5 Different Stylistic Trends in Residential Architecture By Shabnam Arab

Residential architecture, throughout time, has been a defining factor in dictating the architectural style of the era. Every human being has a vested interest in the design of the space he or she inhabits, whether it is limited to which wall the television is hung on, or to what your neighbor sees when they look at your house from their own window. That is why, perhaps, residential architecture is a field where we can observe considerable stylistic variety, whether in the form of large shifts in

Residential architecture, throughout time, has been a defining factor in dictating the architectural style of the era. Every human being has a vested interest in the design of the space he or she inhabits, whether it is limited to which wall the television is hung on, or to what your neighbour sees when they look at your house from their own window. That is why, perhaps, residential architecture is a field where we can observe considerable stylistic variety, whether in the form of large shifts in trends or just a particular type of tile that is suddenly all the rage. In Pakistan, privately owned homes are multiplying at unprecedented rates, with the population in major cities expanding towards the suburbs. With this rise in homes, we can observe some clear trends in the design and styles that these houses are adapting.

1) Cubes! Cubes everywhere!

Though exceptions are present and numerous, residential design in Pakistan is largely influenced by what is now known as the International Style, an offspring of the modernism movement of the twentieth century. A major component of this style is the use of pure geometry, mainly cubes and cuboidal forms, which is seen abundantly in the residential design of today. Architects are continuously creating new and interesting forms, by intersecting and overlapping these cuboids in simple yet complex ways.

https://banjaiga.com/minimalist-house-design-by-farooq-associates-rawalpindi/

2)The Frame

Framing, though not a new concept, is a relatively fresh stylistic choice in residential architecture. Starting as a way to accentuate the cuboids, frames are now dictating the façade design entirely, or being used to highlight windows and terraces. Though a popular style right now, let’s see whether this is something we’re taking with us into the coming years.

https://banjaiga.com/mh-split-level-house-by-anvil-architects-islamabad/

3)The Vertical Wall

As with framing, the vertical wall came about in juxtaposition to the cuboids, adding an element of verticality in contrast to the heaviness of the cuboid. The vertical wall is also being used to frame the main entrance to homes, and to add a statement feature through the use of lighting and textures.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/626211523164356348/

4) Textures!

Textures are something we have been using both in the interior and the exteriors of our homes for some time. But mixing and matching of several textures at once on residential facades is something that is relatively newer. Nowadays, we will see homes that have sleek wooden surfaces paired with the coarse smoothness of concrete, or one particular wall that is cladded entirely with rough stone. These textures contrast with and complement each other to create fresh, lovely compositions.

https://banjaiga.com/shah-mansoor-residence-by-attiqayyam-associates-islamabad/

5) Screens and Patterns

With our country’s warm climate and the increasing need for privacy in our homes, patterned screens are something we are all familiar with, whether it’s for blocking our neighbours’ prying eyes or for just plain old shade from the sun. Lately, these screens and patterns are showing up increasingly in the design of our homes, facilitating the need for bigger windows while still providing shade, or just for a little extra touch on the façade. With customizable sizes, colours and patterns, these screens can be tailor-made to fit into the design of your home.

https://banjaiga.com/modern-residence-by-bilal-khan-architects-islamabad/