# Scaled Sustainability Residential homes shrink to better accommodate the modern family. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Jan 28, 2016 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/scaled-sustainability ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Scaled Sustainability trend? **Scaled Sustainability:** As family sizes continue to shrink, modern architecture is moving away from opulent, large-scale homes towards smaller, more minimalist designs. This simplified approach offers comfort, aesthetics and status to the modern consumer in a more sustainable form. Instead of space and luxury, this shift suggests that the next generation of families are more interested in reducing their footprint both in terms of square footage and consumption. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 19, 2015 to Nov 1, 2016 - Published: Jan 28, 2016 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Examples of the Scaled Sustainability trend 5 featured examples from Oct 19, 2015 to Nov 1, 2016. - [Sustainable Prefab Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prefab-cabins): Ark Prefab Cabins Provide a Turnkey Option to Escape the Grind (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for architects and designers to explore sustainable prefab solutions and create innovative living spaces. - [Elegant Off-Grid Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thoreaus-cabin): Thoreau's Cabin is Designed to Complement Its Natural Surroundings (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity for architects and designers to create sustainable off-grid shelters that harmonize with nature. - [Green-Roofed Wooden Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greenroofed): This Energy-Efficient Home Was Built Using Traditional Techniques (Category: Eco) Implication: Using affordable and sustainable materials in construction can create opportunities for eco-friendly housing developments. - [Small-Space Yoga Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/small-home-on-wheels): This Small Home on Wheels was Designed for a Yoga Instructor (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity for construction companies to specialize in building small, sustainable homes. - [Modular Mobile Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alpod): The Alpod's Aluminum Structure Makes it Lightweight and Eco-Friendly (Category: Eco) Implication: The architecture and construction industry can explore opportunities for disruptive innovation by developing modular mobile homes with lightweight aluminum structures and green te… **Workshop question:** How well does your company cater to the changing needs of modern families? ## Themes within the Scaled Sustainability trend ### Minimalist Homes Modern architecture is moving away from opulent, large-scale homes towards smaller, more minimalist designs. ### Sustainable Architecture Simplified approach offers comfort, aesthetics and status to the modern consumer in a more sustainable form. ### Prefab Structures Ark Prefab Cabins are designed to be used without the need for a permanent foundation, which enables them to be placed just about anywhere one wishes. ## What the Scaled Sustainability trend means for industry ### For Real Estate Small-scale but luxury homes can be marketed to modern families looking for sustainable space. ### For Architecture There is a growing trend of architects and designers using sustainable building materials to create minimalist and cost-effective homes for modern families. ### For Manufacturing Prefab structures enable manufacturers to reduce construction costs and enable quick and easy assembly of homes in remote areas. ## Trend signals for Scaled Sustainability Trend score 6.4 out of 10, from popularity 90%, activity 95%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 90% - Activity: 95% - Freshness: 8% ## Recent trend clusters - [Living Barriers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/bio-based-barrier-packaging) (Eco) - [Scoped Judgment](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/medical-decision-support) (Tech) - [Lasting Profiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/repairable-leather-boots) (Fashion) - [Fixture Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/wall-mounted-control-panel) (Tech) ## Trending in Eco - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Solar Trailer Reefers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-trailer-reefers) - [Off-Road Electric E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/off-road-electric-e-bikes) - [Roomier Budget Electric Hatchbacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roomier-budget-electric-hatchbacks) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)