The homes now on the minds and drawing boards of the most talented architects in the US are very different from those of years ago. New materials and building techniques are constantly changing not only the way homes are designed and built, but how they're conceptualized as well. Floor plans are also evolving to accommodate the changing patterns of our lives. But almost as a reaction to this increasing innovation, many architects are drawing upon ancient materials and building techniques as well. Here are just a few of the important trends:

Green Design
The most serious global concerns have become inspiration for artists and designers. This leads to the most exciting and most important trend in home design, which is the increased sensitivity to the environment. Architects and engineers are also adapting ancient building techniques that use simple, biodegradable materials. Far from primitive, today's “earth houses” are comfortable, economical and rustically beautiful.

Prefab Construction
Homes manufactured in a ‘factory' have come a long way from flimsy trailer park dwellings. Trend-setting architects and builders are using modular materials to create bold new designs with lots of glass and steel. Prefabricated, manufactured housing comes in all shapes and styles, from streamlined Bauhaus to undulating organic forms.

Adaptive Reuse
A desire to protect the environment and to preserve historic architecture is inspiring architects to repurpose, or reuse older structures. Trend-setting homes of the future may be constructed from the shell of an outdated factory or an empty warehouse.

Healthy Design
Some buildings can literally make you sick. Home designers are becoming increasingly aware of the ways our health is affected by synthetic materials and the chemical additives used in paints and composition wood products. The most innovative homes aren't necessarily the most unusual; sometimes they are the homes constructed without relying on plastics, laminates and fume-producing glues.
Storm-Resistance
Architects and engineers are making more storm-ready home designs. In areas where hurricanes are prevalent, more builders are relying on insulated wall panels constructed of sturdy concrete.

Flexible Floor Plans
New homes have sliding doors, pocket doors and other types of movable partitions that allow flexibility in living arrangements. Large multi-purpose family areas are replacing spaces originally designated as living and dining rooms. In addition, many houses include private “bonus” rooms that can be used for office space or adapted to a variety of specialized needs.

Accessibility
There are fewer spiral staircases, sunken living rooms and high cabinets. Homes are easier to move around in, for those who have physical limitations. The term “universal design” is often used to describe these homes because they are comfortable for people of all ages and abilities. Special features such as wide hallways blend seamlessly into the design so that the home does not have the clinical appearance of a hospital or nursing facility.

Outdoor Rooms
Eco-friendly architecture is encouraging builders to incorporate outdoor spaces in the overall home design. The yard and garden become part of the floor plan when sliding glass doors lead to patios and decks. These outdoor ‘rooms' may even include kitchens with sophisticated sinks and grills.

Abundant Storage
Over the past century, homeowners have demanded more storage space. Newer homes feature enormous walk-in closets, spacious dressing rooms and plenty of easy to reach built-in cabinets. Cathedral ceilings are becoming passé because families tend to prefer usable space below the roof. Garages are also getting bigger to accommodate SUVs and other large vehicles.

Despite the fact that our individual concept of what our dream home would be like differs from person to person, having that dream fulfilled remains the biggest goal in most of our lives.