Trends

Sustainable design trends matter more now than ever. Many people are worried about climate change, resource shortages, and pollution. These concerns are pushing us to find new ways to make eco-friendly products.

Designers aim to reduce carbon footprints by using materials that are good for the environment. Many companies seek sustainable accreditation demonstrating that the goal is to preserve our planet.

In this blog post, we'll explore some key sustainable design trends that are expected to shape the year 2025.

Locally Sourced and Lower Carbon Materials

Buying materials from local artisans not only cuts down on transportation emissions but also helps boost local economies, making it a sustainable practice in the design industry.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

In sustainable design, reducing the carbon footprint is very important. The Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) design approach helps us reach this goal by creating products inspired by nature. A circular economy allows waste to be converted into useful items. Thinking this way can help construction supply companies greatly reduce their environmental impact.

A great example of new ideas in this area is Capral's Green Lower-Carbon Aluminium. This product stands out because it uses renewable energy to help lower CO2 emissions during production. Choosing to build with this material supports sustainable building practices and helps set new standards for the construction industry.

Benefits of Local Sourcing

Sourcing local materials helps both the environment and the economy. When designers and builders choose supplies from their area, they support local communities. This practice keeps money close to home and can strengthen and grow the economy.

Local sourcing is also a smart way to lower transportation emissions. Getting materials further from the construction location can create high carbon emissions. Buying materials from local artisans also matches new design trends that emphasise sustainable design and eco-friendly practices.

Resilient Design for Climate Adaptation

Resilient design creates structures strong enough to handle environmental challenges and supports sustainability as we try to fight climate change.

Flood- and Fire-Resistant Materials

Floods and fires pose significant risks to communities around the world. Architects understand that selecting the right materials is crucial for creating designs that withstand these natural disasters. The choice of materials greatly impacts the battle against climate change, making buildings tougher and more durable.

New materials, such as fire-resistant cladding and flood-resistant barriers, are now seen in many modern buildings and help keep people safe inside. Strong materials like steel, concrete, and treated wood provide the strength needed to weather natural disasters. This emphasis on using sturdy materials is an important part of sustainable design trends, focusing on resilience and caring for the environment.

Designing for Extreme Weather

Planning for extreme weather is very important, especially in sustainable design trends. Architects use smart design to manage natural disasters, helping create structures that can tolerate the extremities and keep people safe.

In flood-prone areas, architects design taller buildings and use materials that can withstand water. In areas at risk of bushfires, fire-resistant materials are used to protect buildings from spreading fires. These design strategies not only enhance safety but also contribute to sustainable design practices by minimising damage and the need for reconstruction.

Designing for Energy Efficiency

Designing for energy efficiency means building with eco-friendly methods, using smart technology, and data analytics to reduce carbon emissions and save energy in buildings.

Integration of Sustainable Materials

To create energy-saving designs, choosing materials that are good for the planet is important. Architects might opt for eco-friendly products to help reach net zero goals, balancing the greenhouse gases we create with what we can remove from the air. By picking materials that lower environmental impact, designers can reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.

Architects often use high-performance glass and thermal breaks to minimise energy transfer. They also apply passive design techniques, like shading systems, to lower solar heat gain. This helps make indoor spaces more comfortable and improves energy efficiency. Using recycled materials and products made locally also cuts down emissions from making and transporting these items.

Emerging technologies, such as electrochromic glazing and solar panels, are also becoming popular in sustainable design trends. They highlight eco-friendly choices and focus on efficient waste management.

Smart Technology in Design

Smart technology is changing how we build, helping to make operations run more efficiently and lower energy use. Architects can design spaces that meet people's needs and promote sustainability. Tools like smart thermostats and lighting systems help use energy better, reducing fossil fuel use and encouraging good energy habits.

The ongoing development in smart home technology, like smart meters and energy management systems, offers real-time information about energy use. This helps people make better choices.

Trending Colour Schemes

One of the top sustainable design trends for 2025 is the use of trending colour schemes that reflect a connection to nature and promote well-being.

Mid-Tone Hues and Their Impact

Sustainable design trends are becoming very important today. A movement expected to lead the design world in 2025 is using mid-tone colours, which are neither too dark nor too light, and are trending for their calm and steady feel.

