Modern design is all about sustainability, longevity, and durability. From home exteriors to kitchen remodeling to landscaping, trends are pointing towards customizations that reduce maintenance, cut energy costs or improve structural durability. 

ICF (Insulated Concrete Form)

Insulated Concrete Form (Commonly known as ICF Construction) is a growing trend in sustainable construction. ICF is known for its durability and easy maintenance as well as superior insulating capabilities. Some of the most significant benefits of ICF construction are:

• Energy-efficiency - ICF construction is thermally efficient, helping to regulate temperatures and reducing the need for additional insulation, saving homeowners on building materials and energy bills.

• Structural integrity - ICF is pest and rot-resistant as well as durable enough to withstand extremely high winds, ice, and even some seismic activity.

• Sound barrier - ICF construction provides high-quality acoustic insulation, blocking out both sounds from outside the building and within. 

It is easy to see why many custom home builders are choosing ICF construction over traditional construction methods. 

Permeable Paving

Permeable paving is becoming more popular in custom home design. Permeable paving allows rainwater and other water runoff to absorb into the ground instead of pooling on solid concrete. 

Some of the benefits of installing permeable paving are:

• Temporary - permeable paving can be used for temporary roads and parking surfaces and can be easily and quickly removed. Permeable paving is popular for events and concert parking lots.

• Erosion prevention - permeable pavers can be used to retain soil and prevent erosion. What’s more, grass seed and other plants can be planted between the pavers, creating a more natural look. 

• Cost-effective - installing permeable pavers is less expensive than laying concrete or asphalt. Additionally, permeable pavers are typically lightweight, cutting transportation costs down. 

Fiber Cement Siding

One everyday use for fiber cement construction methods is the use of fiber cement beadboard in porch ceilings. Fiber cement beadboard gives the sleek, finished appearance of wood, but is much more sustainable and durable. 

Fiber cement siding is known for its extreme durability, which helps homeowners avoid costly repairs that wood construction can require. 

Alternatives to Wood

Many homeowners are turning to other options to wood when remodeling their homes or custom building from scratch. Although wood products are typically less of an upfront investment, more sustainable and modern materials are more durable and prevent costly replacements and repairs, saving money over time. 

Many homeowners are seeking wood alternatives for:

• Fencing - alternatives to wood fencing are concrete fence posts, which are far more durable and weather-resistant than regular wood panel fencing.

• Wood Beams - faux wood beams are more cost-efficient and easier to install than standard wood beams, allowing you to add a rustic look to your home for a fraction of the cost.

• Decking - composite decking is quickly growing in popularity over traditional wood decking due to the durability and safety (no splinters!) that composite decking offers.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are increasing in popularity due to their durability and longevity. Quartz countertops offer a classy, upscale look to any room in your home, from laundry room countertops to your kitchen and bathroom. Quartz is easy to care for and incredibly resistant to damage, making quartz the optimal choice for homeowners who want quality without having to sacrifice too much time to care for it.

Quartz bathroom countertops are non-porous, meaning stains, mildew, and mold-resistant, and are immune to efflorescence like other types of natural countertops. Additionally, quartz is available in a wide variety of colors and designs, allowing you to customize your countertop. 

Modernizing your home with these innovative materials increases your property values while increasing the structural integrity of your home!

Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Construction and Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.