Most wanted features in homes for Gen Z and Millenials.
COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped not only the working style but also everyone's living spaces.. It has redefined how spaces are utilized in their homes.
With the recent lockdowns, it became the norm in Malaysia and many other countries whereby homes naturally transformed into multifunctional spaces, serving as offices, classrooms, gyms, and more. This shift has highlighted the importance of thoughtful features and multi-functionality in a home.
Evolution of Spaces
Stating the insights shared by the President of the Institute of Architects Malaysia and Interior Design, highlighting the dynamic progression of Malaysian architecture over the decades through a major publication. Lets observe the evolution of features and spaces.
Malaysian home designs have evolved significantly since the minimalist styles of the 1970s. During that era, homes featured simple geometric forms and distinct separations between spaces like the kitchen, dining, and living areas, reflecting a focus on simplicity and functionality.
By the late 1980s, home designs began to adapt to Malaysia’s tropical climate. Houses were built with larger openings to maximize natural ventilation and light, spacious interiors, and pitched roofs with extended overhangs to manage heat and rain effectively. At the same time, the traditional boundaries between spaces like the kitchen, dining, and living areas began to blur, introducing open-plan layouts—a trend that remains popular in modern designs.
The concept of "home" has evolved from simply providing shelter to offering a complete lifestyle experience. As society advances, the younger generation is driving demand for spaces that align with their fast-paced, internet-driven lifestyles.
Homes have transformed from just meeting basic functional needs to reflecting and showcasing one’s personal style.
Gen Z & Millennials and the Rise of Smart, Sustainable Living
Today, Gen Z and Millennials, a key segment of Malaysian homebuyers, are reshaping the housing market. Projected to comprise 70% of the workforce by 2025, their preferences lean toward technologically advanced and eco-friendly homes.
Smart homes equipped with good internet network connectivity, mobile security systems and automated features appeal to their tech-savvy nature, offering convenience and modernity.
In addition to smart features, this group of homebuyers are increasingly drawn to Green homes that are energy-efficient with features like solar power, rain water harvesting, sustainably sourced flooring, and supplies and many more.
Rising living costs have made energy-efficient housing a practical choice, reducing electricity bills while promoting sustainability. Green homes not only optimize resources but also create healthier living environments, aligning with the global push toward environmental responsibility and their heightened awareness on climate changes. The trend is not only seen in changes in homes with solar panels, but have moved on too in electric vehicles too.
This evolution is inevitable, with changes forthcoming for everyone to embrace—from developers to agents pitching the suitability of a home’s features to buyers. Housing now reflects the interplay between technological advancements and the lifestyle changes of the new generation.
As we look ahead, the homes of tomorrow will not only shelter us but also enhance our way of life, blending comfort, technology, and sustainability.
