# Naturally Ventilated Abodes This Open-Plan House Features Shade and Cross Ventilation By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-12-24 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/open-plan-house References: [design-milk](http://design-milk.com/simple-open-abode-singapore/) & [renaidesigngroup](http://www.renaidesigngroup.com/?page=project&cat=landed&id=12) The Renaissance Planners & Designers completed the 'Sunset Way House,' an open-plan house with natural ventilation systems, for a couple in Singapore. Three cantilevered sections found on each side of the home's exterior provide [cross ventilation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terracotta-breath-house) and extra shade, meaning that the inhabitants rarely have to rely on air conditioning to cool down the premises. Inside, the architects concentrated on providing a [free-flowing plan](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/void-house). The elevated kitchen platform, for instance, is more readily accessed by the dining room, ensuring that the spaces foster social connection and interaction. One side of the kitchen is flanked by [floor-to-ceiling windows that allow light inside](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-house-1); however, because it is a double-height space, any excess heat from the kitchen or dining room immediately rises to the vents at the top. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 56% | 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 - **Natural Ventilation Design:** Designing buildings with natural ventilation systems, such as cross ventilation and shade, to reduce reliance on air conditioning. - **Open-plan Living:** Architects creating free-flowing, open living spaces that encourage social connection and interaction. - **Double-height Spaces:** Utilizing double-height spaces and strategically placed windows to allow for natural light while also allowing excess heat to escape. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Architectural firms utilizing natural ventilation and open-plan design to reduce environmental impact and promote social connection. - **Real Estate Development:** Developers building homes and commercial buildings that incorporate natural ventilation systems and open living spaces to meet growing demand for sustainable and social-focused designs. - **Home Improvement:** Home renovation professionals and contractors specializing in designing and implementing natural ventilation systems and open-plan layouts for homeowners seeking sustainable and social living environments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Climate-Generating Skylight Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-con-lucarna.md) - [Climate-Smart Rural Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vernacular-home.md) - [Naturally Ventilated Bright Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pott-house.md) - [Timber Screen Ventilated Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-corjeum.md) - [Climate-Adaptive Tropical Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ocean-eye.md) - [Open-Air Kenyan Holiday Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/falcon-house-1.md) - [Open-Air Perforated Concrete Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anchor-house.md) - [Urban Brick Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terracotta-breath.md) - [Desert Island Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nasayem-house.md)