In the future, what kinds of changes can we expect to see in the surfaces
of our homes? Look for materials used for counters, floors and walls to
change slowly. Proven materials such as stone, laminates, solid-surfacing,
and gypsum wallboard will persevere; we'll gradually see movement toward
natural materials that come from sustainable resources and are affordable,
recyclable and easy to maintain. "We may see two extremes, with high-tech
synthetics made from space-age materials on one side, and indigenous materials
like raw stone, concrete, grasses and reeds on the other," says noted
environmental planner, Paul Bierman-Lytle. More emphasis will be placed
on surfaces that offer a measure of control over noise, light, glare, heat
retention and other environmental factors. Indoor air quality and health
will be important considerations in surface choices.
Here are a few comments from industry experts:
"There will be a kick in the rear as we turn the new millennium to
make things more environmentally sensitive, but then things will go back
pretty much to the status quo."
PAUL BIERMAN-LYTLE
SEAS -- Sustainable Environment Associates
"People will have more interest in materials that have a long service
life and require less maintenance. They'll be forced to become more aware
of long-term costs as our resources become more and more finite."
DAVID HERTZ, AIA
Syndesis, Inc.
"Design and cost will always be the driving forces . Behind that comes
function."
BILL STETTLER
Director of Marketing for North America, Formica Corporation
"Surfaces will be regarded as more valuable and redeemable based on
the embodied energy that it took for them to be put in place. People will
see hardwood as something of beauty and value that needs to be taken care
of...the purity of surfaces will come about."
JOHN PICARD
E2 -- Environmental Enterprises
Four surface trends you can count on by the year 2012:
1
alternative materials
Laminated wood products, recycled wood and locally-produced, indigenous
materials such as lightweight concrete and tile will become viable alternatives
to solid wood and stone.
2
integral sink bowls
Countertops will be custom formed with integral, seamless kitchen sinks.
Materials will be anti-bacterial and--when they wear out--recyclable.
3
universal design
For aging baby boomers, surfaces will be all-user friendly. Countertops
will be adjustable in height and have safer, rounded corners. Watch for
skid-resistant, highly durable flooring and glare-free surfaces.
4
living organisms
Genetic engineering will introduce materials that are living organisms,
with surfaces that respond to environmental factors such as heat or chemicals.
--Don Vandervort
