# Two-Storey Mixed-Material Homes Desai Chia Architects' Layout Enables Resident Interaction By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-10-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mixedmaterial-home References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/10/22/montauk-house-summer-residence-charred-wood-exposed-concrete-desai-chia-architects/) & [desaichia](https://www.desaichia.com/) New York-based firm [Desai Chia Architects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clinton-corners) designs a mixed-material home on the outskirts of Long Island for a family of four. Keeping up with contemporary inclinations, the two-storey structure boasts an exterior that is clad with [charred wood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-clt-house), concrete elements, and fully glazed portions. The wood is specially treated through shou sugi ban — an ancient Japanese technique. As a result, the material becomes "resistant to rot and bugs." The well-lit interior enjoys a modern color palette. The mixed-material home is arranged in an [L-shaped layout](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hudson-lhouse). The brief called for a dwelling that "promoted family interaction with easy flow between indoor and outdoor activities." A long terrace has been added to accommodate the need for a dynamic interior-exterior relationship. Photo Credits: [Paul Warchol](http://www.warcholphotography.com/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## 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 - **Mixed-material Homes:** The use of mixed materials, such as charred wood and concrete, in home design offers opportunities for unique and visually striking architecture. - **Resistant and Durable Materials:** The application of techniques like shou sugi ban to wood can create materials that are highly resistant to rot and bugs, providing opportunities for long-lasting and low-maintenance construction. - **Indoor-outdoor Flow:** Designing homes that encourage easy flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, like adding a long terrace, offers opportunities for promoting family interaction and creating dynamic living spaces. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Architects and designers can explore the use of mixed materials and innovative techniques to create visually striking and durable homes. - **Construction:** Construction companies can leverage techniques like shou sugi ban to offer clients long-lasting and low-maintenance building materials. - **Real Estate:** Real estate developers can market homes that prioritize indoor-outdoor flow and family interaction as desirable and modern living spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stealthy Gabled Upstate Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clinton-corners.md) - [Simple Material Family Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/openfield-house.md) - [Contemporary Timber Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-saidera.md) - [Rural Charred Modern Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stanfordville-house.md) - [Charred Wood Mountain Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alexander-jermyn-architecture.md) - [Compact Calming Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-sheltered-space.md) - [Nature-Merging Geometric Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neville-park-residence.md) - [Blackened Wooden Facade Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centered-home.md) - [Pyramid-Like Suburban Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oza-sabbeth-architects.md)