Dulux's Colour Forecast for 2025 highlights how important mid-tone colours are. It shows a selection of rich and cozy shades like burgundies, wine, olive greens, sage greens, lively yellow-greens, and soft browns with dark grey hints. These colours are inspired by nature and help to make spaces feel elegant, fitting well with the increasing focus on sustainability in design for 2025.

Pantone has joined the mid-tone trend by choosing "Mocha Mousse" as the Colour of the Year for 2025. This warm and friendly colour brings a feeling of positivity and life, fitting well with the current mid-tone colour trend. Designers can use Mocha Mousse to make spaces feel cozy and welcoming, adding warmth and energy to their designs.

Psychological Effects of Colour

Colour plays a role in how we feel and act. Designers know how colour changes our mood, and can create spaces that bring out certain emotions. Warm colours like Mocha Mousse and natural tones help make a room feel cozy and safe, creating a more inviting and comfortable space for everyone.

For sustainable design trends in 2025, colours taken from nature will be notable. A colour palette with greens and earthy tones showcases our dedication to the environment, creating a link to the natural world.

Modular Construction

Modular construction is gaining popularity for sustainable design as it uses efficient methods and technology to cut down on waste and energy use, lower environmental impact, support a circular economy, and use eco-friendly materials.

Efficiency and Adaptability

Modular construction is becoming popular in sustainable design trends today. This new approach uses prefabricated modules, which are building parts made in a factory and then sent to the construction site to be put together. There are many benefits to using prefabricated modules, as they can save time, lower costs, and improve quality control.

Building in a controlled setting helps builders steer clear of delays caused by the weather. It also allows them to keep high standards for the modules, leading to a quicker and better building process.

Innovations in Modular Design

Innovations in modular design are increasing, bringing new opportunities for architects and builders in the years ahead. These improvements in modular construction are creating impressive buildings, showcasing what can truly be achieved.

We can learn a lot from case studies of successful modular projects. For example, Victoria Hall in Wolverhampton is a great case to look at. It is a tall 25-storey building that reaches up to 77 m. O’Donnell + Tuomey designed this impressive structure, showcasing how modular construction can be used to build high and complex buildings.

Another exciting project is the Monash University Gillies Hall. Built for students, the design focuses on energy efficiency and eco-friendliness, utilising 150 prefabricated modules to showcase how modular construction can support green practices. The future of modular construction looks bright. New technology is making way for smarter designs that can meet the rising need for sustainable building methods.

Concrete Look

The concrete look in sustainable design emphasises the use of natural materials to reduce environmental impact and support sustainable building practices in line with the circular economy.

Industrial Aesthetics and Contemporary Functionality

Concrete is now more than just for buildings. It's a flexible material used in interior design, landscaping, and art to show creativity. Architects keep finding new ways to use concrete in their work, mixing an industrial look with a modern style.

DecoCrete finishes provide decorative options that can change simple concrete into an eye-catching centrepiece. This upgrades the look of concrete floors in homes and businesses. Concrete, with its sleek grey look, brings a stylish industrial feel that fits well with modern designs. It's also very durable, making it a smart choice for busy industrial spots.

Concrete is a valuable material to designers these days. Its natural charm adds a touch of simplicity and cleanliness to any space. Outdoor concrete paths and walls blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature, drawing inspiration from the earth and the organic elements present in concrete.

Versatility of Concrete Aesthetics

Concrete is a tough yet flexible material. It works well with various design styles, which makes it popular with architects and designers. It pairs nicely with other materials like wood and glass countertops, creating a warm and modern look. Mixing materials adds depth and interest to designs, helping create unique architectural gems.

Concrete makes urban places look nice and function well, creating more welcoming and sustainable areas for people living there. It's a versatile material that's tough and needs little upkeep, and is used for pathways, benches, and sculptures.

As we think about sustainable design trends in building, there's a focus on eco-friendly ways of doing architecture and design. The main goal is to create a better future with less harm to the environment.

Final Thoughts

As we get closer to the middle of 2025, sustainable design trends are changing how we create our spaces. In recent years, using sustainable practices has helped lower the environmental impact of our choices. This growth paves the way for a future where design and nature can live together nicely. These trends focus on using friendly materials, saving energy, and bringing in new technologies.

By working together on these principles, we can create amazing buildings. These structures will improve the built environment and help protect the health of our planet for future generations.

At Infinity Built, we always seek the newest sustainable design trends and aim to use eco-friendly practices in our building projects throughout the Inner West and across Melbourne. If you want to make your home more sustainable, get in touch with us today.