began as a cabin-like form. This has been twisted and rotated to form four podstyle structures, all of which are covered in larch cladding that complements the wooded backdrop

What I love about self-build is that the design of your home – within reason – reflects your personal style. As an architect, I believe the structures we develop – today’s contemporary architecture – should reflect the best of our creative abilities. That way, future generations will be able to look back and be proud of what we achieved.

So what do we class as contemporary design? More importantly, will our successors like it in the future, and will these buildings stand the test of time? Exposure to great architecture via television and magazines like Build It has raised the bar in terms of what we expect from individual homes. But currently, there’s a lack of innovation in volume house building, so I expect that the developer aesthetic won’t be treated with much respect in the future.

As a self-builder, you should always strive to create a property that says something unique about you – it’s your chance to seize the opportunity and truly make a mark. There are design trends common to many of the new builds that architects are working on at the moment. I’ll explore some of these aesthetic features in this article and explain how to incorporate them successfully, so you’re left with a dwelling that fulfills your aspirations.

Initial impressions

Many self-builders like to create a bold statement from the first moment people lay eyes on a dwelling. This often influences the design of the entrance. In some cases, wide front doors are used to make a strong first impression. Some people take this further by incorporating glazed side panels, too. Ironmongery that’s striking and elegant can create a visually pleasing effect, complementing the setting and enabling easy access for all users.