# Solar-Powered Abodes The Contemporary Family Residence Features an Eco Design By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-11-25 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-family-residence References: [contemporist](http://www.contemporist.com/2014/11/22/the-west-21st-house-by-frits-de-vries/) & [frits](http://www.frits.ca/) Frits de Vries designed the 'West 21st House,' a [contemporary family residence](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/no-ordinary-house) located in the Dunbar neighborhood of Vancouver, Canada. The home has the best of both worlds when it comes to views: both the Pacific Spirit Park and Vancouver's downtown core are visible from the slightly graded plot. Inside, the architects created a flexible, forgiving design plan; one which isn't afraid to buck convention and explore different spatial realities. To keep the home's energy usage low, the architects specifically designed a [passive solar heating system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-con-lucarna). The system is accompanied by other eco-friendly features, such as high-efficiency windows, high performance cooling and heat recovery and solar hot water heating, to name a few. The interior also features the use of [recycled materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rewild-homes). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 82% | Activity: 75% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Passive Solar Heating Systems:** There is room for growth in the development of more efficient and cost-effective passive solar heating systems, particularly in urban locations. - **Eco-friendly Building Materials:** Manufacturers and consumers alike will benefit from the increased demand for and availability of affordable, sustainable building materials. - **Flexible Design Plans:** There is an opportunity for architects and designers to challenge conventional spatial arrangements and create flexible, customizable living spaces that meet the evolving needs of homeowners. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Construction and Engineering:** The construction and engineering industry can continue to innovate eco-friendly building practices, materials, and technologies to meet the needs of the growing number of environmentally conscious consumers and homeowners. - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry has an opportunity to further develop and implement cutting-edge solar heating, cooling, and hot water systems to reduce carbon emissions and make sustainable living more accessible and cost-effective. - **Interior Design:** The interior design industry can embrace the trend towards flexible, customizable living spaces to offer clients dynamic and adaptable solutions that reflect a contemporary lifestyle and a commitment to sustainability. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Off-Grid Solar Panel Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/florian-busch-architects.md) - [Climatic Resilient Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/west-don-ravine-passive-house.md) - [Barn-Inspired Timber Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-w-1.md) - [Nature-Rooted Family Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haus-am-lagnesberg.md) - [Solar Powered Compact Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e55000.md) - [Sustainable Solar-Powered Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-wanda.md) - [Anticipatory Architectural Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vulcan-house.md) - [Sustainable Off-Grid Minimal Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fremont-house.md) - [Sustainable Country Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/three-oaks-farm.md)