Pardee Homes
is up to something right outside of Las Vegas. They’re building a new
neighborhood in the Henderson, Nevada, but this neighborhood has a
handful of homes unlike any seen on the market right now—and we got a
first-hand look. Enlisting the help of “millennial designer” Bobby Berk
of
Bobby Berk Home alongside architect
Bassenian Lagoni and landscape architects,
AndersonBaron,
they’ve redesigned a selection of homes to cater toward millennial
buyers: a 2,145-square-foot Contemporary Farmhouse and a
3,194-square-foot Contemporary Transitional home that they’re calling
the Responsive Home Project. We had lots of questions. What’s a
millennial buyer and a responsive home? What’s so different about these
buyers, and how are these homes different from those in any other
planned community? We asked Bobby Berk to tell us more:
Tell me what a community specifically geared toward Millennials means?
A community geared toward millenials is one that offers a
connectedness to that community. This generation is looking for public
parks, recreation areas, and adjacency to alternate forms of
transportation such as zip car stations, and rail and bus access. Gen
Yers are typically drawn to urban and suburban areas and single-family
homes. Outdoor space and pet friendly neighborhoods are a must. Lots of
sidewalks and walking trails for active adults and kids make getting
exercise safe and easy. It’s also important that there be a retail
aspect to these communities. People don’t want to drive 20 minutes to
get coffee or go to the store. If they feel cut off, they won’t want to
buy in that area.
When looking for that first home, millennials are scared of the cost
factor and mortgage obligation. Having seen the bottom fall out of
everything in 2008, they want to be sure they can handle the
responsibility through thick and thin. This is why we’ve made these
homes responsive.
Contemporary farmhouse exterior
Contemporary farmhouse
What’s a Responsive Home? What does that mean?
A Responsive Home is one that responds to millenials needs, and
offers them income opportunities. It also responds as a family grows.
Instead of worrying about needing to move to a house with one more
bedroom after an initial investment, extra family rooms and lofts can be
turned into extra bedrooms by simply adding a wall and a door instead
of looking for a whole new home. “Responsive” also means that the house
is fully automated. These homes utilized a Savant system, which allows
full automation from an iPad or smart device. From lighting, music, and
television, to smart whirlpool appliances, the system allows full
control at the touch of button. You could even restart your laundry from
your phone on the other side of the country.
Contemporary farmhouse
Contemporary farmhouse side yard
What are Millennials looking for when it comes to space?
Millennials are looking for even more entertaining space than
previous generations. Both indoors and out. One of the appeals of living
outside of super urban, high-rent areas with little space is that you
can actually have friends over to entertain. This is something people
desire more and more.
Contemporary farmhouse
Contemporary farmhouse
What kinds of things do Millenials consider when buying a home?
Millennials are looking for flexible space. Pardee utilizes these
great “Gen-Smart” Suites, which are spaces with separate kitchenettes
and side entrances that offer a connection to the main living space, but
can also be closed off for privacy. This type of space that’s already
thought into the layout of a new build offers a place for a loved one to
age in place, or come and stay for an extended period of time
comfortably. It could be a separately rented roommate situation, or even
serve as a completely sealed off apartment as strictly an income space.
Nowadays, people do short term rentals on Airbnb, and this allows for
any of the above options and more.
Contemporary farmhouse outdoor room
Contemporary transitional home exterior
Contemporary transitional yard
Contemporary transitional
Contemporary transitional
What are some things that have been phased out in a home for the Millenial?
One of the things that we know we’re starting to phase out in our own
designs is excessively large master suites and closets. Millenials
would rather that potential space be allocated to shared living space,
as so little time is spent in sleeping chambers. There’s little need for
gargantuan closets and bedrooms if you could use that square footage to
get an extra bedroom or larger living room or loft. They want space
that is thoughtful and efficiently maximized.
Let’s talk about design: what interior elements are they in search of from materials to finishes?
Everyone’s aesthetic is different. There isn’t a “universal”
aesthetic for millennials as a group. However, one thing we have noticed
is that millennials want durable materials. As to the flooring, we’ve
specifically picked tile that can be carried from indoors to the outdoor
space to make the homes feel more expansive and ease the transition
from indoor to out. Wood-look tile floor is indestructible, and requires
little maintenance, yet still offers a warm layer that evokes classic
wood-plank flooring. Millennials want things that require little
maintenance, because they don’t always have lots of time. Materials that
offer high design, and are easy on the wallet for both the upfront
costs and long-term maintenance are ideal.
Contemporary transitional
Contemporary transitional
Contemporary transitional yard
Contemporary transitional
How about exterior space: what kind of yards work best for young families and professionals?
We have definitely gotten away from putting grass everywhere. It’s
just not sustainable. Life-like turf can be a good choice, and still
give the feel of a traditional yard. In general, Millenials want yards
that require little maintenance. We utilized many elevated planters in
the backyards of both homes, because they provide a space to grow plants
like lettuce, green onions or herbs. Millennials want to know where
their food comes from, and the concept of farm-to-table is something
that people desire if they can get it affordably and easily. These
flexible landscape options offer gardening opportunities without a large
irrigation or time expenditure. When it comes to yards, millennials
still want something beautiful, but something easy. We have to think
about how things function, not just how they look.
Thanks, Bobby! The homes will be ready in Spring 2016. Contact Pardee Homes for more details.
Photos by Brett Beyer Photography.
