How sustainable trends are driving residential architecture in 2025

Sustainability and environmental responsibility have become central considerations in contemporary architectural design in the UK. This is particularly noticeable in major cities like London. These priorities are driven by changes in government policy, new climate-related laws, and increasing public awareness of environmental issues. Concerns about pollution/resource depletion/climate change have significantly shaped how architects approach their work. Now, new technologies have made eco-friendlier solutions more accessible and cost-effective. Let’s take a look at how these trends are changing the way architects work.

Photo by Daniel McCullough on Unsplash

Integration of renewable energy sources

Solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal pumps are increasingly being integrated into skyscrapers, private homes, and other residential buildings. The main reasons are:

  1. increased environmental friendliness;
  2. cost savings in the long run.

By generating their own energy, residents can reduce their reliance on centralised power supplies. To maximise the efficiency of solar panels, architects now design roofs with optimal orientation during the planning stage. In historical city areas, solar tiles are often used to maintain the visual character of buildings.

Modern housing projects also frequently include dedicated space for future installation of heat pumps, as well as separate technical rooms or garages to house energy storage systems. For private homes with gardens, the use of geothermal heating is often recommended as an efficient and sustainable solution.

Use of sustainable materials

Sustainable and recycled materials are playing an increasingly important role in both interior & exterior design. They help reduce the carbon footprint of construction, minimise waste, and extend the lifespan of buildings. Many of these materials are sourced locally, which supports regional economies + lowers emissions associated with transport.

Top sustainable materials in 2025:

  1. Reclaimed wood from old buildings/farms/logging operations. Its use allows the preservation of forests + such material often has a unique design and special aesthetic value;
  2. Recycled steel sourced from deconstructed buildings/vehicles. This eliminates the need for new steel production, avoiding the environmental damage of mining and the high energy consumption associated with manufacturing;

  1. Low-carbon concrete. Its production minimises carbon emissions as much as possible, often through the use of innovative technology and recycled materials;
  2. Low carbon footprint bricks. These are often made from cleaner, recycled materials;
  3. Recycled plastic. It is often used to make panels, coatings, foundations, and so on.

Building smart & eco-friendly homes

Such homes have become particularly popular in the UK in 2025, as they optimise energy use, reduce running costs, and enhance overall comfort through user-friendly automated systems and modern appliances. The most popular options are:

  1. Automation systems to optimise energy consumption: smart thermostats with the option to adjust the temperature depending on the weather, time of day, presence/absence of people in the room + zone heating with the ability to control the temperature in different rooms, and so on;
  2. Smart meters: they allow you to monitor gas/electricity consumption in real-time and identify inefficient devices;
  3. A+++ rated appliances: these are energy-efficient appliances that are integrated into the overall smart home system. One option is to switch on during periods of low grid demand to reduce costs + it's a more environmentally friendly approach. Low water consumption washing machines are also popular.

Sustainable landscaping

Maintaining biodiversity in urban environments is one of the key trends for 2025. Green roofs, vertical gardens, and indoor gardens in high-rise buildings have become common architectural features. Local, non-invasive plants are frequently used as they help to enrich the air with oxygen, improve psycho-emotional well-being, and reduce noise levels.

Additionally, when developing architectural projects, architects are increasingly taking the surrounding landscape into consideration. More often, panoramic windows are being installed, and balconies are being added, particularly when the views overlook rivers or parks. For example, Fulham architects often design homes with views oriented towards the River Thames, or towards nearby parks such as Normand, Bishops, or Ravenscourt.